Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As we think about prevention, it is important to understand what child abuse is and what signs we might observe that would warrant concern. Mandated reporters like teachers, coaches, social workers, nurses, doctors, health workers, and other community service workers are well trained in the signs. But as community members, we all have a responsibility to look out for our children and report abuse when it occurs. Let’s explore some of the signs of child abuse, and how we can be alert to them. 

Child abuse is broadly defined as emotional, physical, verbal, sexual, exploitative, and the most common form, neglect. More children die or end up in foster care because of neglect than any other form of abuse. Abused children are at risk of teen pregnancy and risky sexual behavior. As adults, they are at risk of abusing their own children, perpetuating the cycle of violence. One study found that 80 percent of 21 –year olds who had been abused in childhood met the criteria for at least one psychological disorder. Children under 4 years of age and children with disabilities are the most vulnerable to abuse. The consequences of child abuse are lifelong and can be dire, especially if no intervention is sought or available. That is why it is so important to be aware of the signs that a child is being abused and to intervene as early as possible.

Signs of Abuse

Let’s look at some signs that might indicate abuse is taking place, and that intervention is needed. There might be other reasons for some of these behaviors, but they may also be indicative of abuse, especially if they occur in combination.

• Some signs of physical abuse are unexplained bruises, welts, fractures, bite marks or burns; behaviors like extreme aggressiveness or extreme withdrawal; fear of parents and reluctance to go home; general wariness of adults. Children will often have an excuse for bruises and other physical signs, but frequency should be an alert to possible abuse.
• Some signs of emotional abuse may be extreme behaviors such as extreme aggression or extreme compliance and passivity; rocking, biting or destructive behavior; inhibited play with other children; sleep disorder; and speech disorder. Verbal assaults by parents, such as belittling, screaming, blaming, threatening, and giving conflicting messages to a child are damaging and can cause long lasting emotional damage.
• Some signs of sexual abuse may be difficulty walking or sitting; constantly touching genital areas; bruising, bleeding, pain or itching in genital areas; venereal disease, and pregnancy. Behaviors that might indicate abuse include sophisticated knowledge of or participation in sexual behavior, and reluctance to change clothes for PE in school.
• Some signs of physical neglect may be consistent hunger, stealing food; poor hygiene; chronic fatigue; inappropriate dress, like summer clothes in winter and no coat; and unattended medical and physical conditions. Signs of general neglect do not involve physical maltreatment, but leave a child feeling abandoned, not loved or wanted, unsafe and insecure. Emotional deprivation is an insidious form of abuse. The lack of supervision often leads children to engage in risky behaviors. The home may be unsanitary, filled with garbage, lack heat or adequate plumbing, have fire hazards, lack adequate sleeping arrangements, and be generally unsafe. Suspicion of an unsafe home may warrant a request of your local Health Department for a safety check.

Risk Factors for Child Abuse

Sexual exploitation and trafficking is another dangerous form of child abuse.Teens are often lured into being trafficked by a promise of safety. Teens have often left a home where they were sexually or otherwise abused, only to find life on the street difficult. The promise of shelter and food may lead them to exploitation. Homeless youth who have aged out of foster care and adolescents and teens living in group homes are also easy prey to traffickers. 

How Can We Help Address and Prevent Child Abuse?

What can we, as community members, do to address and prevent child abuse? How can we support children and families in our communities? There are protective factors that can limit or mitigate the risks of abuse, and we can advocate for them.

Many caregivers strive to create relationships with their children that are grounded in safety, nurturance, and mutual respect. They aim to meet their children’s basic needs of food, shelter, education, and health. They provide economic and emotional security, establish strong support systems, and provide oversight and supervision of their children’s activities. When parents do not have the ability to provide these important resources, communities can step up to provide the mentorship needed to help them learn and achieve success.