Signs and symptoms of possible child abuse

Indicators of possible child abuse

Children may present with both physical and psychological symptoms and signs that constitute alerting features of one or more types of maltreatment, and maltreatment may be observed in parent or carer – child interactions.

There is strong evidence of the harmful short and long term effects of child maltreatment. All aspects of the child's health, development and wellbeing can be affected. The effects of child maltreatment can last throughout adulthood and include anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and self-destructive, oppositional or antisocial behaviours. In adulthood, there may be difficulties in forming or sustaining close relationships, sustaining employment and parenting capacity. Physical abuse may result in lifelong disability or physical scarring and harmful psychological consequences, and may even be fatal. The National Service Framework (NSF) for Children, Young People and Maternity Services for England [External Link] states 'The high cost of abuse and neglect both to individuals (and to society) underpins the duty on all agencies to be proactive in safeguarding children.' Further details are available within the NICE Guidance [External Link].

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment – a person may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm.

Child welfare concerns may arise in many different contexts, and can vary greatly in terms of their nature and seriousness. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or by a stranger, including, via the internet. In the case of female genital mutilation, children may be taken out of the country to be abused. They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children. An abused child will often experience more than one type of abuse, as well as other difficulties in their lives. Abuse and neglect can happen over a period of time, but can also be a one-off event. Child abuse and neglect can have major long-term impacts on all aspects of a child's health, development and well-being.

Information on warning signs and symptoms of child abuse can be found on What to do if you're worried a child is being abused (2015) [PDF Document].

There are four main categories of abuse and neglect: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Each has its own specific warning indicators. (See full descriptions under Categories of Abuse)

See DSP Bruising in non-mobile children Protocol [PDF Document] for the assessment of bruising and other possible injuries in “Non-Mobile” Children.

Information leaflet [pdf document] for parents and carers about 'bruising in non-mobile children'.

Further guidance is also available from DSP Fabricated or Induced Illness Practice Guidance Document [pdf document]. 

Additional information on signs, symptoms and effects of child abuse or neglect is available on the NSPCC website [external link].