Lady of the 80's

Child Abuse Prevention

CHILDHELP USA NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE
1-800-4-A-CHILD
1-800-2-A-CHILD (TDD)

Stop! Don't Hurt That child!

12 things to do if you feel like you're going to explode...

1. Take a deep breath. Take a few more. Remember you are the adult.
2. Close your eyes and imagine you are hearing what the child is about to hear--or receiving the same punishment.
3. Press your lips together and count to 20.
4. Put the child in a "time out" chair for a few minutes. A suggestion: one minute of time out for each year of age.
5. Put yourself in a "time out" chair. Are you really angry at the child--or is it something else?
6. Call a friend to talk about it. If you need to, call the National Child Abuse Hoteline-- listed above.
7. If someone can watch the children, go out for a walk.
8. Take a hot bath or splash cold water on your face.
9. Hug a pillow.
10. Turn on some music. Sing along if you wish.
11. Pick up a pencil and write down a list of helpful words, not words that will hurt. Save the list. Use these words.
12. Send for more information you can keep at home. Write to:

Childhelp USA
15757 N. 78th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Advice from me: Stop the viscious cycle of abuse by finding a good therapist and get the help you need for yourself and the child that you are abusing.

What Kids Can Do

1. Know your rights. Nobody, including your parents, should:
o hit you hard enough to cause an injury.
o leave you by yourself for a long time.
o touch you or tell you to touch anyone else in a way that makes you feel strange or
uncomfortable.
Anyone who does any of these things has a problem. They need help!
2. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't believe anybody who says something bad will happen if you talk.
3. If you know a kid who is being hurt physically or sexually, call the National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD, and talk about it. A Childhelp counselor will tell you just what you need to do.

Some Signs of Abuse

Physical Abuse

. Bruises or welts shaped like an object (such as a belt buckle or an electric cord).
. Bruises in unusual places (back, eyes, mouth, buttocks, genital areas, thighs, calves).
. Layers of different-colored bruises in the same general area.
. "Sock" or "glove" burns on hands or feet, or donought-shaped burns on buttocks (from forcing the child into hot water).
. Small round burns from cigarettes or other hot objects.
. Burns in the shape of an object (iron, fireplace tool or heater).
. Rope burns on ankles, wrists or torso.
. Adult-size bite marks.
. Suspicious fractures (doctors and nurses are trained to recognize these).

Sexual Abuse

. Withdrawal or anti-social attitude.
. Refusal to undress for physical education or sports.
. Exaggerated interest in sex or "acting out" sexually with other children.
. Unusually seductive behavior.
. Fear of intimate contact (hugging or sports).
. Torn, stained or bloody clothing.

Emotional Abuse

. A child who is apathetic (just doesn't care).
. A child who suffers from depression.
. A child who won't take part in play or other school activities.
. A child who is often hostile or aggressive.
. A child with a loss of appetite or who compulsively overats.

Neglect

. A child who is hungry much of the time.
. A child wandering outdoors unsupervised.
. A child unsuitably dressed for the weather.
. A child who shows up early or stays late at school.