Warning Signs of Child Abuse
Help a Friend
Report Child Abuse
What is Child Abuse?
The term "child abuse" refers to the violence, mistreatment or neglect that a child or adolescent may experience while in the care of someone they either trust or depend on, such as a parent, sibling, other relative, caregiver or guardian. (Department of Justice Canada, 2005).
Types of Child Abuse:
Physical Abuse |
Shaking, Pushing, Hitting |
Emotional Maltreatment |
Verbal abuse to emotional neglect |
Sexual Abuse |
Penetration to sexual exploitation |
Exposure to family violence | Witness to violence between caregivers |
Neglect | Failure to supervise the child or abandonment |
It is important to note, however, that these types of abuse are more typically found in combination than alone. A physically abused child, for example, is often emotionally abused as well, and a sexually abused child also may be neglected. |
Recognizing the Warning Signs and symptoms of child abuse is the first step to breaking free.
Signs of Child Abuse -
The first step to helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination, you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse.
The Child -
The Parent -
The Parent & Child -
TYPES: The following are some signs often associated with particular types of child abuse and neglect: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.
Signs of Physical Abuse -
Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes.
Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school.
Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home.
Shrinks at the approach of adults.
Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver -
Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury.
Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way.
Uses harsh physical discipline with the child.
Has a history of abuse as a child.
Signs of Neglect -
Is frequently absent from school.
Begs or steals food or money.
Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses.
Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor.
Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather.
Abuses alcohol or other drugs.
States that there is no one at home to provide care.
Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver -
Appears to be indifferent to the child.
Seems apathetic or depressed.
Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner.
Is abusing alcohol or other drugs.
Signs of Sexual Abuse -
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex.
Is secretive and isolated.
Is jealous or controlling with family members.
Signs of Emotional Maltreatment -
Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression.
Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example).
Is delayed in physical or emotional development.
Has attempted suicide.
Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.
Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child.
Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's problems.
Overtly rejects the child.
How to Help a Friend?
Report Abuse -
If you know a child who is:
* left home alone
* living with violence
* left without supervision
* sexually abused
* physically harmed
* emotionally harmed
You are OBLIGATED to Report it!
Given the recent Penn State sexual abuse scandal, there has been a lot of media coverage on the topic. However, there has been little if any dialogue related to educational resources on the subject or what we as individuals can do to help prevent sexual abuse and all forms of abuse.
Here are some resources that you can utilize to be an advocate for and educate others related to sexual abuse and domestic abuse prevention. Each link provides direct access to various documents and educational materials that you can print and use:
1. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) – The link here lists multiple ways in which you or your group can get involved with RAINN. Examples include volunteering, being part of the “E-crew” (e.g., using social media, Email outreach, blogging, etc.), and improving public policy.
Twitter: @rainn01
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2. National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women – This link goes to a “Training Resources”site in which there are free webinars, online toolkits, videos, exhibits, games, and curricula. Each of these materials can assist in raising awareness, increasing capacity, or enhancing one’s knowledge-base related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, and other abuse-related topics.
Twitter: @VAWnet
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3. Stop It Now! - Free child sexual abuse prevention resources, including “Prevention” and “Warning Signs” tip sheets that you can download, print, and distribute. Other free downloadable resources, include guidebooks titled “Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: Facts About Abuse and How to Prevent It” and “Let’s Talk: Adults Talking to Adults About Child Sexual Abuse.”
Twitter: @StopItNow
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4. National Domestic Violence Hotline - Link to download resource center containing awareness materials. The National Domestic Violence Hotline creates access by providing 24-hour support through advocacy, safety planning, resources and hope to everyone affected by domestic violence.
Twitter: @NDVH
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5. MedlinePlus (A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health) – Produced by the National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus publishes information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues. This particular link connects to child sexual abuse information, including links to associated third-party resources and research.
Twitter: @medlineplus
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-If you know anyone who is abusing animals let your parents or guardian know. Even better, let the police know. -If your going to adopt an animal, why not adopt an abused animal. They need more love then a new puppy. Sure the puppies are cute but you know what? They grow up…FAST! And sure the abused animals have a few scratches but that means they’ve been through a rough time and need your love and companionship. -Be nice to your pet. If they do something wrong just tap them. Don’t kick or punch or hit them. Thats abuse right there. Just tell them no and scold them gently but violence leads to abuse. The smallest act is still considered abuse of your animal. Don’t do it. -Tell everyone you know the paragraph above. Maybe go around having everyone sign a petition saying how they hate animal abusing or maybe have a strike against abuse. Scare animal abusers or talk them into not abusing. Tell them what they are doing and the consequences. SAVE THE ANIMALS; STOP ANIMAL ABUSE! |
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Stop It Now! has the practical, hopeful and specialized resources adults need to prevent child sexual abuse. Follow the links below to review, download or order prevention materials, buy promotional items, or search for specialized resources. http://www.stopitnow.org/resources |
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'Our children are our future, but their well-being IN OUR SOCIETY continues to decline. The health and safety of our children is EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY. PLEASE help ensure healthy, safe children in our community by taking action as an individual, group, or business.' |
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What is Child Sexual Abuse? Children regardless of their race, culture or economic status appears to be at approximately equal risk for sexual victimization. Child sexual abuse include touching and non touching activity. Touching may include touching of the child’s sexual organs or any private part of the body, insist a child to touch someone’s sexual organs or have sex putting objects or body parts like finger, tongue or penis inside the vagina, in the mouth or in the anus of a child. Child abuse may include showing pornography, exposing adults genital take photograph of a naked child etc. Possible indicators of child sexual abuse: Some children may display signs and symptoms from which you can suspect that they were sexually abused. They are called indicators. Indicators may be physical and behavioural. |
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