Physical Abuse

Any non-accidental injury to a child:

• scalding, burning and even death
• fractured bones, internal injuries, brain damage
• bruises, bites, beatings
• inappropriate discipline such as kicking, hitting with fist or object, throwing the child, hair pulling, etc.

Physical Indicators

• Unexplained bruises and welts
  - on face, lips, mouth
  - on torso, back, buttocks, thighs
  - in various stages of healing
  - clustered, forming regular patterns
  - reflecting shape of article used to inflict (electric cord, belt buckle)
  - on several different surface areas
  - regularly appear after absence, weekend or vacation
  
  
• Unexplained burns:
  - cigar, cigarette burns, especially on soles, palms, backs, or buttocks
  - immersion burns (sock-like, glove-like, doughnut shaped on buttocks or genitalia
  - patterned like electric burner, iron, etc.
  - rope burns on arms, legs, neck or torso.
  
  
• Unexplained fractures:
  - to skull, nose, facial structure
  - in various stages of healing
  - multiple or spiral fractures
  
  
• Unexplained lacerations or abrasions:
  - to mouth, lips, gums, eyes
  - to external genitalia

Behavioral Indicators

- Wary of adult contacts
- Apprehensive when other children cry
- Behavioral extremes like aggressiveness or withdrawal
- Frightened of parents
- Afraid to go home
- Reports injury by parent

Physical Abuse | Emotional Abuse | Sexual Abuse | Physical Neglect | Emotional Neglect

Nature of Abuse | Reporting Abuse in AZ | Asked About Issues