16 Subtle Signs of Child Abuse

Being educated in subtle signs of child abuse is imperative to identifying and preventing harm. Subtle signs can be true of any exploitation. The signs often will not give you insight into the type of exploitation, but they provide you with a prompt that something may not be right. Personalities between children can vary greatly, so the key is to look for abnormal signs of child abuse.

1. Avoids or is Fearful – a child stops wanting to visit a person or place they used to enjoy
2. Scanning the Room – they scan every new room or building they enter as though they are looking for someone or something.
3. Withdrawn – withdrawn and reluctant to interact with others, especially if contrary to their normal behavior.
4. Emotionless – Eyes are often dark, empty, looking beyond you vs at you, & lacking normal emotional responses.
5. Low Self Esteem – the child routinely makes critical or negative comments about themselves.
6. Eating Changes – Drastic and sudden changes in eating, appetite, or focus on food.
7. Regression – they may regress in behaviors they had once mastered.
8. Behavior Changes – sudden change in behavior or inability to focus on school.
9. Unsual Role Playing – a child may role play to show what is happening to them.
10. Not Age Appropriate – child exhibits adult-like behavior & carries adult responsibilities.
11. Frequent Illness – increase in stomachaches, headaches, infections, or not feeling well.
12. Odd Clothing Choices – not weather- appropriate (i.e., long sleeves in summer) & conceals their face or body.
13. Fearful of Physical Care – suddenly shows fear over a normal physical care item like changing a diaper, changing clothes, going to the bathroom.
14. Awkward Touches – a child gives or receives awkward or inappropriate touches

More in depth information can be found in our free online child safety training, Watchful Eye.