The following may be indicators of child abuse and neglect.
Physical signs: the child has unexplained injuries including broken bones, sprains, fractures, cuts, burns and poisoning. It seems likely the injuries weren't accidental, such as unexplained head injuries. The parent can't explain or recall when the injury happened.
Behavioural signs: the child shows signs of distrust in adults/parents/caregivers or is excessively friendly and trusting of adults who are strangers. They may show excessive concern and fear when they hear other children crying. They wear clothing that covers their body in hot weather (noting that this may simply be a cultural choice). They may be passive and withdrawn or may bully others. They may appear hyperactive, unable to settle or concentrate, or enagage in inappropriate play or conversation.
Neglect: the child may show signs of malnourishment. They may steal and/or hoard food, wet the bed, have poor hygiene and/or unmet medical needs, wear inadequate or inappropriate clothing for the weather, use alcohol and drugs, have poor relationships with other children, be regularly absent from school, be aggressive, be alone for long periods without adult supervision, run away from home and/or school.
Emotional abuse: the child may have low self-esteem, high levels of anxiety, be aggressive or demanding, withdrawn or fearful, behave in ways appropriate to children much younger than their actual age; their speech and/or communication skills may be delayed. They may be fearful of the caregiver or excessively try to please the caregiver.
Sexual abuse: the child may relate specific things that they have been made to do, such as sexual activity, viewing pornography or enagaging in prostitution. They may display sexual knowledge and sexualised behaviour not appropriate to their age. Other signs of related emotional distress can incllude stomach pains, difficulty sleeping or relating to adults and/or other children of their own age.
Have you seen someone who shows signs of being affected by family violence? Learn what you can say to them.