Although Ohio law permits corporal punishment in the home, school, and institution, excessive physical discipline is abuse. Physical discipline probably is excessive if:

• It results in physical injury, including bruises
• The injuries are in particularly sensitive locations (eyes, genitals)
• It is inconsistent, arbitrary punishment designed not to educate, but to instill fear
• The caretaker loses control during discipline
• It is inappropriate to the age of the child
• It is the result of unreasonable expectations or demands on the child by the caretaker

CARE House GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING ABUSE
Click on the links below to browse the complete listing of indicators.

Recognizing Physical Abuse
Recognizing Sexual Abuse
Recognizing Neglect

RECOGNIZING PHYSICAL ABUSE
Physical Indicators
Unexplained, chronic, or repeated bruising:

• On the face, throat, upper arms, buttocks, thighs, or lower back
• In unusual patterns or shapes which suggest the use of an instrument
• On an infant
• In the shape of bite or pinch marks
• In clusters
• In various stages of healing

Unexplained burns:

• Cigarette, immersion, rope burns
• Burns in the shape of common household utensils or appliances

Unexplained skeletal injuries:

• Any skeletal injury of an infant
• Injury to the facial structure, skull, and bones around the joints
• Fractures and dislocations caused by a severe blow or twisting/pulling of the arm or leg

Other unexplained or repeated injuries:

• Lacerations, abrasions, welts, scars, and other unexplained marks
• Missing, chipped or loose teeth or other oral injury
• Loss of hair/bald patches
• Broken eardrum
• Abdominal injuries

Behavioral Indicators

• Behavioral extremes
• Inappropriate or excessive fear of parent or caretaker
• Unusual shyness, wariness of physical contact
• Substance abuse, truancy, running away
• Reluctance to return home
• Belief that punishment is deserved
• Suggestion that other children should be punished in a harsh manner
• Victim’s disclosure of abuse
• Depression, excessive crying
• Unbelievable or inconsistent explanation for injuries
• Attempt to hide injuries

RECOGNIZING SEXUAL ABUSE
Physical Indicators

• Somatic complaints, including pain and irritation of the genitals
• Sexually transmitted disease
• Pregnancy
• Bruises or bleeding from external genitalia, vagina, or anal region
• Genital discharge
• Torn, stained, or bloody underclothes
• Frequent, unexplained sore throats, yeast or urinary infections
• Bed wetting

Behavioral Indicators

• Victim’s disclosure of sexual abuse
• Poor peer relationships, inability to relate to children of same age
• Regressive behaviors (ex. Bedwetting, thumb sucking)
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Promiscuity or seductive behavior
• Aggression or delinquency
• Truancy or chronic running away
• Substance abuse
• Difficulty in walking or sitting
• Preoccupation with sexual organs (child’s own or others)
• Recurrent nightmares, disturbed sleep patterns or fear of the dark
• Sudden decline in school performance
• Unusual age-inappropriate interest in sexual matters
• Age-inappropriate ways of expressing affection
• Avoidance of undressing or wearing extra layers of clothes
• Self-injury

RECOGNIZING NEGLECT
Physical Indicators

• Poor hygiene
• Unsuitable clothing; missing key articles of clothing such as underwear, socks, shoes, or coat
• Untreated illness or injury
• Height and weight significantly below age level.

Behavioral Indicators

• Frequent or chronic school absence
• Chronic hunger, tiredness, or lethargy
• Begging or collecting leftovers
• Assuming adult responsibilities
• Reporting no caretaker at home