Red Flags for Abuse or Neglect - iLook Out For Child Abuse

1 V 11/10/2014 2014 Center for the Protection of Children, Penn State Children s HospitalRed Flags for Abuse or NeglectANY KINDS ubtle Signs of AbuseMarked changes in personality that do not make senseConstant sadnessAbnormal fearsOften complains of stomach aches, headaches, nausea for no apparent reasonBehavior Seen in ChildrenDiscloses Abuse or neglectRe-enactment of Abuse using dolls, drawings, or friendsFrequently criticizes or tries to hurt him/her-selfBullies othersBehavior Seen in AbusersDoes not show love toward the childTalks about the Child as being bad or the cause of my problems PHYSICALS ubtle Signs of AbuseUnusual bruising On the ears or neck On ankles, chest or back In the genital area In the shape of an object(hand, belt, utensil)Unusual injuries Bite marks Patterned burns (cigarette,iron,)

2 Inconsistent with normal play Pain moving arms or legs Pain with breathingWears clothes to cover up injuriesBehavior Seen in ChildrenThe story of what happened does not match the injuryRefuses or is afraid to talk about injuriesIs away a lot, and when s/he comes back has signs of healing injuriesIs frequently afraid of others or being touchedBehavior Seen in AbusersHas a different account than the Child of how the injury occurredCannot control anger or frustra-tionExpects too much from the childSeverely punishes the childv 11/10/2014 2014 Center for the Protection of Children, Penn State Children s HospitalSEXUALS ubtle Signs of AbuseFrequent itching, pain, or foul discharge in the genital or anal regionInjuries to the breasts or genital area Redness or swelling Bruising or cutsPain when Peeing or pooping Walking or sitting downBlood in urine, in stool, or on underwearBehavior Seen in ChildrenDetails of sex in the Child s draw-ingSexual actions with othersFears or refuses to go to a parent, relative.

3 Or friend for no clear reasonRefuses to undress or shows fear about being undressedBehavior Seen in AbusersTouches the Child in a sexual wayIs more invested in spending time with a Child than that Child s own parentsTalks about the Child being sexyMay be jealous of the Child s rela-tionship with othersNEGLECTS ubtle Signs of AbuseAlways hungryThe Child does not develop as expected, including poor weight gainNot dressed properly for weather and/or is severely unkemptLack of attention to medical prob-lemsBehavior Seen in ChildrenHas little energy, even to cryDoes not play with toys or notice peopleDoes not seem to care for anyoneVery demanding of affection or attentionBehavior Seen in AbusersDoes not provide for the Child s basic needsDoes not properly supervise the Child ( , leaves Child home alone, in a dangerous place, or with someone irresponsible)Ignores or rejects Child s affectionMENTALS ubtle Signs of AbuseThe Child does not develop as expected, including poor weight gainSelf-stimulating habit disorders ( , rocking, biting, head bang-ing)

4 Behavior Seen in ChildrenIs unhappy, stressed out, with-drawn, aggressive, or angry for long periods of timeDesperate for affection or atten-tionBehavior Seen in AbusersOften insults, criticizes, rejects the Child , or talks about them as being the cause of problemsKeeps the Child isolatedThreatens to hurt or kill the Child or someone/something that is special to the childForces the Child to watch some-one special being hurt ( , pet)