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What are the indicators of abuse and violence against children?
Possible indicators of neglect
- Physical indicators
• Consistent hunger
• Failure to thrive or malnutrition
• Poor hygiene resulting in health problems
• Inappropriate clothing
• Consistent lack of supervision especially in dangerous activities or for long periods
• Unattended physical problems or medical needs
• Abandonment
• Health or dietary practices which endanger the child’s health or development |
- Behavioural indicators
• Stealing food
• Constant fatigue, listlessness or falling asleep
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Child states they have no carer
• Aggressive or inappropriate behaviour
• Isolation from peer group |
Possible indicators of mental abuse
- Physical indicators
There are few physical indicators of emotional abuse although emotional abuse is sometimes accompanied by physical and sexual abuse.
Emotional abuse can cause delay in physical, emotional and mental development. Professionals may be alerted to possible emotional abuse by observing interaction between the parent/carer and the child which appears rejecting threatening or cold. |
- Behavioural indicators
• Very low self esteem
• Compliant, passive, withdrawn, tearful an/or apathetic behaviour
• Aggressive or demanding behaviour
• Anxiety
• Serious difficulties with peers and or adult relations
• Delayed or distorted speech
• Regressive behaviour e.g. soiling, wetting |
Possible indicators of physical abuse
- Physical indicators
• Bruises or welts
• Burns, scalds, sprains dislocation, bites, cuts
• Fractures, especially in infants
• Lacerations or abrasions
• Poisoning
• Shaking injuries e.g. retinal
• Haemorrhage
• Internal injuries |
- Behavioural indicators
• Parent/caregiver gives inappropriate explanation of child’s injury
• Wariness of adult contacts
• Inappropriate clothing e.g. long sleeved coverage on hot days
• Apprehension when other children cry or shout
• Behavioural extremes e.g aggressiveness or withdrawal
• Fear of parents/carers
• Afraid to go home
• Excessive compliance
• Extreme wariness
• Attaches too ready to strangers |
Possible indicators of sexual abuse
- Physical indicators
| Sexual abuse is not usually identified through physical indicators although the presence of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy, vaginal or and bleeding discharge can indicate sexual abuse. Frequently the first sign of sexual abuse is when a child confides in an adult or peer that he/she has been sexually abused. |
- Behavioural indicators
• Discloses sexual abuse
• Sophisticated or unusual sexual behaviour or knowledge
• Constant complaints of headache and or abdominal pains
• Difficulties at school or change in level of performance at school
• Persistent habit disorders eg. Sucking, biting, rocking
• Sleep disorders
• Inhibition to play
• Serious difficulties relating to peers and/or adults
• Self-destructive behaviour. |
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