Boston Counseling Therapy

Signs of Physical Abuse

·         Bruising, welts or burns that cannot be sufficiently explained; particularly bruises on the face, lips, and mouth

·         Withdrawn, fearful or extreme behavior;

·         Clusters of bruises, welts or burns, indicating repeated contact with a hand or instrument;

·         Burns that are insufficiently explained; for example, cigarette burns; and

·         Injuries on children where children don’t usually get injured (e.g., the torso, back neck buttocks, or thighs).

Signs of Sexual Abuse

·         Difficulty walking or sitting;

·         Pain or itching in the genital area;

·         Torn, stained or bloody underclothing;

·         Frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches;

·         Feeling threatened by physical contact;

·         Inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex; and

·         Frequent urinary or yeast infections.

Signs of Emotional Injury

·         Speech disorders;

·         Inability to play as most children do;

·         Sleeping problems;

·         Anti-social behavior or behavioral extremes; and

·         Delays in emotional and intellectual growth.

Signs of Neglect

·         Lack of medical or dental care;

·         Chronically dirty or unbathed;

·         Lack of adequate school attendance;

·         Lack of supervision; for example young children left unattended or with other children too young to protect or care for them;

·         Lack of proper nutrition;

·         Lack of adequate shelter;

·         Self-destructive feelings or behavior; and

·         Alcohol or drug abuse.