• Unexplained Bruises and Welts: Marks appearing on multiple areas of the body (such as the face, mouth, torso, back, buttocks, or thighs) in various stages of healing. Look for patterns that reflect the shape of an object used to inflict the injury, such as a belt buckle, cord, or hand/bite marks.
• Unexplained Burns: Cigarette burns (frequently on the soles, palms, back, or buttocks), immersion burns with a sock- or glove-like shape, or burns patterned from hot appliances or irons.
• Unexplained Fractures or Sprains: Broken bones (especially of the skull, nose, or facial structure) in various stages of healing, or multiple/spiral fractures.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts, scrapes, or injuries around the mouth, lips, gums, eyes, or external genitalia.
• Other Physical Clues: Clumps of missing hair, unexplained retinal hemorrhages, or frequent injuries where the explanation does not match the severity or type of damage.
• Fear of Adults or Parents: Being visibly wary of adult contact, frightened of parents, or expressing an explicit fear of going home.
• Behavioral Extremes: Sudden and sharp shifts into extreme aggressiveness, severe withdrawal, excessive compliance, or hyper-vigilance (always acting as though waiting for something bad to happen).
• Apprehension Around Others: Displaying extreme fear or anxiety when other children cry or make noise.
• Clothing Choices: Consistently wearing long sleeves or high-collared clothing during warm weather to hide unexplained marks, scars, or injuries.
• School or Social Avoidance: Arriving very early or lingering late at school or activities to avoid returning home.
