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Signs of Abuse

Below are signs and symptoms commonly associated with different forms of abuse. This is not a comprehensive list and the presence of these signs does not guarantee that there is abuse present. 

Neglect

Neglect is the act of leaving a child without appropriate supervision and in a situation where the child is exposed to a substantial risk of harm and/or not meeting the needs of the child such as food, clothing, shelter, education or medical treatment. Definition taken from Arkansas Code, § 12-18-103.

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Signs may include: 

  • Constantly hungry

  • Consistent lack of personal hygiene or tattered clothing

  • Very small or thin for their age

  • Begging or stealing food

  • Emaciated

  • Lack of supervision for extended periods of time

  • Often tired or falling asleep during the day

  • Appears lonely and has desperate need for attention

  • Need for glasses, dental work or other medical needs not being addressed.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is defined as injury or threat of injury to the child by the child’s caregiver. This includes an injury that is at variance with the explanation given and excludes injuries that were sustained from a reasonable accident or appropriate discipline.  This can also include failure to reasonably protect the child from injury. Definition taken from Arkansas Code, § 12-18-103. 
 

Signs may include:

  • Unexplained bruises; bruises of different ages; bruises where the explanation doesn’t match what you see

  • Cigarette burns; patterned burns (like an iron); burns that cover an entire foot or hand

  • Unexplained broken bones

  • Runs away

  • Wears concealing clothes​

Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse; Sexual abuse is sexual conduct including, but not limited to indecency with a minor, sexual assault, encouraging a minor to engage in sexual conduct, photographing, filming or depicting the child in an obscene or pornographic manner or permitting the making of the content. It also includes the failure to make reasonable efforts to prevent such abuse. Definition taken from Arkansas Code, § 12-18-103.
 

Signs may include:

  • Advanced sexual knowledge for their age or inappropriate sex play

  • Excessive masturbation or seductiveness

  • Age regressive behaviors (sucking thumb, bed-wetting…)

  • Difficulty walking or sitting

  • Torn or bloody underwear

  • Bruises or bleeding of the genitalia or genital pain and itching

  • Extreme fear of being left alone with adults

  • Sexual victimization of other children​

  • Do children live at Wade Knox CAC?
    No, most of the kids who receive services at the CAC are able to stay in their homes. There are some situations, however, when a child isn’t safe to live at home. When that is the case, the Arkansas Department of Children’s Services works to place kids with extended family, when possible, or foster care.
  • Does the Wade Knox CAC address custody or visitation issues?
    No, custody and visitation are handled by Juvenile Court.
  • Do I have to pay for my child to receive services at the Wade Knox CAC?
    No, each service is provided to all children who are interviewed at the Center, free of charge.
  • Will my child receive a medical exam at your center?
    When the investigative team assesses that a forensic medical exam is indicated, your child will go to the on-site medical exam room for their exam. Medical exams are conducted by specially trained nurse practitioners.
  • Will the video of the forensic interview be shown to anyone outside of the investigation?
    No. Wade Knox Children's Advocacy Center has a strict policy of confidentiality. Forensic interview video is shared only with investigators, prosecutors and, if needed, in court.
  • Can caregivers sit with their child during the interview?
    Caregivers are not permitted to sit with their child during a forensic interview. Our interviewers are trained in ways to help kids feel comfortable. During the interview, caregivers meet with an advocate or investigator to learn more about the process of investigation, next steps, and resources.
  • Can I bring my child to the center if I think he or she has been abused?
    If you suspect your child, or any child, has been abused, the first step is to report your suspicions to the Arkansas Department of Human Services hotline, or to law enforcement.
  • Are there other Children's Advocacy Centers in Arkansas?
    Yes, there are 17 Child Advocacy Centers across the state. The Wade Knox Children's Advocacy Center is the advocacy center that provides services to children and families in Lonoke, Prairie and Monroe counties. You can find a list of other advocacy centers and the counties they serve here. .

It is also important to understand that trauma symptoms can present differently, based on a child's age or developmental level. Below are different age ranges and the symptoms that may be present in that group.

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