Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect

“Child Abuse” is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, often by adults they know and trust.

The effects of child abuse can be devastating, especially if children are left unprotected or do not receive help to cope with the abuse. The most serious effect is that children can (and do) die as a result of abuse. Children suffering from abuse may also develop behavioral difficulties, problems at school, delays in development and emotional problems like depression and withdrawal. There are different forms of child abuse including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.

Neglect occurs when parents or caretakers do not provide proper supervision, control, subsistence, education as required by law, or other care necessary for healthy development. By itself, lack of financial means to provide for a child is not neglect.

Physical signs may include:

  • Poor hygiene.
  • Inappropriate or ill-fitting clothing.
  • Being left alone or with people unable to provide proper supervision.
  • Obvious lack of necessary medical treatment.

Behavioral signs may include:

  • Attempts to hide injuries.
  • Difficulty sitting or walking.
  • Wariness of physical contact with adults.
  • Reluctance to go home.
  • Depression or self-mutilation.
  • Fear or parent(s) or caregiver(s).

Physical abuse is non-accidental injury of a child by a parent or caretaker. Intentionally hurting or inflicting physical injury on a child - this includes behaviors such as hitting a child, giving a child alcohol, inappropriate drugs or poison; attempting to suffocate or drown a child; and in sports, allowing the nature and intensity of training to exceed the capacity of the child’s immature and growing body.

Physical signs may include:

  • Bruises, welts, or swelling.
  • Sprains or broken bones.
  • Burns.
  • Lacerations or abrasions.
  • Bite Marks.
  • Unexplained or repeated injuries.

Behavioral signs may include:

  • Attempts to hide injuries.
  • Difficulty sitting or walking.
  • Wariness of physical contact with adults.
  • Reluctance to go home.
  • Depression or self-mutilation.
  • Fear of parent(s) or caregiver(s).

Sexual Abuse is exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult or older child. Children often feel responsible and ashamed, and may find it difficult to reveal what has happened. Indicators may be physical (pain, discomfort) or behavioral – the child can seem inappropriately sexually aware for his/her age, or exhibit fear of a particular adult.

Also be aware that in sports situations which involve physical contact (e.g., supporting or guiding child’s body) there is the potential for situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed.

Physical signs may include:

  • Difficulty walking or sitting.
  • Torn, stained, or bloody clothing.
  • Genital pain or itching.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Pregnancy.

Behavioral signs may include:

  • Precocious sexual knowledge or behavior
  • Extremes-hostile and aggressive or fearful and withdrawn.
  • Self-mutilation.
  • Substance abuse.
  • Running away.

What if a Child Tells Me He or She is Being Abused?

Stay calm; ensure that the child is safe and feels safe.

Assure the child that you are taking what s/he says seriously.

Be honest; explain you will have to tell someone else to help stop the abuse. Avoid making promises you cannot keep.

Make a note of what the child has said as soon as possible

Do not confront the alleged abuser.

Do not investigate on your own.

ALWAYS REPORT!!!

UMPD – (406) 243-6131 (Non-emergency number) (406)243-4000 for Emergency or crime in progress.

Local Law Enforcement – 911

MT DPHHS – 1-866-820-5437 Regional Office: 1(406)523-4100 or on-line: