Child Abuse and Neglect

Signs of Emotional Abuse:

• Being excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong

• Showing extremes in behaviour (extremely compliant, demanding, passive, aggressive)

• Not seeming to be attached to the parent or caregiver

• Acting either inappropriately adult-like (taking care of other children) or inappropriately infantile (thumb-sucking, throwing tantrums)

Warning signs of Physical Abuse:

• Having frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts. Their injuries may appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt.

• Being watchful and “on alert” as if waiting for something bad to happen

• Shy away from touch, flinching at sudden movements, or seeming afraid to go home

• Wearing inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as long-sleeved shirts on hot days

Warning signs of Sexual Abuse:

• Having trouble walking or sitting

• Displaying knowledge of sexual acts inappropriate for their age, or even exhibiting seductive behaviour

• Making strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an obvious reason

• Not wanting to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities

• Having an STD or pregnancy, especially if < 14 years of age

Warning signs of Child Neglect:

• Wearing ill-fitted, filthy, or inappropriate clothing for the weather

• Having consistently bad hygiene (unbathed, unwashed hair, body odour, bad teeth)

• Having untreated illnesses and physical injuries

• Being frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations

• Being frequently late or missing from school