Edgewood / Brookland Family Support Collaborative
GENERAL SIGNS ARE PRESENT IN CHILDREN WHO SEEM:
Nervous around adults or afraid of certain adults
Reluctant to go home (for example, coming to school early or staying late)
Very passive and withdrawn – or aggressive and disruptive
Tired a lot or complaining of nightmares or insomnia
Fearful and anxious
Sudden changes in behavior or school performance
SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE:
Unexplained burns, bruises, black eyes, and other injuries
Apparent fear of a parent or caretaker
Faded bruises or healing injuries after missing school
SIGNS OF SEXUAL ABUSE:
Difficulty walking or sitting, or other indications of injury in the genital area
Sexual knowledge or behavior beyond what is normal for age
Running away from home
SIGNS OF PHYSICAL NEGLECT:
Missing school a lot
Begging/stealing money or food
Lacking needed medical or dental care
Being frequently dirty
Using alcohol or other drugs
Saying there is no one at home to take care of them
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT:
Acting overly mature or immature for age
Extreme changes in behavior
Delays in physical or emotional development
Attempted suicide
Lack of emotional attachment to the parent
SIGNS OF AN ABUSIVE OR NEGLECTFUL ADULT:
Unconcerned about the child’s welfare at school or at home
Denies problems at school or at home, or blames the child for them
Sees the child as worthless or as a burden
Avoids discussing the child’s injuries or gives conflicting explanations for them
Seems isolated from other parents, and school and community activities
Uses harsh physical discipline or asks other caretakers to use it
Depends on the child for emotional support
Abuses alcohol or other drugs
Seems indifferent to the child
Seems secretive or tries to isolate the children from other children
Frequently blames, belittles, or insults the child
These signs don’t prove that a child is being abused. However, they could be a sign that the child and his or her family needs help.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call: 202-671-SAFE (202-671-7233)
