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Physical Abuse

Any non-accidental injury to a minor, giving or allowing controlled substances to a minor, and/or allowing a perpetrator to have access to the child.

• Unexplained marks, bruises, cuts, fractures, and/or dislocations on the body

• Bruises/welts in various stages of healing, in clusters or patterns in the shape of an object

• Injury that is not consistent with explanation from caregiver, sibling and/or child

• Extreme fear of parents/caregivers

• Frequent absences in school, counseling or other appointments

• Aggressive, disruptive, destructive

Sexual Abuse

Any contact or interaction with a minor being used for sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or any other person that includes sexual penetration, sexual molestation, and/or sexual exploitation.

• Discharge, recurring pain, or itching in genital or anal areas

• Genital injury

• Difficulty walking or sitting

• Unusual and offensive odors

• Sexual knowledge beyond what is age appropriate – “acting out”

• Unexplained regression or fear

• Bedwetting

• Self-harm

• Child has a secret they cannot tell

• Fear of restrooms, showers, or baths

Neglect

Occurs when a parent or caretaker fails to provide for a child’s physical, medical, and educational needs such as inadequate supervision, abandonment, medical care/attention, food, shelter, and/or clothing.

• Underweight, poor growth, failure to thrive

• Poor hygiene

• Dressed inappropriately for the weather

• Begs, hoards, or steals food

• Erratic attendance at school

• Noticeable developmental delays

Witness to Domestic Violence

When a minor sees or hears any person commit homicide, domestic battery, or assault on a family member or household member.

• Headaches/stomachaches

• Inability to concentrate

• Signs of anxiety, short attention span, withdrawal

• Sleep disturbances

• Violent outbursts

• Developmental delays in speech, motor, or cognitive skills

Human Trafficking

Any minor induced into commercial sex—regardless of whether or not the trafficker used force, fraud, or coercion.

• Unexplained physical injuries

• Signs of drug addiction

• Sudden change in attire and/or material possessions

• Runaway

• Frequent absences at school

• Mentions having an “older boyfriend”

• Hyperarousal (chronic state of fight or flight)