Indicators of Physical Abuse

There may be physical indicators that a child is being abused. Some examples of this are:

• Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, abrasions
• Unexplained burns
• Unexplained fractures or disclosures

 There may also be indicators in a child’s behaviour that could indicate physical abuse. Some examples of this are:

• Is wary of adults or of a particular individual
• Is violent to animals or other children
• Is dressed inappropriately to hide bruises or other injuries
• May be extremely aggressive or extremely withdrawn
• Cannot recall how the injuries occurred or gives inconsistent explanations

There may be indicators in adult behaviour that could indicate physical abuse. Some examples of this are:

• May be vague about the details of the cause of injury and the account of the injury may change from time to time
• May blame the accident on a sibling, friend, relative or the injured child
• Shakes an infant
• Threats or attempts to injure a child
• Is aggressive towards a child in front of others
• May delay in seeking medical attention for a child

More details and examples of indicators of physical abuse are available in the book 'How Can I Tell?'.  You can view 'How Can I Tell?' online or you can order copies of 'How Can I Tell?' through our shop.