Child Abuse

* Frequent injuries such as bruises, cuts, black eyes or burns without adequate explanations.

* Frequent complaints of pains

without obvious injury

* Burns or bruises in unusual patterns that may indicate the use of an instrument

or human bite cigarette burns

on any part of the body

* Lack of reaction to pain

* Aggressive, disruptive and destructive behavior

* Passive, withdrawn and emotionless behavior

* Fear of going home or seeing parents

*Injuries that appear after a child has not been seen for several days

* Unreasonable clothing that may hide injuries to arms or legs

* Physical signs of sexually transmitted disease

* Evidence of injury to the genital area

* Pregnancy in a young girl

* Difficulty in sitting or walking

* Frequent expression of sexual activity between adult and child

* Extreme fear of being alone with adults of a certain sex

* Sexually suggestive, inappropriate or promiscuous behavior

* Knowledge of sexual relations beyond what is expected for a child's age

* Sexual victimization of other children

If a child tells you they are being abused or neglected, do believe the child and don't walk away. Do not try to investigate and do not ask the child questions. Report suspicions of abuse to the Texas hotline at 800-252-5400.

You do not have to have proof. That is what the investigation is for.

If you believe the child is in immediate danger, call 911

or your local law enforcement agency.