Warning Signs of Potential Child Maltreatment to Keep in Mind

In the United States, one in seven children experiences child abuse or neglect each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It's crucial for everyone to understand the different types of child abuse and the signs to look out for.

Physical Abuse

Frequent or unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, burns, scalds, bite marks, or fractures, especially in unusual places like torso, ears, neck, or in very young children, are common signs of physical abuse. Injuries in varying stages of healing or patterned injuries (e.g., belt marks) are also indicative. Children wearing inappropriate clothing to cover injuries, behaving fearfully around adults, or displaying aggression towards others are other potential signs.

Emotional Abuse

Excessive withdrawal, fearfulness, or anxiety about doing something wrong, children displaying low self-esteem, excessive fear, or appearing depressed, and caregivers showing cold or rejecting behavior or blaming the child for problems are all signs of emotional abuse. Persistent criticism, rejection, threats, or withholding emotional support leading to poor emotional development are also red flags.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse may involve pressured or secretive sexual activities with adults or older children in positions of power. While it may include physical signs such as unusual physical symptoms, especially in the genital area, it often involves behavioural indicators such as sexualized behaviour inappropriate for age, reluctance to be alone with certain adults, or secrecy.

Neglect

Failure to provide basic needs such as adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision, education, or emotional attention is a form of neglect. Signs include poor hygiene, malnutrition, frequent illness, unattended medical problems, or persistent absence from school.

Medical Child Abuse (a form of physical abuse)

Caregivers fabricate or induce illness in a child, leading to unnecessary medical procedures or treatments.

Each type of abuse can have overlapping signs, including changes in behaviour, emotional distress, and physical indicators. Recognising these signs early is crucial for safeguarding children.

If you suspect child abuse, it's essential to contact your local child protective agency, police, or hospital. If you suspect someone you know is abusing a child, keep the child away from the abuser until the authorities are notified.

If you think you've hurt your child, reach out for help and ensure your child is somewhere safe and away from you. If the child needs immediate medical attention, call 911 or your local emergency hotline.

Child abuse is considered both a crime and intentional harm or maltreatment of a child under 18. It's everyone's responsibility to report suspected child abuse and work together to create safer environments for our children.

For 24-hour support, you can call or text the Childhelp National Child Abuse hotline at 800.422.4453. Parents should also teach their children not to accept rides from strangers claiming to know their parents.

[1] National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS). (2020). Child Maltreatment 2018. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/index.html

[3] American Psychological Association. (2014). Resilience and Recovery from Child Maltreatment: Translating Research into Practice. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/child-maltreatment/resilience.pdf

[4] National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. (2020). Shaken Baby Syndrome. Retrieved from https://dontshake.org/shaken-baby-syndrome/

[5] National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. (2020). Signs of Child Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline/resources/signs-of-child-abuse