Types of Child Abuse Physical Abuse Is when a child is physically injured by any person caring for them. It is also when a person caring for the child knowingly fails to prevent an injury.

Physical signs of Physical Abuse Unexplained bruising in places where an injury cannot easily be explained Facial bruising Hand or finger marks or pressure bruising Bite marks Burns (particularly cigarette burns), scalds Unexplained fractures Lacerations

Emotional signs of Physical Abuse Afraid or anxious Unable to trust others a lot of the time Poor self-esteem Lacking in confidence Emotionally withdrawn Depressed Sleep disturbance Feeling angry and frustrated

Behavioural Indicators of Physical Abuse Withdrawn or aggressive behaviour Vandalism Unresponsive to others Self harming behaviours Inability to take initiative Sudden changes in behaviour, e.g. from extrovert to introvert

Cognitive Signs of Physical Abuse Speech or language delay Doesn’t talk at all even though able to Unable to concentrate Lack of problem solving ability Poor achievement at school

Types of Child Abuse Sexual Abuse Is when a person involves a child under the age of consent in any activity that leads to the sexual gratification of that adult. This often includes physical contact such as rape but can also include taking pornographic photographs.

Physical Indicators of Sexual Abuse Marks or bruising around genital area Pain or itching in the genital area Urinary tract infections Not meeting developmental milestones Torn, stained or bloody underclothes Bedwetting, sleep disturbances Loss of appetite

Behavioural and Emotional Indicators of Sexual Abuse Hints of sexual activity through words, play, drawings, etc. Informed knowledge of sexual behaviour Excessive crying Feeding problems Anxious or fretful about things Intense fear of the dark Poor self-esteem

Types of Child Abuse Emotional Abuse Is when a child’s basic emotional needs are not being met and this has an effect on their behaviour and development. This can include being constantly ridiculed, criticised or threatened.

Behavioural and Emotional Signs of Emotional Abuse Attention seeking Withdrawn Telling lies Inability to have fun Low self-esteem Unable to trust people Tantrums past age of normal development Constantly trying to please Inability to play Poor bonding with parents/carers

Physical and Cognitive Signs of Emotional Abuse Poor physical development Illness Signs of physical abuse Language delay Poor concentration span Difficulties in problem solving

Types of Child Abuse Physical Neglect Is when someone caring for a child persistently exposes that child to danger or persistently fails to fulfil the child’s basic needs and results in health or developmental problems. Neglect also includes non-organic failure to thrive. This is a medical diagnosis of lack of development in a child where there is no physical or organic cause, such as illness, to account for it.

Physical Indicators of Physical Neglect Poor hygiene Inadequately clothed Untreated medical problems Poor nourishment/always hungry Regular infections Poor motor skills and co-ordination Delay in growth

Behavioural and Emotional Signs of Physical Neglect Listless and inactive Poor play skills Doesn’t show excitement Excessively seeks adult approval Depressed Anxious Feels inferior to peers

Cognitive Indicators of Physical Neglect Language and speech delay Poor concentration skills Lack of basic problem solving skills Delay in development