UNITY FOUNDATION

Physical abuse signs and symptoms

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns
• Untreated medical or dental problems
• Poisoning
• An apparent fear of parents or adult caregivers
• A discrepancy between the extent of the injuries and the explanation given for the injuries

Sexual abuse signs and symptoms

• Inappropriate sexual behavior for child's age
• Sexual knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age
• Sleep problems, such as nightmares or night terrors
• Changes in behavior, such as aggression or hyperactivity
• Blood in the child's underwear
• Depression or anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Abuse of other children sexually
• Statements that he or she was sexually abused
• Attempts to undress other people
• Trouble walking or sitting

Emotional abuse signs and symptoms

• Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
• Extremes in behavior, from very aggressive behavior to complete passivity
• Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Sleep problems
• Headaches
• Stomachaches
• Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school
• Seeks affection from other adults
• Depression

Neglect signs and symptoms

• Poor growth
• A lack of fat in cheeks, buttocks and extremities
• Indifference
• Poor hygiene
• Frequent absences from school

Sometimes a parent's demeanor or behavior also sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who:

• Shows little concern for the child
• May not offer comfort during a medical exam
• Denies that any problems exist at home or school, or blames the child for the problems
• Consistently blames, belittles or berates the child
• Describes the child with negative terms, such as "worthless"
• Uses harsh physical discipline or asks teachers to do so
• Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance
• Severely limits the child's contact with others
• Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries, or no explanation at all
• Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in children
• Seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child

Physical abuse signs and symptoms

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns
• Untreated medical or dental problems
• Poisoning
• An apparent fear of parents or adult caregivers
• A discrepancy between the extent of the injuries and the explanation given for the injuries

Sexual abuse signs and symptoms

• Inappropriate sexual behavior for child's age
• Sexual knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age
• Sleep problems, such as nightmares or night terrors
• Changes in behavior, such as aggression or hyperactivity
• Blood in the child's underwear
• Depression or anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Abuse of other children sexually
• Statements that he or she was sexually abused
• Attempts to undress other people
• Trouble walking or sitting

Emotional abuse signs and symptoms

• Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
• Extremes in behavior, from very aggressive behavior to complete passivity
• Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Sleep problems
• Headaches
• Stomachaches
• Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school
• Seeks affection from other adults
• Depression

Neglect signs and symptoms

• Poor growth
• A lack of fat in cheeks, buttocks and extremities
• Indifference
• Poor hygiene
• Frequent absences from school

Sometimes a parent's demeanor or behavior also sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who:

• Shows little concern for the child
• May not offer comfort during a medical exam
• Denies that any problems exist at home or school, or blames the child for the problems
• Consistently blames, belittles or berates the child
• Describes the child with negative terms, such as "worthless"
• Uses harsh physical discipline or asks teachers to do so
• Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance
• Severely limits the child's contact with others
• Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries, or no explanation at all
• Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in children
• Seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child

Physical abuse signs and symptoms

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns
• Untreated medical or dental problems
• Poisoning
• An apparent fear of parents or adult caregivers
• A discrepancy between the extent of the injuries and the explanation given for the injuries

Sexual abuse signs and symptoms

• Inappropriate sexual behavior for child's age
• Sexual knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age
• Sleep problems, such as nightmares or night terrors
• Changes in behavior, such as aggression or hyperactivity
• Blood in the child's underwear
• Depression or anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Abuse of other children sexually
• Statements that he or she was sexually abused
• Attempts to undress other people
• Trouble walking or sitting

Emotional abuse signs and symptoms

• Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
• Extremes in behavior, from very aggressive behavior to complete passivity
• Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Sleep problems
• Headaches
• Stomachaches
• Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school
• Seeks affection from other adults
• Depression

Neglect signs and symptoms

• Poor growth
• A lack of fat in cheeks, buttocks and extremities
• Indifference
• Poor hygiene
• Frequent absences from school

Sometimes a parent's demeanor or behavior also sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who:

• Shows little concern for the child
• May not offer comfort during a medical exam
• Denies that any problems exist at home or school, or blames the child for the problems
• Consistently blames, belittles or berates the child
• Describes the child with negative terms, such as "worthless"
• Uses harsh physical discipline or asks teachers to do so
• Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance
• Severely limits the child's contact with others
• Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries, or no explanation at all
• Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in children
• Seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child