Identifying Physical Abuse Being able to recognize the signs of physical
abuse is the first step towards its elimination. As a society, we have
to start paying more attention to the acts of violence against children
that we witness, or suspect to be occurring. The following list depicts
some of the physical signs that may indicate that physical abuse is occurring:
Bruises
On the posterior side of the body
On the face, lips or mouth
In clusters that form regular patterns, or
reflect the shape of the instrument used to inflict them (e.g., electrical
cord, board, belt buckle)
On an infant, usually on the face
Human bite marks
Burns
Immersion or wet burns, such as “stocking
burns” or doughnut shaped burns on the buttocks
Cigarette or cigar burns, especially on the
palms of hands, soles of feet, or genitals
Rope burns, possibly from confinement
Patterned or dry burns which show a clearly
defined mark such as those caused by an iron
Lacerations and Abrasions
On lips, eyes, or any portion of an infant’s
face
Of gum tissue, caused by forced feeding
On external genitals
On back of arms, legs, torso
Missing or Loose Teeth
Teeth are missing or loose too early in the
child’s development
Skeletal Injuries (Medical Diagnosis)
Metaphysical or corner fractures of long bones,
caused by twisting or pulling
Epiphysical separation – separation of the
growth center at the end of the bone from the rest of the shaft, caused
by twisting or pulling
Periosteal elevation – detachment of periosteum
from shaft of bone with associated hemorrhaging periosteum and shaft
Spiral fractures
Stiff, swollen, enlarged joints
Head Injuries
Absence of hair
Hemorrhaging beneath scalp, caused by pulling
hair
Subdural hematomas, caused by hitting or shaking
Retinal hemorrhages or detachment, caused
by shaking
Nasal, skull, or jaw fracture
Internal Injuries (Medical Diagnosis)
Duodenal or jejunal hematoma, caused by hitting
or kicking
Rupture of inferior vena cava
Peritonitis, which can be caused by hitting
or kicking
Constant vomiting
Behavioral Indicators of Physical Abuse
Overly compliant, passive-Fearful of physical
contact
Sporadic temper tantrums
Craves attention
Wears long sleeves or other concealing clothing
even in hot weather
Reports injury by a parent or caregiver
Appears frightened of parent(s) or caregiver
Demonstrates extremes in behavior – overly
aggressive or very withdrawn
Inappropriate neatness while playing or eating
Unable to offer reasonable explanation for
injury
Lack of distress at being separated from parent(s)
or caregiver
Is often sleepy in class
Arrives early for school, stays late
Complains that physical activity causes pain
or discomfort
Excessive school absence and/or tardiness
Overly cautious, lacks curiosity
Disclaimer:
I am not a health care professional. I am an abuse survivor. The resources on
this site are for information and education only. Information on this website is meant to support
not replace the advice of a licensed health care or mental health care professional. Please consult your own physician for health care advice.
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Last edited: 01/02/03.
