Recognizing signs of child abuse or neglect:

While no single symptom alone proves child abuse, when symptoms appear repeatedly or in combination, they should cause us to take a closer look.

• Physical signs of abuse - questionable bruises, bites, black eyes—please note that these are not always visible
• Child may seem frightened to go home
• A family history of abuse
• Does the child beg or steal food/money from classmates?
• Is the parent indifferent to the child or blames/belittles the child?
• Is the parent abusing alcohol or drugs?
• Is the child self-destructive or possibly suicidal?
• Does the child shows signs of hypochondria, hysteria, obsessions or phobias?
• Is the child either inappropriately adult-like, or inappropriately infantile?

Child Abuse Hotline - 24 hours
1-800-552-7096

Parenting Information and support line: 1-800-Children

Would you like blue ribbons for your school, church or workplace? Please contact Paul Baldwin at (434)845-5944, ext. 263 or paul.baldwin@familyalliance1.org

Click here for a detailed .pdf file on recognizing the signs of abuse from Prevent Child Abuse Virginia

Prevent Child Abuse Virginia website - an excellent resource of recognizing the signs of abuse/neglect, how to take action

Virginia Department of Social Services' website on Reporting Child Abuse/Child Protective Services

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