One of the first steps in helping abused or neglected children is recognizing the signs and symptoms. Following is a list of possible signs and symptoms developed by the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect. The categories often overlap. Often children experience more than one form of abuse at a time. Any single symptom does not prove a child is being abused. However, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination, attention should be given.

• Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes.

• Has fading bruises, or other marks noticeable after an absence from school.

• Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it’s time to go home

• Shrinks at the approach of adults.

• Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.

• Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child’s injury.

• Describes the child as "evil" or in some other very negative way.

• Uses harsh physical discipline with the child.

• Has a history of abuse as a child.

Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:

• Is frequently absent from school.

• Begs or steals food or money

• Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses.

• 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 the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Appears to be indifferent to the child.

• Seems apathetic or depressed.

• Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner.

• Is abusing alcohol or other drugs.

• Has difficulty walking or sitting

• Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities.

• Reports nightmares or bedwetting

• Experiences a sudden change in appetite.

• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior.

• Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14.

• Runs away.

• Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver.

• Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child’s contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex.

• Is secretive and isolated.

• Is jealous or controlling of family members

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:

• Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression.

• Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example).

• Is delayed in physical or emotional development.

• Has attempted suicide.

• Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child

• Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child’s problems.

• Overly rejects the child.

This means the failure or inattention on the part of the caregiver or parent to provide for that child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and supervision.

This is a consistent, chronic behavior by a parent or caretaker that has a harmful effect on the child’s emotional development and sense of self-worth. It involves a pattern of attitudes or acts that are detrimental to the child’s development of a sound and healthy personality. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance. This occurs at a level that seriously impairs the child’s social, emotional or intellectual functioning. Emotional abuse is almost always present when other forms of abuse are identified.

Sexual abuse:

This includes activities by a parent or caretaker such as fondling a child’s genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.

Physical abuse is physical injury (ranging from minor bruises, to severe fractures or death) as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other object), burning, or otherwise harming a child. Such injury is considered abuse regardless of whether the caretaker intended to hurt the child.