Safe adults should be on the lookout for signs of physical abuse in children in their care. Some signs include frequent bruises or cuts, frequent and unexplained absences or injuries. Physical abuse can include hitting, kicking, shaking, or other forceful actions, resulting in harm or even death. Children who are suffering from physical abuse may be distrustful or reluctant to receive physical contact, and may dress inappropriately for the season, wearing long pants or long-sleeved shirts to hide injuries. For more information, read the VIRTUS® article “Recognizing Child Maltreatment” at lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.