Signs of child abuse

RICHARDS Bay police officers, Captains Michelle Michael and Debbie Ferreira will be visiting schools during the week, creating awareness on child safety and rights of a child.

There are different kinds of abuse – sexual, physical and emotional and child neglect is also a form of abuse.

Physical abuse is the intentional infliction of an injury on a child; Richards Bay Communication’s Officer, Captain Debbie Ferreira offers the following information on physical abuse indicators:

Physical indicators of physical child abuse:

•Bite marks

•Bruises on uncommonly injured body surfaces

•Lacerations

•Burns

•High incidence of accidents or frequent injuries.

•Fractures/broken bones in unusual places such as the skull, ribs etc

•Injuries, swellings to face and extremities

•Discolouration of skin

•Blunt-instrument marks

•Human hand marks

•Multiple injuries at different stages of healing

•Evidence of poor care/failure to thrive

Behavioural indicators of physical child abuse:

The child:

•Avoids physical contact with others

•Is apprehensive when other children cry

•Wears clothing to purposely conceal injury, such as long sleeves

•Refuses to undress for sport or for required physical exams at school

•Give inconsistent versions about occurrences of injuries

•Seems frightened of parents

•Is often late/absent from school

•Comes to school early and seems reluctant to go home afterwards

•Has difficulty getting along with others

•Plays aggressively and often hurts peers

•Complains of pain upon movement or contact

•Has a history of running away from home