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Physical
and Behavioral Indicators of
Child Abuse
and Neglect
©Lynn Douglas Mouden, DDS, MPH, FICD,
FACD - (501) 661-2595
e-mail: Lmouden@healthyarkansas.com
December 1992 |
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Type of CA/N
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Physical Indicators
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Behavioral Indicators
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Physical
Abuse
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Unexplained
Bruises and Welts:
- face,
lips, mouth
- torso,
back, buttocks, thighs
- various
stages of healing
- clustered,
regular patterns
- reflecting
shape of article used to inflict (e.g. buckle)
- on
several different areas
- regular
appearance after absence, weekend, vacation
Burns:
- cigarette,
cigar burns, esp. on soles, palms, back, buttocks
- immersion
burns (sock or glove-like, circular, on buttocks or
genitalia)
- patterned:
electric burner, iron
- rope
burns on arms, legs, or torso
Unexplained
Fractures:
- skull,
nose, facial structures
- in
various stages of healing
- multiple
or spiral fractures
Unexplained
Laceration
or Abrasion:
- to
mouth, lips, gingiva, eyes
- to
external genitalia
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Physical
Neglect
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- Constant
hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress
- Consistent
lack of supervision, esp., in dangerous situations or
for long periods
- Unattended
physical problems or medical/dental needs
- Abandonment
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- Begging,
stealing food
- Extended
stays at school, early arrival, late departure
- Constant
fatigue, falling asleep in class
- Alcohol
or drug abuse
- Delinquency
(e.g. thefts)
- Says
there is no caretaker
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Sexual Abuse
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- Difficulty
in walking or sitting
- Torn,
stained, bloody underwear
- Pain
or itching in genital area
- Bruises
or bleeding or external genitalia, vaginal, or anal areas
- Venereal
disease, esp. in pre-teen
- Pregnancy
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- Unwilling
to change for PE
- Withdrawal,
fantasy or infantile behavior
- Bizarre,
sophisticated sexual knowledge or behavior
- Poor
peer relationship
- Delinquency;
runaways
- Reports
sexual assault by caretaker
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Emotional Maltreatment
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- Speech
disorders
- Lags
in physical development
- Failure
to thrive
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- Habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking,
etc.)
- Conduct disorders (antisocial, destructive)
- Neurotic traits (sleep disorders, inhibited
play)
- Psychoneurotic behaviors (hysteria, phobia,
obsession, compulsion, hypochondria)
- Behavior extremes:
- Compliant, passive
- Aggressive, demanding
- Overly adaptive behavior:
- Inappropriately adult
- Inappropriatedly infantile
- Developmental lags (physical or mental)
- Attempted suicide
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