Signs to look for in Physical, Emotional and Sexual Child Daycare Abuse and Neglect Cases

Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to child abuse and neglect at the hands of the very individuals tasked with their care and well-being. Because small children and infants cannot clearly communicate when there is a problem, adults who suspect that something is wrong may have difficulty determining if abuse has happened.

Unfortunately, children are neglected and hurt every day, and dangerous or negligent behavior can lead to permanent injury, suffering, or even death. Knowing the various types of child abuse and neglect and the signs of each can help parents and other caregivers figure out if there is a problem.

It isn't unusual for these different types of child abuse to happen together. For example, children who are physically abused may also be neglected and emotionally abused. Or, a sexually abused child can also be emotionally abused.

• Have unexplained bruises, burns, broken bones or black eyes
• Have bruises or other marks in varying stages of healing, indicating ongoing physical abuse
• Cry or protest when it is time to go back the place where he or she is being abused
• Be unusually wary of adults or fearful of being touched
  

• Be dressed inappropriately for weather conditions (not enough clothing or too much)
• Be dirty, soiled, left in a dirty diaper, or not washed when appropriate
• Be often tardy or absent from school or activities
• Steal food or money because their needs are not being met
• Be left alone without appropriate adult supervision
  

• Show delays in emotional or physical development
• Physically harm him or herself
• Show a dislike or fear of a caregiver or parent
• Exhibit extreme behavior, be overly demanding or compliant, or may be aggressive
• Show inappropriate childlike behavior (i.e. emotional or physical regression) or overly adult behavior
  

• Be unable to sit or walk comfortably
• Have blood in his or her diaper or underwear
• Have swollen or injured genitals
• Start wetting the bed or having extreme nightmares
• Display unusually adult sexual behavior or knowledge
• Act fearful around adults or caregivers