The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family, but a closer look at the situation may be warranted when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination.

Reporting Abuse/Neglect
Any concerned person can report suspected child abuse and neglect. Some people (typically certain types of professionals) are required by law to make a report of child maltreatment under specific circumstances-these are called mandatory reporters.

For more information, go to the Child Welfare Information Gateway's resource, Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect.

Physical Abuse
Physical Signs

• Frequent injuries such as bruises, cuts, black eyes or burns, especially when the child cannot adequately explain their causes
• Burns or bruises in an unusual pattern that may indicate the use of an instrument or human bite
• Cigarette burns on any part of the body
• Lack of reaction to pain
• Injuries that appear after the child has not been seen for several days
• Unexplained bruises (in various stages of healing), fractures, lacerations or abrasions
• Evidence of delayed or inappropriate treatment for injuries
• The child's injury is too severe to have been caused by the incident described
• The injuries involve the backs of the hands, buttocks, genital area, abdomen, back, or sides of the body (particularly the face)

Emotional or Behavioral Signs

• Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
• Frequent complaints of pain without obvious injury
• Complains of soreness or moves uncomfortably
• Aggressive, disruptive and destructive or self-destructive behavior
• Overly passive or compliant, withdrawn, emotionless behavior
• Fear of going home or seeing parents
• Unseasonable clothes that may hide injuries to arms or legs
• Chronic runaway (adolescents)
• Child is wary of adult contact
• The child is reportedly injured doing something that he or she is developmentally unable to do
• The caretaker's story changes when challenged
• Bizarre explanation of injuries
• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention
• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
• Caretaker describes child in a negative way; frequently is blamed

Sexual Abuse
Physical Signs

• Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
• Pain, swelling or itching in genital area
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Bruises or bleeding in genital area
• Venereal disease
• Frequent urinary or yeast infections
• Physical signs of sexually transmitted diseases
• Pregnancy in a young girl

Emotional or Behavioral Signs

• Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver
• Excessive seductiveness, inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex
• Sexually suggestive, inappropriate or promiscuous behavior
• Knowledge about sexual relations beyond what is appropriate for the child's age
• Role reversal, overly concerned for siblings
• Significant weight change or experiences a sudden change in appetite
• Suicide attempts (especially adolescents)
• Runs away (especially adolescents)
• Threatened by physical contact, closeness
• Extreme fear of being alone with adults especially if of a particular gender
• Child suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
• Sexual victimization of other children
• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
• Lacks adult supervision
• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home
• Reports nightmares or bed wetting