Module 5: Identifying Abuse

1. Module 5:
Identifying
Abuse

2. • It isn't always possible to identify what type of abuse a
child might be experiencing
• Identifying signs that something is not ok for a child is
what's important.
• this involves recognising indicators of actual harm and
factors that are placing a child at risk of harm

3. What's happening
TO
the child
It's important to consider:
What's happening
AROUND
the child The aim is to prevent
child abuse or neglect
from occurring or
preventing further harm
of harm has already
occurred.

4. Indicators of harm
Emotional Physical
Behavioural
Remember:
The presence of
indicators doesn't mean
a child has been
harmed, and the
absence of indicators
doesn't mean a child is
safe from harm.
Indicators
of harm

5. Behavioural
Indicators of
Harm
• Fearful ( eg of parents, going home or other places, noises)
• Overly friendly to strangers
• Nervous, hyperactive, aggressive, disruptive
• Regressive behaviour (eg bed wetting, speech loss)
• Nervous habits such as frequent sucking, rocking, biting,
• Difficulty sleeping /often tired
• complains of headaches or stomach pains
• Runs away
• Withdraws from others
• Self harm or destructive behaviour
• Compulsive lying or stealing
• reluctance to go home
• accessing pornography
• Child implies they have a secret

6. Physical Indicators of Harm
• Frequent illnesses infections or sores
• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, broken bones
(fractures) or burns
• Injuries that don't match the given explanation
• Injuries that aren't compatible with the child's
developmental ability
• Poor hygiene
• Frequent hunger/malnutrition.

7. Emotional Indicators of Harm
• Delayed or inappropriate emotional responses such as crying,
tantrums
• Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Loss of interest or enthusiasm
• Anxiety, depression or fearfulness
• Unprovoked anger or rage
• Desperately seek affection
• Loss of interest in school or declining school performance
• truancy
• Drug or alcohol use
• Poor hygiene

8. ITS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER......
Even if a child is displaying a number of
indicators of potential harm, there may be other
reasons for these indicators.