Definition of child abuse Types of child abuse Signs of child abuse When you suspect child abuse Links for more information about child abuse

Definition of child abuse

• Child abuse is behavior directed towards children that results in harm or injury or that seriously interferes with normal child development. 
• Child abuse happens when parents and siblings become out-of-control with their anger and children are injured. This happens in several ways. Examples are persistent verbal aggression and criticism, inappropriate sexual behavior, physical aggression that injures, and the omission of necessary care. 
• Most children are injured by people they know and who care for them. 
• Child abuse interferes with healthy child development. Children are forced to develop ways of coping with violence that limit their functioning as teens and adults. 
• Unfortunately, child abuse is very common. It is estimated that 3 million children are abused each year. Between 3 and 10 million more witness domestic violence. Witnessing violence is traumatic for a child. 

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Types of child abuse

• Physical Abuse:  The non-accidental physical injury of a child
• Neglect:  The withdrawal of or failure to provide a child with the basic necessities for physical growth and development
• Sexual Abuse:  Physical or non-physical sexual contact between a child and an adult or older child for the sexual gratification of the offender
• Emotional Abuse:  A pattern of adult behavior that attacks a child's emotional development and sense of self-worth

Signs of abuse

Physical Abuse

Does the child...?

• have unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
• have fading bruises or other noticeable marks
• seem frightened of a parent or guardian or cry when it is time to go home from school
• shrink at the approach of adults
• report injury by a parent or adult caregiver
• seem unusually withdrawn and compliant or overly aggressive

Do the parents or other adult caregivers...?

• offer conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanations for the child's injury
• describe the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way
• use harsh physical discipline with the child
• have a history of abuse as a child

Neglect

Does the child...?

• frequently miss school
• beg or steal food or money from friends or classmates
• lack needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses
• appear consistently dirty or have severe body odor
• lack sufficient appropriate clothing for the weather
• abuse alcohol or other drugs
• state that there is no one at home to provide care

Do the parents or other adult caregivers...?

• appear to be indifferent to the child
• seem apathetic or depressed
• behave irrationally or in a bizarre manner
• abuse alcohol or other drugs

Sexual Abuse

Does the child...?

• have difficulty walking or sitting
• suddenly refuse to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
• demonstrate bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
• have a venereal disease/has the child become pregnant (particularly if under age 14)
• run away from home
• report sexual abuse

Do the parents or other adult caregivers...?

• appear unduly protective of the child, severely limiting the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex
• seem secretive or isolated
• describe marital difficulties involving family power struggles or sexual relations

Emotional Maltreatment

Does the child...?

• show extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity or aggression
• display behaviors which are inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequent rocking or head-banging, for example)
• seem delayed in physical or emotional development
• speak of or attempt suicide
• report a lack of attachment to the parent

Do the parents or adult caregivers...?

• constantly blame, belittle, or berate the child
• appear unconcerned about the child or refuse to consider offers of help for the child's school problems
• overtly reject the child

This brief list of symptoms and indicators is neither conclusive nor comprehensive.  While it is difficult to be certain that these signs result from abuse, they do provide reason for concern and suggest that further evaluation or assessment may be needed.

It is important to realize that an abused child may be quiet, cooperative and overachieving. Such children may not receive much attention, as they are not posing difficulties for teachers or other adults.

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When you suspect abuse

• All professionals who work with children are mandated reporters. 
• It is not your responsibility to investigate whether abuse is occurring. If you suspect abuse, you must make a report. 
• Suspicions of abuse should be reported to Childline, 1-800-932-0313.  
• Private citizens may choose to report and have the right to remain anonymous, if they wish. 
• We can all do something about child abuse
• We can make sure all parents have ready access to support and information about child development and parenting. 
• We can reach out to isolated friends, family members, and neighbors who are parents to provide support. 
• We can make sure that poor families have the basic necessities to care for their children. 
• We can try to convince a parent who is abusing alcohol or drugs to seek treatment. 

If you see a child being mistreated in a public place

• Try to engage the parent in a non-critical and supportive way.  Ask if you can help. The goal is to interrupt the intense conflict between the parent and child by adding a third person -- you. 
• Stay calm and respectful. Ask the parent's permission before trying to engage the child. "Can I help you by playing with your child for a moment?"  "How about if I watch your child for a second while you take care of..."  Tell the parent about how your own child may have acted the same way once -- show you understand how frustrating it can be, sometimes, to be a parent. 
• If the parent gets angry at you and tells you not to interfere, don't take it personally. You can help the situation best by staying calm. 

Links on child abuse

• Childhelp USA - www.childhelpusa.org
• National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect - www.calib.com/nccanch/
• Children's Bureau - www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb/
• Office of Children, Youth & Families - www.dpw.state.pa.us/ocyf/ocyfca.asp
• Child Abuse Prevention Month Information