We can all help keep children safe by learning about and recognizing the warning signs of abuse and neglect in the children we care about.

The existence of the signs listed below does not prove that the child has been abused or neglected, but it does mean that a closer look into the situation may be needed. If you notice these signs in a child or family, contact your local branch of the State Office for Services to Children and Families (see Resources), the police, or school authorities.

Physical Abuse
Physical abuse includes non-accidental physical injuries, such as a bruises, cuts, burns, poisoning, fractures, sprains, or bites.

Because drugs can cause major physical, mental, and behavioral problems, drug use during pregnancy can be considered physical abuse.

Any discipline becomes abusive when it injures a child, thus a spanking which leaves bruises may be considered abuse.

A child may have experienced physical abuse if he or she…

• has a large number of bruises or injuries
• is wary of adult contacts
• acts worried when other children cry
• displays behavioral extremes such as aggressiveness or withdrawal
• is frightened of his or her parents
• is harshly disciplined for misbehaving

Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is a pattern of negative behavior that prevents a child's healthy emotional development and sense of self-worth, such as constant criticism, insults, rejection, or withholding of love, support, or guidance.

A child may have experienced emotional abuse if he or she…

• exhibits speech or sleep disorders
• behaves in extreme ways: withdrawal or aggression/violence
• towards others or self
• has habit disorders such as sucking, biting, or rocking
• is very emotionally needy
• attempts suicide
• exhibits conduct disorders such as antisocial or destructive behavior, firesetting, or running away

Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is sexual harassment of or sexual contact with a child, including rape, incest, fondling, pornography, exploitation, or exposure/voyeurism.

Sexual abuse is not always committed by an adult toward a child. Children or teens, especially those who have experienced sexual abuse themselves, sometimes sexually abuse other children.

A child may have experienced sexual abuse if he or she…

• exhibits withdrawal or infantile behavior
• has poor relationships with other children
• refers indirectly to problems at home, such as saying, "I want to live with you"
• reports sexual assault (children seldom lie about sexual abuse)
• has unusual interest in or knowledge of sexual matters
• expresses affection in ways inappropriate for his or her age

Neglect
Neglect is the failure to provide a child with the basic necessities of life, including food, clothing, shelter, or medical care; lack of appropriate supervision and protection; or total abandonment.

Neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment.

A child may have experienced neglect if he or she…

• steals or begs for food
• is always tired or listless or falls asleep during class
• abuses alcohol or drugs or is constantly getting into trouble
• lacks adult supervision
• is shunned by other children
• has unattended physical/emotional problems or medical needs
• exhibits poor hygiene or inappropriate dress
• misses an excessive number of school days without an appropriate reason

Threat of Harm
Threat of harm is a direct, serious threat to a child's well-being. It includes actions, statements, written, or non-verbal messages which convey threats of abuse or neglect to a child.

Children often experience more than one of these types of maltreatment. For example, a physically abused child is frequently emotionally abused as well.

General Signs of Abuse or Neglect

• The parent and child rarely look at each other, or they say they do not like each other
• The child comes to school early, stays late, and is afraid to go home
• The child shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
• The child is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
• The parent shows little concern for the child
• The parent denies the existence of the child's problems, or blames the child for them
• The parent demands perfection or a level of performance the child cannot achieve

Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
There is a strong correlation between domestic violence and child abuse. Domestic violence often involves the abuse of a child, and children may be hurt accidentally when they are present during acts of violence. In addition, kids exposed to violence, especially between their loved ones - are often as traumatized as those who are directly abused. Children living in an environment of violence come to believe that this behavior is normal, and an acceptable means of solving problems. In Oregon, it is now a crime for parents to expose a child to domestic violence.

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