22 Apr Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention
In the United States, child protective services referral involves 7.2 million children each year. 91% of perpetrators are parents and 77% of children’s deaths involve at least one parent. Child abuse is “acts that result in serious harm or risk of harm, including physical violence, exploitation, and death. Failure to take action to stop the harm is also considered child abuse.” Child neglect is “the failure to provide a child’s basic needs that range from providing clean clothing to medical care.”
Children are placed in situations where they may feel that they cannot speak out. Preparators often convince and manipulate children to lie or be silent about their abuse. Children may be scared, ashamed, or embarrassed by the trauma. A few signs to be mindful of are:
- Physical sign: visible and severe injuries, burn marks, injuries that are difficult to explain
- Behavioral signs: increase avoidance or fear of a specific person, nightmares, difficulty expressing thoughts, wearing clothing that covers up arms, legs, or other parts of the body
- Sexual signs: bruises or bleeding around genital, torn or bloody clothing, pregnancy, pain or itching in the genital area, sexually transmitted infections
- Developmental signs: failure to thrive socially or academically, uncomfortable with physical contact with others, learning or speech disorders
- Psychological signs: low self-esteem, strong shame or guilt, statements or behaviors that appear programmed
The healing process for those who experienced child abuse and neglect tends to be extremely painful – however, it is possible for survivors to go on and have healthy and productive lifestyles. If we want to lower the rate of child abuse cases, we need to be proactive. Listen when it is needed, notice when others don’t, and always be there to help. If you do see a child in need, be sure to call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. This is a 24-hour hotline, and all calls are confidential. You can reach them here: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)