How To Spot the Signs of Child Abuse

By: Child-line (South African charity)

Sexual Abuse

Physical Signs:

• Any injury, soreness, redness, swelling or itching around the genital or anal area
• Venereal disease
• Fluctuations in body mass
• Pregnancy

Behavioral Signs:

• Inappropriate sexual play with self and others
• Inappropriate sexually explicit drawings
• Knowledge of sexual acts that is age-inappropriate
• Seductive behavior
• Excessive masturbation
• Double dressing
• Avoidance of bathrooms
• Late arrival or absence from school
• Personality changes
• Change in appetite
• Sudden weight gain/loss
• Self-mutilation
• Inability to concentrate
• Locking doors
• Very eager to please others (over-compliance)
• Depression
• Suicidal tendencies
• Nightmares
• Not wanting friends to visit at home
• Not wanting to go home or getting home too early
• Promiscuity
• Prostitution
• Running away

Physical Abuse

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises or marks
• Unexplained burns
• Fractures
• Lacerations (cuts)
• Abdominal injuries
• Bite marks
• Bruises on the head
• Unbelievable explanations for injuries

Behavioral Signs:

• Child is nervous of physical contact with adults
• Child cries when it is time to leave a protected environment
• Absence from school
• Double dressing
• Habit disorders
• Slowing down in intellectual and emotional development

Neglect

Physical Signs:

• Constant hunger and poor hygiene
• Unattended physical problems (e.g. health problems)

Behavioral Signs:

• Stealing food
• Tired and has no energy
• No delayed gratification (cannot wait for something - wants everything at once)
• Falling asleep in the classroom
• Constant early arrival and leaving late from school
• ]Delinquency
• Saying there is no one to care for him/her

Emotional Abuse

Behavioral Signs:

• Low self-confidence
• Withdrawal
• Too eager to please
• Personal boundaries that are not well-defined
• Shows affection indiscriminately or does not show affection much at all
• Hypervigilance: Nervous and overly attentive to what is going on around them ("always looking over their shoulder")

Note: It is important to remember that children who have been sexually abused MAY OR MAY NOT exhibit signs and symptoms of the abuse. A child may also show one or more of the signs or symptoms listed here, but may not have been sexually abused. If you are unsure, consult a professional.