Common physical indicators of child abuse

  • bruises, welts, cuts/grazes or burns (especially those on back, bottom, legs, arms and inner thighs or in unusual configurations and may resemble an object)
  • internal injuries and bone fractures not consistent with the explanation offered
  • any injury to the genital or rectal area (e.g. bruising, bleeding, infection or anything causing pain to go to the toilet)
  • wearing clothes unsuitable for weather conditions to hide injuries
  • sexually-transmitted diseases and/or frequent urinary tract infections
  • appearing consistently dirty and unwashed and/or inappropriately dressed for weather conditions
  • being consistently hungry, tired and listless
  • having unattended health problems and lack of routine medical care
  • internal injuries.

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