About Abuse & Neglect

Abuse is physically hurting a child or sexually molesting a child. Neglect is failing to provide proper care or depriving a child of support and affection.

When a child has been abused, he or she often indicates a number of physical and behavioural problems. Each child is different. Some will exhibit only one sign, while others will exhibit several.

It is important to note that the indicators listed in this web site are not conclusive evidence that a child is experiencing abuse or neglect.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any harm or injury done to a child as a result of an action or omission of the caregiver. Injuries include bruises, welts, cuts, fractures, burns or internal injuries. Physical abuse can be one or two isolated incidents or can occur over a long period.

Behavioural Indicators:

• cannot recall how injuries occurred or offers an inconsistent explanation

• wary of adults; may cringe or flinch if touched unexpectedly

• infants may display a vacant stare

• extremely aggressive or extremely withdrawn

• indiscriminately seeks affection

• extremely compliant and/or eager to please

Physical Indicators:

• injuries that are not consistent with explanation

• presence of several injuries that are at various stages of healing

• presence of various injuries observed over a period of time

• facial injuries in infants and preschool-aged children

• injuries inconsistent with the child's age and development phase

Sexual Abuse                Emotional Abuse                Neglect

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Last modified: 04/21/04.