Children who are victims of abuse must depend on the adults in their lives to pay attention to warning signs, believe them when they tell us something is wrong, and respond responsibly.

While no one indicator alone can tell you if a child is being abused or neglected, there are often perceptible warning signs that serve as indicators to caring adults in any child's life. In some cases there may be no outward signs beyond what a child reveals either verbally or behaviorally.

• Bruises, welts, burns that cannot be sufficiently explained
• Injuries on places where children don't usually get hurt (the back, neck, back of legs, face)
• Repeated injuries
• Withdrawn, fearful or extreme behavior

• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Pain or itching in the genital area
• Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
• Frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches
• Chronic depression
• Withdrawal
• Feeling threatened by physical contact
• Inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex
• Running away from home

• Inability to play as most children do
• Sleep problems
• Antisocial behavior
• Behavioral extremes
• Lags in emotional and intellectual growth

• Chronically dirty or unbathed
• Chronic school absences
• Dress inadequate for weather
• Left alone
• Left in the care of siblings too young to baby-sit
• Often fatigued - even falling asleep in school
• Hunger
• Self destructive feelings or behavior