A child who is suffering from physical child abuse will often display numerous bruises, which may appear to be in various degrees of healing. These bruises will most often occur on the child’s arms, stomach, thighs, or back. These are not areas in which a child would likely obtain bruises during normal childhood activities. The bruises may appear to be in the shape of a pole, plank, or most commonly, in the shape of a hand.
When a child is suffering from physical child abuse, it is common for the child to display bruises that are shaped like human fingers. However, an individual who is subjecting a child to physical child abuse may use a variety of different tools and objects in order to inflict torment. Some common physical signs of child abuse include injuries to a child’s facial features, such as his/her lips, nose, eyes, or cheeks. These features may often appear to be cut, broken, swollen, or bloody.
Another one of the physical signs of child abuse is that a child may display human bite marks on their arms, legs, or stomach. They may also have obtained unusual burns from irons, heaters, or cigarettes. Welts and deep lacerations are very common physical signs of child abuse. A child who is suffering from this type of abuse may obtain mysterious breaks and fractures, especially of their limbs.
They may express frequent pain, or they may appear to be in pain when they are trying to move or sit. The child may be wearing clothing that is stained with blood or that has rips or tears in it.
A child who is suffering from physical child abuse may not be able to provide adequate explanations for the frequent injuries that he/she receives. The child may try to create excuses and explanations for the abuse in order to protect the person who is responsible for the abuse. A child who is asked whether or not they are experiencing physical abuse may deny it. This form of abuse can lead to permanent injury and disfigurement.