Abuse

The North Carolina DSS defines child abuse as “the intentional maltreatment of a child and that can be physical, sexual, or emotional in nature.” DSS defines neglect as “the failure to give children the necessary care they need.”

Abuse includes (1) mental, emotional, physical, or sexual injury to a child, or (2) failure to prevent such injury.

Neglect

Neglect of a child includes (1) failure to provide a child with food, clothing, shelter and/or medical care; and/or (2) leaving a child in a situation that places them at risk of harm.

Physical Abuse

• When a parent or caregiver is responsible for any non-accidental physical injury to a child.

Sexual Abuse

• Occurs when an adult uses a child for sexual purposes or involves a child in sexual acts. 
• Additionally, it occurs when an older or more powerful child using another child for sexual gratification or excitement.

Emotional Abuse

• A parent or caregiver harms a child’s mental and social development, or causes severe emotional harm.
• While a single incident may be abuse, frequently emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that causes damage over time.

Neglect

• When a parent or caregiver does not give the care, supervision, affection and support required for a child’s health, safety and well-being.

Signs of Physical Abuse:

• Visible and severe injuries
• Aggression toward peers, pets, other animals
• Distinctive shape
• Appears afraid of parents or other adults
• Bruises, burns or scalds, bite marks, scarring, fractures or broken bones
• Fear, withdrawal, depression, anxiety, nightmares, insomnia
• Frequency, timing, and history of injuries (frequent, after weekends, vacations, school absences)
• Immaturity, acting out, emotional and behavior extremes
• Self-destructive behavior or attitudes

Signs of Sexual Abuse:

• Difficulty sitting, walking, bowel problems
• Torn, stained, bloody undergarments
• Bleeding, bruises, pain, swelling, itching of genital area
• Any sexually transmitted disease or related symptoms
• Withdrawn, depressed, anxious, aggression
• Eating disorders, preoccupation with body
• Poor peer relationships, poor self-image, poor self-care, lack of confidence
• Sexual acting out, excessive masturbation, sexual behavior or knowledge that is advanced or unusual
• Reports sexual abuse

Signs of Emotional Abuse:

• Developmental delays
• Overly compliant or defensive
• Wetting bed, pants
• Extremely emotional, aggressive, withdrawn, anxieties, phobias, sleep disorders
• Speech disorders
• Destructive or anti-social behaviors (violence, cruelty, vandalism, stealing, cheating, lying)
• Health Problems (ulcers, skin disorders, obesity and weight fluctuation)
• Inappropriate behavior for age (Too adult, too infantile)
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Signs of Neglect:

• Often hungry, stockpiles or seeks food
• May show signs of malnutrition
• Very low body weight/height for age
• Often tired, sleepy, listless
• Hygiene problems, body odor
• Untreated medical and dental problems