What Can You Look For?
General Indicators of Child Abuse
• Change in behavior, grades
• High risk behaviors – drugs, promiscuity, etc
• Running away
• Low self-esteem
• Suicidal thoughts/attempts
Physical Abuse Indicators
• Story of how injury occurred does not make sense or remain consistent
• Bruises/burns that have a defined shape
• Injuries in places not common with childhood activities
Sexual Abuse Indicators
• Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge
• Fear of certain persons or places
• Nightmares, bedwetting
• Unexplained gifts, money, special privileges
Neglect Indicators
• Malnutrition, stealing food
• Child is unattended for long periods of time
• Exposure to dangerous items: weapons, drugs, etc
Possible Perpetrator Indicators
Grooming ~ deliberate actions taken by an adult to form a trusting relationship with a child with the intent of later having sexual contact.
• Taking an excessive interest in someone’s child (text messaging, seeking time alone).
• Giving gifts or money to the child for no apparent reason.
• Talking about topics that are not appropriate for age or relationship (child’s experience with dating or sexual acts, adult topics).
• Initiating physical contact with child (tickling, wrestling, lap sitting, kissing, hugging).
• Allowing child to have special privileges or break the rules.
Note to Remember: Not all sexual assault perpetrators are adults.
