Signs of an abused child
Watch for these signs and take these steps to spot and report child abuse.
Signs of an abused child
• Nervous around adults
• Fearful of certain adults
• Reluctant to go home
• Runs away from home
• Withdrawn or aggressive
• Complains of fatigue, nightmares, not sleeping well
• Fearful and anxious
• Sudden changes in behavior or school performance
• Frequently misses school
• Unexplained burns, bruises, black eyes
• Faded bruises or healing injuries
• Injuries that don't match the explanation
• Difficulty walking or sitting (indicates injury to genitals)
• Sexual knowledge or behavior beyond what is normal for the child's age • Uses alcohol and/or drugs
• Begging for or stealing money or food
• Frequent uncleanliness
• Lacks needed medical or dental care
• Claims no one is home to take care of them
Signs of an abusive adult
• Unconcerned about the child's welfare
• Blames the child for causing problems
• Sees the child as worthless or a burden
• Denies problems
• Gives conflicting explanations for child's injuries
• Abuses alcohol and/or drugs
• Uses harsh physical discipline
• Isolates the child
• Isolates self from other parents and school/community activities
• Frequently belittles or insults the child
• Depends on the child for emotional support
How to report child abuse
Call the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services hotline at 1-800-252-2873
Prevention resources
National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2016: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/
Illinois Department of Child and Family Services Child Protection: https://www.illinois.gov/dcfs/safekids/reporting/Pages/index.aspx