Be on the lookout if someone:
n Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
n Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when itís time to go home
n Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
n Displays overt sexualized behavior or exhibits sexual knowledge that is inconsistent with their age
n Has not received medical attention for a physical injury that has been brought to the parentsí attention
n Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
n Is overly compliant, passive or withdrawn
n Comes to school or other activities early, stays late and does not want to go home
n Has bruises or marks in non-prominent ěfleshyî areas of the body, example inside of biceps or behind the knees
n Is always watchful as though preparing for something bad to happen
Note: The above signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect or mean something else or nothing at all. However, a cluster of two or more should raise a red flag and involve a talk with the child and/or parent and Social Services.
*Provided by the North Carolina Division of Social Services.