Simon Brown – Abuse indicators

Simon’s behaviour over the last 3 months

• very quiet, hesitant to join in with others
• avoiding family situations such as a barbecue organised by Cybertots
• more shy than usual
• avoiding physical contact such as hugs from Tina
• short-tempered at times, displaying frustration with toys (for example, throwing things if they wouldn't work)
• increasingly withdrawing from centre activities
• lack of concentration, difficulty maintaining focus
• often very tired or lacking in energy – listless
• sucking of thumb (used to as a baby, but it stopped at age 2.5 yrs)
• bed-wetting (has never wet the bed before)
• aggression sometimes towards older children at Cybertots.

Physical evidence

• severe bruising around the lower back, buttocks and shoulder area
• faded bruises evident, ranging from slight yellow/grey of old bruises through to some that were still reasonably dark
• new bruising evident, Simon pulled away when the new bruises were touched, as if they were painful to the touch
• appearance – not appearing to care about clothing or general cleanliness, often not wanting to wash or bathe.