Signs of Abuse and Neglect

Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Here are the different types of abuse and neglect that a social worker will look for in an investigation. Memorize these definitions because you are NOT guilty if you do not fall into these categories. Use this post as a reference for your case and make sure not to have any of these charges attached to you.

1. Physical Abuse

A social worker will consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes. Another sign is if the child has fading bruises or noticeable injuries after a noticeable absence from school. He or she may seemed frightened of the parents or shrink at the approach of adults. If he or she reports injury by a parent or caregiver, take this seriously. Abused children will often abuse their own animals or pets.

They will consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or caregiver shows little interest in the child’s injury or provides an explanation that is suspicious or inconsistent. They may also describe the child as evil or use harsh physical discipline with him or her. If the adult in question has a history of abuse as a child or a history of abusing pets, they may be an abuser as well.

2. Neglect

Some serious signs of neglect in a child may include the child frequently being absent from school, stealing money or food, begging for money or food, lacking necessary medical attention, lacking proper hygiene, lacking sufficient clothing for the weather, and lacking an adult’s presence at home. If the child abuses alcohol or drugs, they may also be in danger.

They will consider the possibility of neglect if a parent appears to be indifferent towards the child, seems apathetic or depressed, behaves irrationally or is abusing drugs and alcohol.

3. Sexual Abuse

Although sexual abuse is more difficult to detect in children, there are some signs they will look for to determine if a child is in an unsafe environment. There is a possibility of sexual abuse when the child has difficulty walking or sitting, refuses to change for gym or participate in PE, reports nightmares and bedwetting, has a sudden change in appetite, or demonstrates bizarre and unusual sexual knowledge/behavior. If a child under the age of 14 becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, this may also be a cause for concern. If the child runs away or reports sexual abuse by a caregiver or parent, this needs to be taken seriously. A subtle sign may be the child’s ability to attach very quickly to strangers in their environment.

Possible sexual abuse may be noticeable via the parent’s actions, such as secretive behavior, jealousy or controlling behavior with other family members, and an abnormal protection of child, especially when coming into contact with the other sex.

4. Emotional Maltreatment

Emotional maltreatment may be visible in children when they are inappropriately adult or inappropriately infantile, shows extremes in behavior, is delayed in emotional development, has attempted suicide, or reports a lack of attachment to the parent. 

It may also be visible in the parents if they constantly blame or berate the child, overtly reject the child, or utterly lack concern for the wellbeing of the child.