Some indicators of abuse that relate to specific categories of abuse (E.g. Cuts, bruises and burns relating to physical abuse, Sexually Transmitted Infections relating to Sexual Abuse etc.) Other indicators are more general and can occur as a result of different experiences of abuse. These would include:

• Sudden or unexplained changes of mood or general demeanour
• Developmental delay (i.e. falling significantly behind typical developmental milestones)
• Regression (i.e. losing skills that had previously been mastered)
• Anxiety and hypervigilance
• Mental Health issues (E.g. depression anxiety, self harm, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts etc)
• Loss of confidence and poor self esteem
• Excessive need to please and be affirmed
• Lack of boundaries
• Lack of emotional regulation
• Lack of self-awareness or self-care
• Loss of interest and engagement
• Withdrawn
• Anger, aggression and rebellious behaviours
• Risk-taking behaviours
• Lack of concern for wellbeing and future
• Etc