A key to reporting child abuse and neglect is being able to recognize common indicators. Find factsheets, reference books, and research on definitions, signs, and symptoms of different types of child maltreatment.
Child Abuse
Mayo Clinic (2015)
Presents information on the different types of child abuse and neglect as well as signs and symptoms of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and parental behavior.
Child Abuse and Neglect
American Academy of Pediatrics
Offers a list of medical diagnostic programs for practitioners to use for referrals.
Child Abuse and Neglect How to Spot the Signs and Make a Difference
Robinson, Segal & Smith (2017)
Helpguide.org
Presents myths and facts about child abuse and neglect, the warning signs and effects of child abuse and neglect, and ways to recognize the different types of child abuse.
Childhood Maltreatment Indicators (CMI): A Review of the Literature (PDF - 1,679 KB)
Social Work Education Center (2014)
Informs the child welfare training system regarding the scope of childhood maltreatment, including identifying indicators of maltreatment on physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and commercial sexual exploitation of children. This report reviews the elements and risk factors of the five subtypes of childhood, organized according to Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory.
How to Identify Child Abuse Ages 0–5
Presents common signs for different types of child abuse in children 0–5. The website includes information on how to identify child abuse in children ages 6 - 12 and children ages 13 - 18.
Oral and Dental Aspects of Child Abuse and Neglect (PDF - 558 KB)
Presents the oral and dental aspects of physical and sexual abuse and dental neglect in children and the role of pediatric care and dental providers in identifying signs of child maltreatment.
Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know
Prevent Child Abuse
Presents potential behavioral indicators of abuse in children, parents, and children and parent interactions as well as specific signs that the child or parent/caregiver may exhibit with cases of physical abuse, emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse, and neglect.