Common signs of possible child abuse or neglect

The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination it could indicate the possibility of abuse or neglect and warrant the notification of authorities and/or a call to 1-866-ENDHARM.

Common Indicators of physical abuse include:

• Unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
• Fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
• Frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
• Shrinks at the approach of adults
• Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
  

Common Indicators of neglect include:

• Frequent absence from school
• Begging or stealing food or money
• Lacking needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses
• Poor hygiene
• Lacking sufficient clothing for the weather
• Abuses alcohol or other drugs
• Stating that there is no one at home to provide care

Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Appears to be indifferent to the child
• Seems apathetic or depressed
• Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
• Is abusing alcohol or other drugs

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:

• Has difficulty walking or sitting
• Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
• Reports nightmares or bedwetting
• Experiences a sudden change in appetite
• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
• Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14
• Runs away
• Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex
• Is secretive and isolated
• Is jealous or controlling with family members

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:

• Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression
• Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example)
• Is delayed in physical or emotional development
• Has attempted suicide
• Reports a lack of attachment to the parent

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child
• Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's problems
• Overtly rejects the child

To report abuse:

Trained operators are available at the toll-free number, 1-866-ENDHARM (1-866-363-4276), 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. Callers who do not speak English will be asked to stay on the line for an interpreter in their language. A customer service specialist who is bi-lingual in English and Spanish is immediately available during most daytime hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Callers who are deaf or hard of hearing or with a speech disability can call 1-800-624-6186 to place a direct TTY call.

The 1-866-ENDHARM help line is one of many resources available to caregivers and the public to access help and information or to report suspected abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services. The helpline is not a replacement for emergency services. If the child or vulnerable adult is in an immediate danger or it is an emergency situation callers should dial 911.

More information about stopping child abuse is also available from the DSHS Children's Administration Web site at www.dshs.wa.gov/geninfo/endharm.html.

Preventing Child Abuse: Useful Links

DSHS Resources for Reporters

Washington Council for Children and Families

Information about child abuse prevention and other issues relating to child safety is available online in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Punjabi, Vietnamese and other languages at the DSHS Children's Administration Publications site.

Tips for Parents and other caregivers of children are available through the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

Child Abuse Prevention Month (National site)

Children's Administration Annual Quality Assurance Report Jan. 2009

How to Report Child Abuse or Neglect

Report abuse/neglect via 1-866-ENDHARM

Pinwheels for Prevention

1-866-ENDHARM Video Brochure on the DSHS YouTube Channel

No Excuse 4 Abuse PSA by Allen Renaissance Inc. on the DSHS YouTube Channel

Childhelp 1-800-4-A-CHILD National (USA) Child Abuse Prevention Hotline

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DSHS does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran's status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.