What are signs of possible child abuse or neglect?

A child who exhibits any of the following signs may be a victim of physical abuse:

• • Has unexplained injuries/marks, such as burns, bites, bruises, broken bones or black eyes
  • Is reluctant to explain injuries after returning home from being in someone else’s care
  • Seems scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive
  • Seems frightened of a parent or parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
  • Shrinks at the approach of adults
  • Shows unusual changes in eating and sleeping habits
  • Reports injury or abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver
  • Abuses animals or pets

  Consider the possibility of physical abuse when a parent or other caregiver:

  • Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for a child’s injury or provides an explanation that is inconsistent with an injury
  • Shows little concern for a child or a child’s injuries
  • Sees a child as entirely bad, burdensome, or worthless
  • Uses harsh physical discipline with a child
  • Has a history of abusing animals or pets

  A child who exhibits the following signs may be a victim of neglect:

  • Is frequently absent from school
  • Begs or steals food or money
  • Lacks needed medical care, including dental or vision care
  • Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
  • Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
  • Abuses alcohol or other drugs
  • States that there is no one at home to provide care

  Consider the possibility of neglect when a parent or other caregiver:

  • Appears to be indifferent to a child
  • Seems apathetic or depressed
  • Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
  • Abuses alcohol or other drugs
  • Repeatedly leaves younger children outside or alone with no visible caregiver

  A child who exhibits any of the following signs may be a victim of sexual abuse:

  • Has difficulty walking or sitting
  • Experiences bleeding, bruising, or swelling in the genital area
  • Suddenly refuses to go to school
  • Reports nightmares or wets the bed
  • Engages in self-harm, including cutting, burning, or otherwise hurting his or herself
  • Has a sudden change in appetite or shows signs of an eating disorder
  • Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior or displays inappropriate sexual behavior with other children or adults
  • Becomes pregnant or contracts a sexually transmitted disease, particularly if under age 14
  • Runs away
  • Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver
  • Attaches very quickly to strangers or new adults in their environment

  Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when a parent or other caregiver:

  • Tries to be a child’s friend rather than maintaining an appropriate adult role
  • Repeatedly compliments the child’s physical appearance or requests pictures inappropriate to the adult’s role
  • Flatters the child into thinking that their relationship is a secret or romantic
  • Makes up excuses to be alone with a child
  • Talks with a child about the adult’s personal problems or relationships
  • Exposes a child to inappropriate media of a sexual nature, including pornography

  A child who exhibits the following signs may be a victim of mental injury:

  • Shows extremes in behavior, such as being overly compliant or demanding, extremely passive, or aggressive
  • Either inappropriately assumes the role of an adult in the home (e.g., parents or protects other children), acts inappropriately infantile, or engages in self-harm, including display of repetitive behaviors such as rocking or head-banging
  • Does not seem to be attached to the parent/caregiver
  • Demonstrates a noticeable decline in cognitive abilities or self care

  Consider the possibility of mental injury when the parent or other adult caregiver:

  • Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child
  • Describes the child negatively
  • Overtly rejects the child
  • Excessively takes an apparently healthy child for medical appointments with different doctors or experts, seemingly rejecting the advice of medical professionals

  If you suspect a child is being harmed, reporting your suspicions may protect the child and help the family receive assistance. Any concerned person can report a suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Reporting your concerns is not making an accusation; rather, it is a request for an investigation or assessment to determine if help is needed. You do not need actual proof of child abuse or neglect; it is the responsibility of the local department of social services to determine if abuse or neglect occurred. You have the absolute right to remain anonymous as a reporter.

• Above information provided by Maryland Department of Human Resources