close print view Potential Indicators of Child Abuse and/or
Neglect Determining when to report suspected child abuse or
neglect can be difficult. A bruise on a toddler's forehead may
be the result of learning to walk or the result of abuse. When
in doubt, contact the local DHS office for consultation. Below
are some of the commonly accepted physical and behavioral
indicators of abuse and/or neglect. Please note that the
physical and behavioral indicators listed are not the only
indicators of child abuse and neglect and if present, do not
always mean a child is being abused or neglected. Physical
Neglect - Physical Indicators - Unattended medical needs. - Lack
of supervision. - Regular signs of hunger, inappropriate dress,
poor hygiene. - Distended stomach, emaciated. - Significant
weight change. Physical Neglect - Behavioral Indicators -
Regularly displays fatigue or listlessness, falls asleep in
class. - Steals/hoards food, begs from classmates. - Reports
that no caretaker is at home. Physical Abuse - Physic