Which of the following best lists indicators of abuse?

• A. Bruises; Fractures; Emotional Withdrawal
• B. Verbal threats; Arguments; Financial Stress
• C. Bruises; Strangulation; Sexual Assault
• D. No indicators listed

Answer: (C)

Indicators of abuse are signals that someone is being harmed by another person. Bruises point to physical harm, but strangulation and sexual assault are especially strong indicators because they involve highly coercive and dangerous actions that clearly reflect abusive behavior. This combination—physical injury plus severe acts of harm—provides the most compelling evidence of abuse.

Other options mix signals that can occur in non-abusive situations or are less definitive. Verbal threats, ongoing arguments, or financial stress can arise for many reasons and aren’t in themselves proof of abuse. Including injuries like fractures adds a physical sign, but the presence of strangulation and sexual assault makes the list far more clearly indicative of abusive conduct. No indicators listed is simply incorrect.