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How to Identify Abuse & Neglect
How to identify abuse and neglect
It can sometimes be hard to trust your instincts when it comes to recognising child abuse or neglect. However, children who have experienced, or are experiencing, abuse often show behavioural or physical signs of distress.
Some signs of abuse include:
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Being distrustful of, or wary around, adults
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Displaying extreme behaviours such as aggression, withdrawal, anxiety, or distress
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Low self-confidence, social withdrawal, or difficulty connecting with adults or other children
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Being excessively compliant or overly eager to please
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Struggling to focus or concentrate
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Repetitive self-soothing behaviours such as rocking, humming, sucking, or biting
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Bedwetting, frequent nightmares, trouble sleeping, appearing constantly tired, or falling asleep at unusual times
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Appearing accident-prone, or having unexplained bruises or injuries in various stages of healing
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Providing explanations for injuries that are inconsistent, vague, or unlikely given the type of injury
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Misuse of alcohol or drugs
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Thoughts of self-harm or suicidal behaviour
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Reluctance or refusal to go home or to a particular place
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Expressing themes of harm or abuse in stories, drawings, or play
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Demonstrating sexual knowledge or behaviours that are not age- or developmentally appropriate
Indicators of neglect include:
- Saying that no one is home to care for them, or that they are left to manage on their own
- Being unsupervised for extended periods
- Frequent illnesses, untreated sores or wounds, severe nappy rash, or medical concerns that appear to go unaddressed
- Young children not reaching expected developmental milestones when there is no known medical reason
- Ongoing signs of poor nutrition, frequent hunger, or taking and storing food
- Consistently poor hygiene, such as noticeable body odour, unclean skin, or unkempt hair
- Regularly missing school or arriving late
- Wearing clothing that is unsuitable for the weather conditions, particularly during colder months
