Type of
Abuse/Neglect

Physical Indicator

Behavioral Indicator

UNEXPLAINED BRUISES & WELTS

* On face, lips, mouth

* On torso, back, buttocks, thighs

* In various stages of healing

* Clustered, forming regular patterns

* Reflecting shape of article used to inflict

(electric cord, belt buckle, etc.)

* On several different surface areas

* Regularly appear after absence, weekend,

or vacation

* Especially about the trunk & buttocks

* Be particularly suspicious if there are old

bruises in addition to fresh ones

UNEXPLAINED BURNS:

* Cigar, cigarette burns, especially on

soles, palms, back or buttocks

* Immersion burns (sock-like, glove-like,

doughnut shaped on buttocks or genitalia)

* Patterned like electric burner, iron, etc.

* Rope burns on arms, legs, neck or torso

UNEXPLAINED FRACTURES (PARTICULARLY IF MULTIPLE)

* To skull, nose, facial structure

* In various stages of healing

* Multiple or spiral fractures

UNEXPLAINED LACERATIONS OR ABRASIONS

* To mouth, lips, gums, eyes

* To external genitalia

* Wary of adult contacts

* Apprehensive when other children cry

* Behavioral extremes:

* Aggressiveness

* Withdrawal

* Frightened of parents

* Afraid to go home

* Reports injury by parents

* The child who is apathetic who may not

cry despite his injuries

* The child who has been seen by

emergency personnel recently for related

complaints

* The child whose injury occurred several

days before you were called

* Consistent hunger, poor hygiene,

inappropriate dress

* Consistent lack of supervision, especially

in dangerous activities or for long periods

* Unattended physical problems or medical

needs

* Abandonment

* Begging, stealing food

* Extended stays at school (early arrival

and late departure)

* Constant fatigue, listlessness, or falling

asleep in class

* Alcohol or drug abuse

* Delinquency (e.g. thefts)

* States there is no caretaker

ABUSE

* Difficult in walking or sitting

* Torn, stained or bloody underclothing

* Pain or itching in genital area

* Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia,

vaginal, or anal areas

* Venereal disease, especially in pre-teens

* Pregnancy

* Unwilling to change for gym or

participate in Physical Education class

* Withdrawal, fantasy, or infantile behavior

* Bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual

behavior or knowledge

* Poor peer relationships

* Delinquent or run-away

* Reports sexual assault by caretaker

* Speech disorders

* Laps in physical development

* Failure-to-thrive

* Habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking)

* Conduct disorders (antisocial,

destructive)

* Neurotic traits (sleep disorder, inhibition

of play)

* Psychoneurotic reactions (hysteria,

obsession, compulsion, phobias,

hypochondria)

* Behavior extremes:

* Compliant, passive

* Aggressive, demanding

* Overly adaptive behavior:

* Inappropriately adult

* Inappropriately infant

* Developmental laps (mental, emotional)

* Attempted suicide