Symptoms, or indications of abuse, vary greatly from child-to-child (or on an individual basis -- or in each individual case). Possibly only one, or a few, or none of these symptoms (or indicators) will be readily apparent in a child who IS being abused.

Absence of any or all of these indicators does NOT mean that a child is NOT being abused. If you suspect there is a problem, do NOT try to diagnose or determine the extent of the problem on your own; please contact a professional immediately.

Physical Indicators

• abandonment
• unattended medical needs
• consistent lack of supervision
• consistent hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene
• lice, distended stomach, emaciated
• Inadequate nutrition

Behavioral Indicators

• regularly displays fatigue or listlessness, falls asleep in class
• steals food, begs from classmates
• reports that no caretaker is at home
• frequently absent or tardy
• self destructive

*Disclaimer*

Remember these are just indicators and to do not validate that abuse has occurred. Check with a physician and mental health professional.

physical abuse | physical neglect | sexual abuse
emotional abuse | effects of abuse
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