Pediatric Physical Abuse

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Physical Abuse?

Emotional signs and physical symptoms of the abuse often go hand in hand, but will differ between age groups and situations. They include:

• Drug or alcohol abuse

• Afraid to shower or get changed

• Aggressive physical or sexual behavior

• Anxious or clingy

• Bruises, broken bones and multiple unexplained injuries

• Convulsions (seizures sometimes associated with head trauma)

• Delayed development

• Depression

• Eating disorders

• Falling asleep in class

• Harms him or herself

• Impaired mobility (trouble moving)

• Keeps to him or herself

• Nightmares or problems sleeping

• Obsessive or risk-taking behavior

• Refuses to be touched or jumpy

• Pain

• Soils clothes or wets the bed

• Sudden change in behavior