SIGNS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT

General Contact and Procedural Information

Please note: The information presented below is intended to serve as a general guideline for parents and caretakers and is not intended to cause alarm or overreaction in any parent or caretaker. This list must be viewed with common sense, considering all possible explanations but also being aware of any real potential for abuse and neglect, as often, early signs can be missed.

Some of the information presented below is for the benefit of parents or guardians who have children in a daycare setting or with babysitters, in addition to a school or religious education class. Other information is more for the benefit of teachers and others who see the child outside the home and who need to be aware of possible indicators of caretaker neglect as well as abuse. Not every caretaker will have the opportunity to observe every kind of abuse or neglect. The goal here is to provide a basic awareness for all types of caretakers and to be a resource for answering additional questions from anyone in the Diocese.

For Parents

When considering possible abuse or neglect, parents should take care to rule out reasonable explanations, such as diaper rash, playground injuries, diagnosed medical conditions, etc., before suspecting abuse or neglect on the part of any caretaker of a child. If abuse or neglect is suspected, the parent should contact the Department of Children and Families Hotline (800-792-5200) and if medical attention is indicated, parents should contact the child’s physician immediately. If parents have questions about what might constitute abuse or neglect, the Office for Child Protection (508-674-4681) is a willing resource for parents as well as all those in the Diocese who are responsible for children of any age.

The items listed below are possible indicators of abuse or neglect. Some are clearly more serious, such as some of the indicators of sexual abuse, which would require immediate attention. Once again, if you have any questions, you should contact one of the above resources for guidance.

For Educators

For those working in Catholic schools and parishes, remember that you are a mandated reporter, and as such, you must report suspected abuse or neglect per the Diocesan Policies and Procedures. Please report the suspected abuse or neglect to the designated agent at your facility (such as the principal of the school), who will contact the Office for Child Protection. If the designated agent refuses to report your concerns, you should contact the Office for Child Protection (508-674-4681) directly.

The items listed below are possible indicators of abuse or neglect. Some are clearly more serious, such as some of the indicators of sexual abuse, which would require immediate attention. Once again, if you have any questions, you should contact the designated reporting agent at your facility.

Signs of Neglect on the Part of the Caretaker(s)

• The child is frequently absent from school
• The child begs or steals food or money, or is constantly hungry
• Lacked needed medical care, immunizations, or glasses
• Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
• Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather, such as a winter coat, or wears the same clothing day after day with no indication that is has been laundered
• Abuses alcohol or other drug
• States that there is no one at home to provide care
• Has a parent who seems indifferent to the needs of the child; who seems apathetic or depressed; who behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner; or who is abusing drugs or alcohol

Signs of Abuse

Physical Abuse Indicators (1)

• The child has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, marks, broken bones or black eyes
• The child has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
• The child is frequently absent from school
• The child has frequent, unexplained injuries or injuries that do not fit the explanation, such as a black eye that is reportedly caused by falling down stairs. This type of injury would typically result in bruises or abrasions to the bony parts of the body, such as knees and elbows, not the eyes.
• The child seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home; or seems frightened of the teacher and protests or cries when it is time to go to school
• The child shrinks at the approach of a parent, caregiver or educator
• The child reports injury by a parent or other caregiver
• The child has a parent who states emphatic belief in harsh physical punishment, or who states that the child is simply “evil” and that is why there is problematic behavior or a need for punishment
• The child has a parent who has a history of physical abuse as a child

Sexual Abuse Indicators (1)

• The child suddenly refuses to participate in physical activities or to change for gym class
• The child has frequent nightmares or bedwetting
• The child has a sudden change in appetite
• The child becomes withdrawn or reluctant to be physically touched
• The child demonstrates an unexplained knowledge of sexual activity or shows sudden signs of sexual promiscuity
• The child runs away
• Repeated yeast infections or STDs. Yeast infections can be caused by other medical issues, but contracting an STD is a concern, particularly for children under age 14.
• The child becomes pregnant, especially at a young age
• Unexplained redness, swelling or bruising in the genital area. Please remember that diaper rash also causes redness, but if you have any concerns, please contact your child’s physician.
• The child has difficulty walking or sitting
• Any tears or bleeding in the genital area of an infant or young child. Babies and young children in diapers cannot possibly cause tears themselves, so it is important to have the child checked immediately. While bleeding can be caused by other medical conditions, tears are generally caused by sexual abuse. They can heal very quickly (within 24 hours), so it is important to get the child to the doctor or emergency room immediately, both for medical treatment and documentation of the injury.    
• A parent is unduly protective of the child or isolates the child for no apparent reason
• A parent shows signs of being jealous or controlling with family members
• A parent has a history of sexual abuse as a child

Emotional Abuse Indicators (1)

• The child has extreme behaviors, such as being overly compliant and passive or overly aggressive and demanding
• The child shows inappropriate adult behaviors, such as parenting other children or is inappropriately infantile, such as rocking, head-banging, or lying in a fetal position and sucking the thumb
• The child is delayed in physical or emotional development
• The child has attempted suicide
• The child reports a lack of attachment to parents

Both neglect and abuse can lead to long-term trauma in children, depending on a great number of factors which vary with each child. The sooner that neglect or abuse is stopped and addressed, the better chance the child has for a healthy, productive life. The children of our diocese depend on every adult to be watchful and to do his or her part in protecting children.

If you have any concerns about a child in the Diocese, or have any questions about child welfare or child protection in general, please contact either your reporting agent or

DEBORA JONES
Coordinator, Office for Child Protection
Fall River Office
(508) 674-4681

1. Most of the content in this list is from the National Child Welfare web site, at http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm