The signs of abuse and neglect to look for

On Sunday, a 17-year-old escaped from a home where she and 12 siblings had been held captive by their parents in Perris, Calif. Both parents were arrested for torture and child endangerment.

At a press conference about the case, officials said one of the most important things that can be done to stop similar situations is to call and report suspected cases of abuse.

Here are the signs to look for and report, especially if you spot a pattern, according to the government's Child Welfare Information Gateway.

To reach the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, call 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453) or look up your local number.

SIGNS OF NEGLECT

Child often misses school

Child steals or begs for food or money

Child lacks necessary medical care

Child has severe body odor and/or does not seem clean

Child does not properly dress for the weather

Child says no one is home to care for them

Parent/guardian and/or child abuses drugs or alcohol

Parent/guardian does not appear to care about the child

Parent/guardian exhibits bizarre behavior

SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE

Child has injuries that child and/or parent/guardian cannot explain including burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes, especially after an absence from school

Child seems frightened of parent/guardian and does not want to go home with them

Child shrinks away from approaching adults

Child says that their parent/guardian hurt them

Child and/or parent abuses animals/pets

Parent/guardian describes the child in a very negative way

Parent/guardian uses harsh physical discipline

There is a family history of abuse

SIGNS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Child has trouble walking or sitting

Child suddenly will not participate in physical activities

Child says they wet the bed and/or have nightmares

Child has a sudden increased or decreased appetite

Child demonstrates unusual sexual knowledge or behavior

Child becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, especially if younger than 14 years old

Child runs away

Child says they have been sexually abused

Child develops quick attachment to new environments and people

Parent/guardian severely limits child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex

Parent/guardian is secretive and keeps to themselves

Parent/guardian is jealous or controlling

SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Child exhibits extreme behavior in terms of passivity/aggression, compliance or maturity

Child has delayed emotional and/or physical development

Child has attempted suicide

Child says they do not care about the parent

Parent consistently scolds, belittles and/or blames child

Parent does not show concern for solving child's problems

Parent/guardian rejects child