WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?

Child abuse is the willful mistreatment of a child by his or her parents, relatives or guardian. Child abuse is violence to children which includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse or neglect. Child sexual and physical abuse is not limited to the family structure. These types of crimes are often committed by acquaintances of the victim, through organizations outside the family such as date rape, abuse occurring at day care centers, schools, churches, boy's clubs, girl's clubs or even in your own neighborhood. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Although these signs do not necessarily indicate that a child has been abused, they may help adults recognize that something is wrong. The possibility of abuse should be investigated if a child shows a number of these symptoms, or any of them to a marked degree: Sexual Abuse Being overly affectionate or knowledgeable in a sexual way inappropriate to the child's age Medical problems such as chronic itching, pain in the genitals, venereal diseases Other extreme reactions, such as depression, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, running away, overdoses, anorexia Personality changes such as becoming insecure or clinging Regressing to younger behaviour patterns such as thumb sucking or bringing out discarded cuddly toys Sudden loss of appetite or compulsive eating Being isolated or withdrawn Inability to concentrate Lack of trust or fear of someone they know well, such as not wanting to be alone with a baby-sitter or child minder Starting to wet again, day or night/nightmares Become worried about clothing being removed Suddenly drawing sexually explicit pictures Trying to be 'ultra-good' or perfect; overreacting to criticism Physical Abuse Unexplained recurrent injuries or burns Improbable excuses or refusal to explain injuries Wearing clothes to cover injuries, even in hot weather Refusal to undress for gym Bald patches Chronic running away Fear of medical help or examination Self-destructive tendencies Aggression towards others Fear of physical contact - shrinking back if touched Admitting that they are punished, but the punishment is excessive (such as a child being beaten every night to 'make him study') Fear of suspected abuser being contacted Emotional Abuse Physical, mental and emotional development lags Sudden speech disorders Continual self-depreciation ('I'm stupid, ugly worthless, etc.') Overreaction to mistakes Extreme fear of any new situation Inappropriate response to pain ('I deserve this') Neurotic behavior (rocking, hair twisting. self-mutilation) Extremes of passivity or aggression Note: A child may be subjected to a combination of different kinds of abuse. It is also possible that a child may show no outward signs and hide what is happening from everyone. Suspected Abuse If you suspect that a child is being abused, seek advice from the police or social services. It is preferable that you identity yourself and give details. However, if you feel unsure and would like to discuss the situation, there are several options available: Talk to the child's school counselor (if the child is of school age) Talk to another adult who may be observing the same circumstances Call the local Child Protective Services or the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) Helpline. You can speak to these organizations (and the police and social services) anonymously. Knowing how damaging abuse is to children, it is up to the adults around them to take responsibility for stopping it. Look in your local phone book - Child Protective Services - Child Welfare - or the national Child Abuse Hotline. In many states suspecting child abuse and NOT reporting it is a CRIME.