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Indicators of Abuse, Assault and Neglect

Management, staff, volunteers, people with a disability, their families, friends, carers, and advocates all play a significant role in preventing and detecting the occurrence of abuse, assault or neglect.

The table below provides some examples of indicators of abuse and neglect of children and adults. It is important to remember that the indicators listed below are not the only indicators and that the presence of one or more indicators does not necessarily ‘prove’ that abuse, assault or neglect has occurred. This list of possible examples should not be considered a complete list of possible indicators.

Type of abuse	Physical indicators	Behavioural signs
Physical abuse	unexplained cuts, abrasions, bruising and/swelling: on face, lips, mouth, torso, back, buttocks thighs in various stages of healing unexplained burns or scalds: cigarette burns especially on soles, palms, back or buttocks rope burns on arms, legs neck or torso unexplained fractures, strains or sprains: to skull, nose, facial structure dislocation of limbs in various stages of healing bite marks dental injuries ear or eye injuries ligature marks welts	avoidance of a particular staff member fearfulness or fear of a particular person sleep disturbance obvious changes in behaviour changes in appetite changes in daily routine unusual mood swings withdrawal unusual passivity out of character aggression self-abuse drowsiness inappropriate or changing explanation of how an injury occurred excessive compliance
Psychological / emotional abuse	speech disorders in the case of a child, there may be lags in physical development or a non-organic failure to thrive injuries sustained from self abuse or self destructive behaviours suicide attempts anxiety attacks	self-abuse or selfdestructive behaviour challenging or extreme behaviours excessive compliance extreme low self esteem depression feelings of worthlessness lack of interpersonal skills necessary for adequate functioning extreme attention seeking behaviour
Sexual abuse	direct or indirect disclosure of abuse or assault difficulty in walking or sitting pain or itching in genital and/or anal area vagina or penile bruising, bleeding or discharge self-abusive or self destructive behaviour attempts at suicide torn, stained or blood stained underwear or bedclothes sexually transmitted diseases trauma to the breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen or thighs unexplained accumulation of money or gifts pregnancy	sleep disturbances changes to eating patterns inappropriate or unusual sexual behaviour or knowledge changes in social patterns sudden or marked changes in behaviour or temperament anxiety attacks refusing to attend usual places eg, work, school, respite depression going to bed fully clothed excessive compliance of staff
Financial abuse	no access or unwarranted restrictions to personal funds no control over personal funds or bank accounts no records or incomplete records kept of expenditure and purchasesn no inventory kept of significant purchases person controlling the finances does not have the proper legal authority misappropriation of money, valuables or property forced changes to wills or other legal documents persistent failure to produce receipts receipts indicating unusual or inappropriate purchases	person has insufficient money to meet normal budget expenses person is persistently denied outings and activities due to a lack of funds

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Last updated February 2008