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FAQs
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| Child abuse and neglect is a national problem which has increased to epidemic proportions in the United States. More than 2.5 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States annually. Hundreds of deaths result from child abuse each year. Most runaways, adolescent prostitutes and teenage delinquent’s report having been victims of some form of child abuse, and it is reported that a majority of violent criminals suffered abuse, either physical and/or sexual as children. Abuse robs children of the opportunity to develop healthy, trusting relationships with adults, contributes to low self-esteem, and impairs healthy psycho-social development. Indeed, the effects of childhood abuse often last a lifetime What is child abuse? The term "child abuse" can be defined as any behavior directed toward a child by a parent, guardian, care giver, other family member, or other adult, that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development. While child abuse and neglect affect all segments of society and know no socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, or religious boundaries, included among the factors which often contribute to child abuse are alcohol and substance abuse, lack of parenting skills, economic difficulties or poverty, domestic violence and previous victimization. What are signs of possible physical abuse? Physical child abuse involves external injuries and is more easily detected than other forms of abuse. The following signs may indicate physical abuse: -
Unexplained injuries, especially those located on parts of the body not usually affected by normal childhood activities, (e.g., eyes, mouth, back, thighs, buttocks, genital areas, etc.). -
Repeated injuries such as bruises, welts or burns, especially those where the shape of an object is visible, (e.g., an electric cord, hair brush, belt, buckle, board, cigarette, etc.). -
Abrasions or lacerations appearing on the body for no apparent reason. Injuries in various stages of healing which appear in a regular pattern or are grouped together. -
Small circular burns which may have been inflicted by a cigarette or cigar, often found on forearms, hands, buttocks, or soles of the feet. -
Burns with a "doughnut" shape on the buttocks which may indicate a child was dipped or forced to sit in scalding liquid. Any burn which shows the pattern of the object used to inflict the injury (e.g., an iron, fireplace tool, heaters, etc.). -
Burns caused by friction, usually found on arms, neck, legs, or torso indicating a rope or cord may have been used to tie up the victim. -
Unexplained fractures, (e.g., nose, face, ribs, legs, arms, etc.). -
Behavior by the child which may be hyperactive, disruptive, and aggressive, or complacent, compliant, shy, withdrawn or uncommunicative. -
Denial by parents that anything is wrong, unlikely explanation for the child’s injuries, delays in obtaining medical care, or inadequate care given and injuries which occur with increasing frequency or severity What about neglect? Child neglect is the continued failure to provide a child with necessary care and protection including adequate shelter, food, clothing, medical care, etc. Lack of appropriate supervision, especially for young children, for extended periods of time is also considered child neglect. Signs of possible neglect include: -
Appears poorly nourished or inadequately clothed; -
Appears consistently tired or listless; -
Inconsistent attendance at school; -
Lack of good hygiene, or an obsession with cleanliness; -
Is regularly left alone in dangerous situations, or over long periods of time; -
Exhibits evidence that medical needs are not being met; -
Unable to relate well to adults or has trouble forming close friendships.
Why are children physically abused and/or neglected?
Parents who abuse their children may love them very much but not very well. The most prevalent reasons for child abuse and neglect are: -
The parents were abused as children and lacked a successful model of parenting and family life. -
Immaturity, the absence of parenting preparation skills, and a lack of understanding of child development often result in the creation of unrealistic expectations for a child’s behavior. When the child fails to meet these expectations, frustration on the part of the parent may erupt in anger toward the child. -
Abusing parents often feel isolated or keep themselves isolated from others. They may expect the child to satisfy their unmet emotional needs. -
Financial pressures, poor housing conditions, loss of a job and the inability to provide for the needs of the family can cause parents to feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. -
Alcohol and substance abuse compound the chances for loss of control and eruption of violent behavior. | | |
