Knowing the signs and symptoms of child abuse enables you to properly report the abuse of a child.

Possible Indicators of Abuse

• physical abuse indicators
• unexplained: bruises, welts, human bites, bald spots, burns (especially cigarette burns or “glove like” immersion burns), fractures, cuts, scratches and scrapes.
• physical neglect indicators
• includes: abandonment, unattended medical or physical problems, consistent hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene, distended stomach, emaciated appearance.
• sexual abuse indicators
• torn, stained or bloody underclothing, pain or itching in genital area, difficult walking or sitting, bruises or bleeding in external genitalia, venereal disease, frequent urinary or yeast infections.
• emotional/verbal abuse indicators
• unexplained speech disorders and ulcers
• behavioral indicators of abuse
• indicators: self destruction, withdrawn and aggressive-behavioral extremes, uncomfortable with physical contact (e.g., flinches at raised hands), complains of soreness or moves um comfortably, afraid to go to places abuse occurs (school, daycare, home), withdrawal and chronic depression, excessive seductiveness, role reversal, overly concerned for siblings, poor self-esteem, self-devaluation, lack of confidence, peer problems and lack of involvement, sudden, massive weight change, suicide attempts (especially adolescents), hysteria, lack of emotional control, sudden school difficulties, inappropriate sexual play or premature understanding of sex
• risk factors
• in parents/caretakers: unrealistic expectations of children, lack of knowledge about difference methods of discipline, lack of knowledge about child development, social isolation, support systems are lacking, stress, substance abuse, cultural and societal myths about children, children are seen as unwanted.

Please click here for information on reporting child abuse provided by the Louisiana Dept. of Social Services.

Call KIDLINE (1-800-CHILDREN) for more information on how to report abuse in your area.