Concepts of Abuse and Neglect

Question 1

indicators of sexual abuse

Answer 1

-aversive feelings about sex
-overvaluing sex
-sexual identity problems
-hyper-sexual behaviors
-feelings of shame and guilt or feeling responsible for the abuse which are reflected in self-destructive behaviors (substance abuse, self-mutilation, suicidal ideation and gestures, acts that aim to provoke punishment)
-lack of trust/willingness to invest in others
-involvement in exploitive relationships
-angry and acting out behaviors
-perceived vulnerability and victimization
-phobias
-sleep and eating problems

Question 2

indicators of psychological abuse and neglect

Answer 2

-avoid eye contact and experience deep loneliness, anxiety, and/or despair
-have a flat and superficial way of relating, with little empathy toward others
-have a lowered capacity to engage appropriately with others
-engage in bullying, disruptive, or aggressive behaviors toward others
-engaging in self-harming and/or self-destructive behaviors (cutting, physical aggression, reckless behavior showing a disregard for self and safety, drug taking)

Question 3

indicators of physical abuse and neglect

Answer 3

-unexplained bruises or welts on the face, lips, mouth, torso, back, buttocks, or thighs, sometimes reflecting the shape of the item used to inflict them
-unexplained burns from a cigar or cigarette, especially on soles, palms, back, or buttocks
-unexplained fractures to the skull, nose, or facial structure
-unexplained lacerations or abrasions to the mouth, lips, gums, eyes, and/or external genitalia
-being wary of individuals (caretakers if being abused)
-behavioral extremes (aggressiveness or withdrawal)
-fear related to reporting injury