Signs of abuse

The following may help you decide whether a child's welfare is at risk of abuse, harm or neglect.

Signs which may suggest physical abuse:

• Any bruising to a baby - pre-walking stage
• Multiple bruising to different parts of the body
• Bruising of different colours indicating repeated injuries
• Fingertip bruising to the chest, back, arms or legs
• Burns of any shape or size
• An injury for which there is no adequate explanation.

Signs of possible sexual abuse:

• Something a child has told you
• Something a child has told someone else
• A child who shows worrying sexualised behaviour in their play or with other children
• A child who seems to have inappropriate sexual knowledge for their age
• A child who may be visiting or being looked after by a known or suspected sexual offender.

Signs which may suggest emotional harm:

The following signs may be present in children whose parents are over-critical and emotionally distant, or who are unable to meet their child's emotional needs:

• Children whose behaviour is excessive, for example, excessive bedwetting, overeating, rocking, headbanging
• Children who self harm, for example, they may cut or scratch themselves or overdose
• Children who attempt suicide
• Children who persistently run away from home
• Children who show high levels of anxiety, unhappiness or withdrawal
• Children who usually seek out or avoid affection.

Signs of possible neglect:

• Squalid, unhygienic or dangerous home conditions
• Parents who fail to attend to their children's health or development needs
• Children who appear persistently undersized or underweight
• Children who continually appear tired or lacking in energy
• Children who suffer frequent injuries due to lack of supervision.