Signs of Physical Abuse
Physical Indicators:
Unexplained bruises and welts on the face, throat, upper arms, buttocks, thighs or lower back in unusual patterns or shapes which suggests the use of an instrument (belt buckle, electric cord) on an infant in various stages of healing that are seen after absences, weekends, or vacations.
Unexplained burns, cigarette burns, especially burns found on palms, soles of feet, abdomen, buttocks; immersion burns producing "stocking" or "glove" marks on hands and feet; "doughnut shaped" on buttocks or genital area.
Rope burns.
Infected burns indicating delay in treatment; burns in the shape of common household utensils or appliances.
Behavioral Indicators:
Behavioral extremes (withdrawal, aggression, regression, depression).
Inappropriate or excessive fear of parent or caretaker.
Antisocial behavior such as substance abuse, truancy, running away, fear of going home.
Unbelievable or inconsistent explanation for injuries.
Lies unusually still while surveying surroundings (for infants).
Unusual shyness, wariness of physical contact.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Physical Indicators:
Torn, stained or bloody underclothes.
Frequent, unexplained sore throats, yeast or urinary infections.
Somatic complaints, including pain and irritation of the genitals.
Sexually transmitted diseases.
Bruises or bleeding from external genitalia, vagina or anal region.
Pregnancy.
Behavioral Indicators:
The victim's disclosure of sexual abuse.
Regressive behaviors (thumb-sucking, bedwetting, fear of the dark).
Promiscuity or seductive behaviors.
Disturbed sleep patterns (recurrent nightmares).
Unusual and age-inappropriate interest in sexual matters.
Avoidance of undressing or wearing extra layers of clothes.
Sudden decline in school performance, truancy.
Difficulty in walking or sitting.
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Physical Indicators:
Eating disorders, including obesity or anorexia.
Speech disorders (stuttering, stammering).
Developmental delays in the acquisition of speech or motor skills.
Weight or height level substantially below norm.
Flat or bald spots on head (infants).
Nervous disorders (rashes, hives, facial tics, stomach aches).
Behavioral Indicators:
Habit disorders (biting, rocking, head-banging).
Cruel behavior, seeming to get pleasure from hurting children, adults or animals; seeming to get pleasure from being mistreated.
Age-inappropriate behaviors (bedwetting, wetting, soiling).
Behavioral extremes, such as overly compliant-demanding; withdrawn-aggressive; listless-excitable.
Signs of Neglect
Physical Indicators:
Poor hygiene, including lice, scabies, severe or untreated diaper rash, bedsores, body odor.
Squinting.
Unsuitable clothing; missing key articles of clothing (underwear, socks, shoes); overdressed or underdressed for climate conditions.
Untreated injury or illness.
Lack of immunizations.
Indicators of prolonged exposure to elements (excessive sunburn, insect bites, colds).
Height and weight significantly below age level.
Behavioral Indicators:
Unusual school attendance.
Chronic absenteeism.
Chronic hunger, tiredness, or lethargy.
Begging for or collecting leftovers.
Assuming adult responsibilities.
Reporting no caretaker at home.
This information provided courtesy of Lorain County, Ohio Children Services, through their website, www.childabuse.net. We provide this information as a service, and no listing of abuse or neglect indicators can include all signs. Please use your best judgment.
As a treatment center, we are required to forward all reports of suspected child abuse or neglect to a social services agency. Do not make a report of suspected child abuse via e-mail. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, it should be reported to your local law enforcement agency, social services agency, or child protective services. Use this list of hotlines to report to the correct organization in your community.
Hotlines
NOTE: The states of Colorado and Wyoming do not have a statewide number to call. These numbers are listed below
by county and/or locality:
Colorado Counties/Localities
Adams, 303-412-5212
Alamosa, 719-589-2581
Arapahoe, 303-795-4825
Baca, 719-523-6677
Bent (Sheriff), 719-456-1363
Bent (Social Services), 719-456-2620
Boulder, 303-441-1240
Chaffee, 719-539-6627
Cheyenne, 719-767-5629
Clear Creek (8 a.m.-4p.m.), 303-679-2365
Clear Creek, (after hours), 303-679-2393
Conejos, 719-376-5455
Costilla, 719-672-4131
Crowley (Public Welfare), 719-267-3546
Crowley (Sheriff), 719-267-5555
Custer, 719-783-2371
Delta, 970-874-2065
Denver, 720-944-3000
Dolores, 970-677-2250
Douglas, 303-688-4825
Eagle, 970-328-8840
Elbert, 719-541-2369
El Paso, 719-444-5800
Fremont (Sheriff), 719-942-4299
Garfield, 970-625-5282
Gilpin, 303-582-5444
Gilpin (after hours), 303-582-5511
Gunnison, 970-641-3244
Hinsdale, 970-944-2291
Hinsdale, (Sheriff), 970-944-2291
Huerfano, 719-738-2810
Jackson (Social Services), 970-723-4750
Jefferson, 303-271-7357
Kiowa, 719-438-5411
Kit Carson, 719-346-8732
Lake, 719-486-2088
La Plata, 970-382-6150
Larimer, Abuse Hotline, 970-498-6990
Lincoln, 719-743-2404
Logan, 970-522-2194
Mesa, 970-241-8480
Mineral (Sheriff), 719-658-2600
Moffat, 970-824-8282
Montrose, 970-249-3401
Otero, 719-383-3100
Ouray, 970-325-4437
Phillips, 970-854-2280
Pitkin, 970-920-5350
Prowers, 719-336-7486
Rio Blanco, 970-878-5011
Rio Grande, 719-657-4000
Routt, 970-879-1540
Saguache, 719-655-2537
San Juan, 970-387-5631
San Miguel, 970-327-4543
Summit, 970-668-4100
Teller, 719-689-2988
Washington, 970-345-2238
Weld, 970-346-7691
Yuma (Sheriff), 970-332-4805
Wyoming Counties/Localities
Albany, 307-745-7324
Big Horn, 307-765-9453
Campbell, 307-682-7277
Carbon, 307-328-0612
Converse (Douglas), 307-358-3138
Converse (Glenrock), 307-436-9068
If you do not see the phone number you're looking for, call the national hotline at
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
What To Do If You Suspect Child Abuse
Suggestions from the Child Welfare League of America: If it is an emergency, call your local police department. They can ensure the immediate safety of a child and get medical attention if needed. Call your state or local child abuse hotline.
If you are unsure how to report, contact Childhelp USA® National Child Abuse Hotline by telephone at
1-800-4-A-CHILD® or through their website at www.childhelpusa.org for information about how to report in your community.
Remember....
Suspicion of abuse is all that is necessary to file a report
Your information can be given anonymously
You will be asked to describe your concerns about the child and it will be helpful if you can provide:
the child's name, age, address, gender, school attended (if possible), and names of parents.
