CHILD ABUSE Look for the signs DIAL 1-800-96-ABUSE
| Signs of Physical Abuse | Look for the Patterns |
| The child may have unexplained: | Serious abuse usually involves a combination |
| -bruises, welts, cuts or other injuries | of factors. While a single sign may not be |
| -broken bones | significant, a pattern of physical or behavorial |
| -burns | signs is a serious indicator and should be |
| A child experiencing phyiscal abuse may: | reported. |
| -seem withdrawn or depressed | If a child tells YOU about abuse: |
| -seem afraid to go home or may run away | Be a good listener. Show that you understand |
| -shy away from physical contact | and believe what the child tells you. |
| -be aggressive | Encourage, but don't pressure him/her to |
| -wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries | talk. Ask open ended questions. |
| Signs of Sexual Abuse | Be supportive. Tell the child he/she did the |
| The child may have: | right thing by coming to you. Stress that he/she |
| -torn, stained or bloody underwear | is not to blame. Let the child know that you |
| -trouble walking or sitting | want to help. |
| -pain or itching in genital area | |
| -a sexually transmitted disease | Don't overreact. This can frighten the child or |
| A child experiencing sexual abuse may: | prevent him/her from telling you more. Do not |
| -have unusual knowledge of sex or | talk negatively about the suspected abuser in |
| act seductively | front of the child. |
| -fear a particular person | |
| -seem withdrawn or depressed | Document and report it. Document your |
| -gain or lose weight suddenly | conversation as soon as you can. If possible, |
| -shy away from physical contact | write down the child's exact words. |
| -run away from home | |
| Don't delay. Never assume someone else will | |
| Signs of Neglect | report the abuse. The sooner it's reported, the |
| The child may have: | sooner the child and their family can be helped. |
| -unattended medical needs |
WHO MUST REPORT ABUSE? |
| -little or no supervision at home |
Doctors |
|
-poor hygiene |
Nurses |
|
-appear underweight |
Social Workers |
|
A child experiencing neglect may: |
Police Officers |
|
-be frequently tired or hungry |
Child Care Workers |
|
-steal food |
Any Witnesses |
|
-appear overly needy for adult attention |
Any/All School Personnel |
CALL OR REPORT IT ONLINE AT: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/
