Warning Signs

Warning Signs of abuse and/or neglect of children

This list is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather serves as a guide to recognize signs. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact the Department of Human Services at 704-920-2277 (2CPS). For reports after 5 pm on weekdays, on weekends, or on holidays, call 704-920-3000.

Signs Of Possible Physical Abuse

• Unexplained bruises in various states of healing (severe bruising, multiple bruises, or injuries located on face or around body organs
• Welts, human bite marks, bald spots
• Unexplained burns, especially cigarette burns or glove or stocking-like burns
• Unexplained fractures, injuries or abrasions
• Cruel or grossly inappropriate discipline
• Forcing the child to engage in criminal activity
• Allowing any of the above situations to occur with a child, without intervening to protect the child

Signs Of Possible Sexual Abuse

• Has pain, itching, bruising, or bleeding in the genitalia area
• Has a sexually transmitted disease
• Frequent urinary tract or yeast infections.
• Engages in sexual activity that is not appropriate for the child’s age
• Statements by the child regarding sexual activity
• Pornography (pictures, magazines, computer) that involve the child, showing items to the child and etc.)
• Engaging in sexual activity if under 16 (age of consent) OR if accused party is at least 12 years old and is more than four years older than victim
• Involving child in prostitution

Signs Of Possible Neglect

• Abandonment by parent or caregiver
• Unattended medical needs
• Consistent lack of supervision. given the age and maturity level of the child
• Consistent hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene
• Pale, listless, begs or steals food, frequently absent from school
• Behavior tends to be one extreme to the other or a noticeable change occurs in the child’s behavior
• Inappropriate discipline (less severe than abuse)
• Substance Abuse or Domestic Violence by caretakers that impacts safety of the child
• Home is in a condition that could create a risk to a child (windows broken and glass on the floor, animal feces in the home, molded food within reach of younger children and etc.)