The statistics of child abuse are startling and saddening. Sometimes a child's only defenses are the friends, family and members of his or her community. Awareness of signs of abuse is crucial to save victimized children from a life of trauma, or even death.
The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (1974, P.L. 93-247; 1996, P.L. 104-235 ) provides a national definition of child abuse and neglect.
The CAPTA definition reads: "at a minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm."
Types of Child Abuse
With the above definition as a foundation, individual states are responsible for their own definitions of abuse and neglect, falling into one or more of four general categories: Neglect, Physical, Sexual, and Emotional abuse. Below, a brief look at basic characteristics of each category.
Neglect: Failure to provide for a child's basic needs to allow for proper physical, emotional, and mental growth and development. Lack of proper nourishment, education, safety, clothing, shelter and/or medical care.
Physical: Intentional harm caused to a child's person by any form of physical assault regardless of intent. Lack of provision of medical care for injured or ill child.
Sexual: Any activity on a child such as fondling of genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation via pornographic materials and/or prostitution.
Emotional: Psychological damage inflicted on a child by way of threats, insults, extreme punishment, fear, rejection, and isolation, ignoring, or any act or word which hinders positive mental, social, and emotional development.
Recognizing the Signs
Maltreatment can take on any form or combination, including, but not limited to, those listed above. It is important that caregivers, educators, and community members be aware of what to look for when maltreatment is suspected.
Cases must always be considered on an individual basis, with regard to the specifics of the situation. No two abuse patterns are exactly alike and no list of consequential behaviors is ever exhaustive. A single sign may not be indicative of abuse. However, patterns, consistencies or a combination of signs merit a closer look. The following traits are commonly seen in children suffering a type of abuse or neglect:
Physical
- Recurrent bruising, injuries, burns.
- Injuries in the shape of an object (belt buckle,etc).
- Infections indicating delay or neglect of treatment.
- Injuries may be in various stages of healing.
- Lack of hygiene and grooming.
- Soiled clothes, lack of appropriate seasonal wear.
Behavioral
- Sudden change in behavior or school performance.
- Overly compliant, passive, timid, withdrawn.
- Delays going home from school or functions.
- Excuses for injuries that do not seem consistent or believable.
- Frequent absences from or lateness to school.
- Difficulty concentrating, depression.
- Self-destructive/self-abusive behavior.
Sexual Abuse
Signs may be specific to sexual abuse.
- Difficulty sitting or walking.
- Bloodied underwear.
- Genital bruising/tearing.
- Knowledge of a sexual nature inconsistent with age.
- An older child behaving like a younger child (such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking)
- Has new words for private body parts.
- Resists removing clothes when appropriate times (bath, bed, toileting, diapering).
- Asks other children to behave sexually or play sexual games.
- Mimics adult-like sexual behaviors with toys or stuffed animal.
- Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training.
Reporting Child Abuse
If you suspect or know a child is being abused, notify a social worker, your local police department, or contact 1-800-4-A-Child.
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