Recognizing Signs of Child Abuse

The Child

• Extreme fear of undressing.
• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.
• Runs away from home.
• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention.
• Withdraws abruptly from an activity or club.
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.
• Lacks adult supervision.
• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.
• Comes to school/other activities early, stays late, does not want to go home.
• Sudden fear to be alone with an unfamiliar person.
• Expression of thoughts about death or suicide or display of suicidal actions.
• Frequent unexplained health problems, bruises, or marks.
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs.
• Sudden dependence on parents, and
• Unusual interest in sexual matters.
  
  

The Parent

• Shows little concern for the child.
• Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child's problems in school or at home.
• Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves.
• Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome.
• Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve.
• Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs.