General Warning Signs for Child Abuse
| Frequent injuries, bruising, welts, or burns that cannot be sufficiently explained (eg, cigarette burns, bruises on the face, lips, and mouth or on several surface planes at the same time). |
| Withdrawn, fearful, or extreme behavior. |
| Clusters of bruises, welts, or burns, indicating repeated contact with a hand or instrument. |
| Injuries appear to have a pattern (eg, straight lines or circles) such as marks from a hand, belt, or electric cord. |
| Any bruise without a plausible explanation in an infant who is not yet cruising is suspicious for abuse. |
| Unusual injuries on children where children do not usually get injured (eg, the torso, back, neck, buttocks, or thighs). |
| Is always watchful and “on alert,” as if waiting for something bad to happen. |
| Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home. |
Adapted from www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dcf/child-abuse-neglect/warning-signs.html. The list presents some general warning signs but is not comprehensive. The criteria for abuse and neglect may vary by region or state. Pediatricians should check their state and local laws for more detailed information.