signs
333 4.1 Describe the possible signs, symptoms, indicators and behaviours that may cause concern in the context of safeguarding.
Physical Abuse
May involve hitting, shaking, throwing, burning, poisoning, drowning, suffocating, and any physical harm to a child. This may also be caused by parents/carers or known adults who may also make up symptoms of illness. Signs and Symptoms Indicators and behaviours
Bruises on the cheeks, ears, - Repeated injuries over a period of time
Palms, arms and feet. - Runaway attempts and fear of going home
Bruises on the back, buttocks, - No attempt to get comfort when hurt
Multiple bruises in clusters, - Wary of adults
Usually on the upper arms or outer thighs. - Persistent absence from school
Bruising which looks like it has been caused- Flinch when touched By fingers, a hand, or an object i.e. belt, shoe etc.- Aggressive or withdrawn
Large oval shaped bite marks.- Bad language/behaviour when playing
Burns which have a clear shape of an object,- Sad/crying E.g. cigarette burns.- Depression
Burns to the backs of hands, feet,- Poor memory/concentration Legs, genitals, or buttocks.
Neglect
This is when a child’s basic needs are not being met and results in a decline in health or development.
For a child this could mean inadequate food/drink, lack of medical attention when needed or inappropriate clothing all the basic needs a child should have.
Abandonment- Depression
Lack of medical/dental needs- Attention seeking
Lack of supervision- Tiredness
Hunger- Steals food or begs
Poor hygiene- Persistent absence
Untreated conditions e.g. Head lice, Skin disorders Sexual Abuse Forcing or enticing a child or young person to engage in sexual activities. This can involve penetration assault (rape or oral sex) and May also be non-penetrable (masturbation, kissing and/or touching) Non-contact activities can also be included such as viewing or producing
Physical Abuse
May involve hitting, shaking, throwing, burning, poisoning, drowning, suffocating, and any physical harm to a child. This may also be caused by parents/carers or known adults who may also make up symptoms of illness. Signs and Symptoms Indicators and behaviours
Bruises on the cheeks, ears, - Repeated injuries over a period of time
Palms, arms and feet. - Runaway attempts and fear of going home
Bruises on the back, buttocks, - No attempt to get comfort when hurt
Multiple bruises in clusters, - Wary of adults
Usually on the upper arms or outer thighs. - Persistent absence from school
Bruising which looks like it has been caused- Flinch when touched By fingers, a hand, or an object i.e. belt, shoe etc.- Aggressive or withdrawn
Large oval shaped bite marks.- Bad language/behaviour when playing
Burns which have a clear shape of an object,- Sad/crying E.g. cigarette burns.- Depression
Burns to the backs of hands, feet,- Poor memory/concentration Legs, genitals, or buttocks.
Neglect
This is when a child’s basic needs are not being met and results in a decline in health or development.
For a child this could mean inadequate food/drink, lack of medical attention when needed or inappropriate clothing all the basic needs a child should have.
Abandonment- Depression
Lack of medical/dental needs- Attention seeking
Lack of supervision- Tiredness
Hunger- Steals food or begs
Poor hygiene- Persistent absence
Untreated conditions e.g. Head lice, Skin disorders Sexual Abuse Forcing or enticing a child or young person to engage in sexual activities. This can involve penetration assault (rape or oral sex) and May also be non-penetrable (masturbation, kissing and/or touching) Non-contact activities can also be included such as viewing or producing