LMSW: Child abuse & neglect

Child abuse

: The recurrent infliction of physical or emotional injury on a dependent minor, through intentional beatings, uncontrolled corporal punishment, persistent ridicule and degradation, or sexual abuse. Most child abuse is committed by parents, guardians, or caretakers. State laws require social workers and other professionals to report instances of suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Child Neglect

The failure of those responsible for the care of a minor to provide the resources needed for healthy physical, emotional, and social development. Child neglect is seen as an act of omission by caregivers because of limited abilities or resources or other circumstances; it is differentiated from child abuse, which is seen as more willful

Physical Indicators of abuse

The presence of multiple injuries in different stages of healing

● The history ‘doesn’t fit’

● Bruises on soft body parts of typically protected body parts (e.g., buttocks, abdomen, genitals).

● Linear bruises

● Bruises on the neck

● Rope burns

● Bite marks

● Burns

● Head injuries, skull fractures

Indicators of Neglect

Self-stimulatory behavior or attempts to comfort themselves instead of turning to adults

● Developmental delay, failure to thrive, poor weight gain, thin extremities, protruding abdomen

● Hoarding or stealing of food

● Chronic tiredness or drowsiness; falling asleep in school

● Dirty, unwashed, foul body odor, unchanged diapers, etc.

● Awkward peer relationships, half-hearted attempts at play

● A variety of behavioral problems, due to lack of limits from caregivers

Behavioral and emotional indicators of abuse

A child who is remote, withdrawn, compliant, detached, and unresponsive to engagement

● Ambivalent, insecure attachment patterns

● Regressive behavior

● Frozen watchfulness

● Aggressive or hyperactive behavior

● Difficulty concentrating

● Lying, stealing, fighting, angry outbursts, aggression, drug use, truancy, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or dissociative episodes (it's important to rule out abuse before viewing this as antisocial behavior or Conduct Disorder)

Physical and behavioral indicators of sexual abuse

Fecal or urinary incontinence after potty training; or other regressive behaviors (such as thumb sucking)

● Not wanting to be left alone with certain people or new fear of being away from primary caregiver(s)

● Masturbation with a driven quality

● Mimicking sex/pelvic thrusting

● Refusing to bathe/inadequate personal hygiene

● Difficulty sleeping and/or nightmares

● Asks other children to behave sexually or play sexual games

● Mimics sexual behaviors with toys, dolls, or stuffed animals

● Somatic complaints without a physical cause

● Changes in weight or appetite

● Bruising, irritation, or swelling in genital area or difficulty walking or sitting

● Blood on underwear or bedding

● Urinary or yeast infections

● Sexually transmitted infection

● Post traumatic stress symptoms