APPENDIX A

Possible Signs of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Behavioral Indicators

• Minor is very aware of adults, manipulative, has poor self-concept
• Minor is self-mutilating, exhibits suicidal gestures and/or attempts suicide, uses or abuses alcohol and/or other drugs
• Minor is frightened of parents or going home, exhibits a drastic behavior change when not with parents or caregiver, is overprotective of or responsible for parents
• Minor is either extremely aggressive or withdrawn, is dependent and indiscriminate in their attachments
• Minor is uncomfortable when other children cry, generally controls their own crying
• Minor has behavior problems at school. Exhibits delinquent behavior (such as running away from home)

Physical Indicators

• Minor has unexplained: bruises or welts (often clustered or in a pattern), and/or unusual bums (cigarettes, doughnut-shaped, immersion fines, object-patterned), bite marks, fractures or dislocations, abrasions or lacerations, wets the bed

Sexual Abuse

Behavioral Indicators

• Minor is pseudo-mature, exhibits unusual sexual behavior and/or knowledge beyond that which is common for their developmental stage, is promiscuous
• Minor is reluctant to change clothes in front of others, is withdrawn, is self-conscious, is obsessively clean, engages in fantasy or infantile behavior
• Minor has poor peer relationships, has problems with authority and rules, is manipulative, has school difficulties, is unwilling to participate in sports activities, exhibits extreme compliance or defiance Minor is self-mutilating, uses or abuses alcohol and/or other drugs, exhibits eating disorders, exhibits delinquent behavior (such as running away from home), exhibits suicidal gestures and/or attempts suicide
• Minor either avoids or seeks out adults, is fearful or anxious

Physical Indicators

• Minor has: pain, itching, bruising or bleeding in the genital area, venereal disease, swollen private parts, difficulty walking or sitting, torn/bloody/stained underclothing, vaginal or penile discharge
• Minor experiences pain when urinating, wets the bed

Neglect

Behavioral Indicators

• Minor is truant or tardy often or arrives early and stays late, engages in delinquent behavior (such as prostitution or stealing)
• Minor begs or steals food, is extremely dependent or detached, appears to be exhausted
• Minor uses or abuses alcohol and/or other drugs, attempts suicide
• Minor states frequent or continual absence of parent/guardian

Physical Indicators

• Minor is frequently unwashed, hungry, or inappropriately dressed, tired and listless
• Minor engages in dangerous activities (possibly because they are generally unsupervised), has
• unattended physical problems, may appear to overworked and/or exploited

Emotional Abuse

Behavioral Indicators

• Minor is depressed, is apathetic, is passive, is impatient, exhibits inconsistent behaviors, is excessively anxious, is withdrawn, exhibits aggressive or bizarre behavior, has unprovoked fits of yelling/screaming, exhibits changes in behavior
• Minor is overly eager to please, has difficulty sustaining relationships, has unrealistic goal setting
• Minor lacks self-confidence, is self-deprecating and has a negative self-image, sabotages their chances of success, has low self-esteem
• Minor views abuse as being warranted, is unwilling to discuss problems, feels responsible for the abuser
• Minor seeks out adult contact, exhibits a gradual impairment of health and/or personality, is unable to communicate or express their feelings/needs/desires
• Minor attempts suicide, runs away from home

 

Physical Indicators

• Minor has a sleep disorder, wets the bed, exhibits developmental lags (stunting of their physical, emotional, and/or mental growth), is hyperactive, exhibits eating disorders
  

Appendix B: General Indicators of Sexual Abuse of a Minor