There are four major types of maltreatment: physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse and sexual abuse. 

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a nonaccidental physical injury to a child caused by a parent, caregiver, or other person responsible for a child and can include punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other object), burning, or otherwise causing physical harm.

Children who are experiencing physical abuse may exhibit the following signs: 

• Has unexplained injuries, such as burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
• Has fading bruises or other noticeable marks after an absence from school
• Seems scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive
• Seems frightened of his or her parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
• Shrinks at the approach of adults
• Shows changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
• Abuses animals or pets

Neglect

Neglect is the failure of a parent or other caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs. Neglect happens when a caregiver ignores the physical, medical, educational and emotional needs of a child. Abandonment is considered a form of neglect. In general, a child is considered to be abandoned when the parent’s identity or whereabouts are unknown, the child has been left alone in circumstances where the child suffers serious harm, the child has been deserted with no regard for his or her health or safety, or the parent has failed to maintain contact with the child or provide reasonable support for a specified period of time.

Children who are experiencing neglect may exhibit the following signs: 

• Is frequently absent from school
• Begs or steals food or money
• Lacks needed medical care (including immunizations), dental care, or glasses
• Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
• Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
• Abuses alcohol or other drugs
• States that there is no one at home to provide care

Emotional abuse (or psychological abuse)

Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection as well as withholding love, support, or guidance.

Children who are experiencing emotional abuse may exhibit the following signs: 

• Shows extremes in behavior, such as being overly compliant or demanding, extremely passive, or aggressive
• Is either inappropriately adult (e.g., parenting other children) or inappropriately infantile (e.g., frequently rocking or head-banging)
• Is delayed in physical or emotional development
• Shows signs of depression or suicidal thoughts
• Reports an inability to develop emotional bonds with others

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes activities by a parent or other caregiver such as fondling a child’s genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials. Human trafficking includes sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Sex trafficking is recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining someone for a commercial sex act, such as prostitution, pornography, or stripping. It is a form of modern day slavery and considered child sexual abuse. Child pornography is also considered a form of child sexual abuse. 

Children who are experiencing sexual abuse may exhibit the following signs: 

• Has difficulty walking or sitting
• Experiences bleeding, bruising, or swelling in their private parts
• Suddenly refuses to go to school Reports nightmares or bedwetting
• Experiences a sudden change in appetite
• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
• Becomes pregnant or contracts a sexually transmitted disease, particularly if under age 14
• Runs away
• Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver
• Attaches very quickly to strangers or new adults in their environment

Together we can stop child abuse by learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. It could save a child's life! Always report child abuse and neglect to the Child Protective Service Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or you can file a report online by clicking HERE. Always call 911 in cases of a life threatening emergency.