ABOUT PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE
What is Child Abuse?
- It's any mistreatment of a child that results in harm or injury. Child abuse includes:
v Physical Abuse- for example, hurting a child by hitting, biting, shaking or burning.
v Emotional Abuse-for example, crushing a child's spirit by using extreme ways of punishing, threats or put-downs.
v Sexual Abuse- for example, sexual contact with the child; using a child for sexual films or prostitution; obscene language.
v Neglect-for example, not meeting a child's needs (love, physical affection, attentions, etc.); physical needs (food, suitable clothing, supervision, health care, etc.); or educational needs (enrollment in school, requiring attendance, etc.)
Why should I learn about it?
-Because child abuse hurts everyone.
v Children suffer. The physical and emotional harm can last a life time.
v Society Suffers, too. The cost in ruined lives and broken families can’t be measured.
There’s a lot you can do… you can help prevent child abuse and limit the damage suffered by children and families.
The emotional effects of abuse can last a lifetime.
v Low self-esteem- Children naturally think that adults are always correct. So abused children may grow up believing they are bad and deserving abuse.
v Problems with feelings- Emotional damage from abuse can stunt a child’s emotional growth. Later in life, the child may be unable to show his or her feelings-or to understand others’ feelings.
v Problems with relationships- Poor emotional development and lack of trust can make meaningful relationships difficult as an adult.
Many adult abusers were abused as children. Victims of child abuse should seek help- no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
Understanding people who abuse children is important to understanding child abuse. There is no “Typical” child abuser. They come form all economic, ethnic and social groups.
v Many are ordinary people
v Most know and love the children they abuse
Some common traits among people who abuse children include:
v Low self esteem
v Poor control over emotions
v A history of being abused
STRESS IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN CHILD ABUSE.
Too much stress can push even the strongest person to the limit. Some common sources of stress include:
v Financial troubles
v Social Isolation
v Marital problems
v Lack of parenting skills
v Illness
v Abuse of alcohol and 0ther drugs
There’s no excuse for child abuse, it’s everyone’s responsibility to find healthy ways to deal with stress without hurting children.
WARNING SIGNS
· Bruises, welts or broken bones
· Cuts or scrapes
· Burns
· Missing hair
· Injuries of redness around genitals
· Injuries in different stages of healing
· Injury, or medical condition that hasn’t been treated properly.
The child or parent may explain these injuries as accidents.
· Aggressive or withdrawn behavior
· Unusual fears ( of certain people, of going home etc..)
· Craving for attention
· Fatigue
· Lack of concentration
· Hunger, begging for food, stealing
· Frequent tardiness of absence from school
· Unusual knowledge of sex
· Harshly punish the child in public
· Refer to child as “difficult, “different”, or “bad”
· Seem unconcerned about the child
· Give conflicting stories about the injuries
· Become defensive when asked about the child’s health
Signs like these don’t always mean abuse. But it’s best to find out for sure. Act now if you suspect or know of abuse.
ABOUT REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
Many people fear that reporting or admitting abuse will destroy the family.
The truth is getting help can:
· PROTECT CHILDREN from further harm
· HELP THE FAMILY face and overcome problems
· Children may be removed from a home for their immediate safety. However proper treatment can often help children and families return to healthier lives.
TAKE ACTION
-Child abuse must be reported and addressed! If you are abusing a child, or know of someone who is, it’s your responsibility to act.
· Every state has laws requiring certain people, such as teachers, child-care workers and health care workers, to report known or suspected cases of abuse. Know the laws and reporting procedures in your state.
- Can child abuse be prevented?
-Yes! Child abuse can often be prevented or stopped through the efforts of:
· Schools
· Neighbors & Families
· Communities that provide- Education in parenting skills
Day care services
Counseling & support
WHERE TO GET HELP AND INFORMATION? Click link on Left