 Child
Protection Policy 
Section 2 - Recognising Signs of Child Abuse
Common Indicators of Abuse
The following behavioural signs may be pre indicators of child abuse.
Physical Abuse
Definition:
The act of deliberately inflicting injuries on a child or young
person, or knowingly does not prevent them from happening. This will
include hitting, biting burning, suffocation and deliberate poisoning.
(Poisoning - the inappropriate
use of drugs or alcohol)
Common signs and symptoms
- Bruises in places not normally harmed during play, e.g. back
of the legs, abdomen, groin area and bite marks.
- All other injuries, which do not have an explanation consistent
with injury.
- AN undue fear of adult watchfulness.
Neglect
Definition:
Where a child's essential needs are not being met. These include
adequate clothing, food, warmth, medical care and not being exposed
to danger.
Common signs and symptoms:
- A display of unhappiness or being unusually withdrawn
- Inadequate or inappropriate clothing
- Malnourishment or always being hungry
- Unhygienic home conditions
- Lack of supervision appropriate to a child's age
- Exposure to danger, including moral danger
- Failure to thrive, grow, develop, due to non medical reasons
Emotional abuse
Definition:
When a child or young person is constantly threatened, taunted
or shouted at. Where a child or young person is persistently deprived
of affection and love either by a parent, carer or person responsible
for a child or young person. The loss of self worth and confidence,
becoming nervous and withdrawn.
Common signs and symptoms
- Very poor language development
- Persistent self-comforting behaviour, i.e. rocking or thumb sucking
etc
- Inability to develop relationships with their peers
- Overly aggressive behaviour, particularly with their peers
- Lack of attachment or trust with the extended family and others
- Lack f praise and stimulation from parents and extended family
Sexual Abuse
Definition:
Where there is actual physical contact resulting in sexual exploitation
of a child or young person. This includes sexual intercourse, inappropriate
fondling and exposure to or used for pornographic material.
Common signs and symptoms:
- Age inappropriate knowledge or interest in sexual matters
- Soreness or itching in the genital area
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