Indicators of Abuse

Learn how to recognise the signs

The indicators for child abuse and neglect fall into three general categories:
Physical indicators, behavioural indicators, and caregiver indicators.

Physical indicators

Injuries to a child may occur repeatedly, follow a pattern, or present as a single incident.

These can range from bruising to fractures, burns, or unusual lacerations, and are often unexplained or inconsistent with the explanation provided.

Behavioural indicators

The child’s actions, attitudes, and emotions can indicate the possibility of abuse or neglect.

Behavioural indicators alone are much less reliable than physical indicators, as a child’s behaviour may be the result of a variety of other problems or conditions.

When observing changes in behaviour, look for the frequency and pattern of the new behaviour, as well as a child’s age and stage of development.

Caregiver indicators

Caregivers who abuse, neglect, or exploit children are either unable or unwilling to provide care and protection in an appropriate way.

This may be a result of a medical or health condition; being overly stressed, tired, or working under the influence of drugs or alcohol and may view the child as someone who doesn’t have feelings or emotions or need to control others.

Indicators of Emotional Abuse:

Excessive withdrawal or fearfulness
Extreme behaviour (aggression, passivity)
Low self-esteem or self-harm
Developmental delays not linked to physical causes

Indicators of Physical Abuse:

Unexplained bruises, burns, or fractures
Frequent injuries with inconsistent explanations
Fear of going home or flinching when approached
Wearing clothing that covers injuries, even in warm weather

Indicators of Sexual Abuse:

Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour
Sudden changes in mood or school performance
Avoidance of specific people or places
Physical symptoms (e.g. pain, bleeding, STIs)

Indicators of Neglect:

Poor hygiene or malnutrition
Inappropriate clothing for the weather
Frequent absences or lateness at school
Lack of medical or dental care

Behavioural Indicators of Abuse:

Sudden changes in behaviour or performance
Difficulty forming relationships
Running away or substance abuse
Anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts

Environmental Indicators

Environmental indicators relate to the child’s living conditions and surroundings, rather than the child alone.

Physical living environment

Unsafe housing
Extreme lack of cleanliness or sanitation
Inadequate heating, bedding, or clothing for the weather
Limited access to food or care

Supervision and care

Children left alone or unsupervised in unsafe situations
Inappropriate caregivers (e.g. very young children caring for siblings)
Lack of consistent routines or caregiving

Access to basic needs

Untreated medical or dental issues
Poor attendance at school or early learning without explanation
Lack of access to hygiene facilities or basic necessities

Exposure to harm

Exposure to family violence, substance misuse, or criminal activity
Regular presence of unknown adults or unsafe visitors
Evidence of domestic conflict that impacts the child

Patterns over time

Ongoing concerns that do not improve despite support
Multiple small concerns that accumulate (cumulative harm)

Important to know

Indicators alone do not prove child abuse or neglect. Likewise, the absence of indicators does not exclude the possibility that abuse is occurring. If you have any concerns about the wellbeing of a child or young persons, seek advice from the Designated Person for Child Protection, Oranga Tamariki or contact Child Matters (07) 838 3370.