Approximately Three Million Child Abuse Reports Annually...

Each day five children die as a result of abuse or neglect. On average, a child abuse report is made every ten seconds, a total of approximately three million child abuse reports annually.

Child abuse is doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to a child or puts a child at risk of harm. Child abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Neglect, or not providing for a child's needs, is also a form of abuse.

Most abused children suffer greater emotional than physical damage. An abused child may become depressed. He or she may withdraw, think of suicide or become violent. An older child may use drugs or alcohol, try to run away or abuse others.

Child abuse is a serious problem. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the police or your local child welfare agency.

Forms of Child Abuse:

Physical abuse

Any non-accidental injury to a child. This includes hitting, kicking, slapping, shaking, burning, pinching, hair pulling, biting, choking, throwing, shoving, whipping, and paddling.

Sexual abuse

Any sexual act between an adult and child. This includes fondling, penetration, intercourse, exploitation, pornography, exhibitionism, child prostitution, group sex, oral sex, or forced observation of sexual acts.

Neglect

Failure to provide for a child’s physical needs. This includes lack of supervision, inappropriate housing or shelter, inadequate provision of food and water, inappropriate clothing for season or weather, abandonment, denial of medical care and inadequate hygiene.

Emotional abuse

Any attitude or behavior which interferes with a child’s mental health or social development. This includes yelling, screaming, name-calling, shaming, negative comparisons to others, telling them they are “bad, no good, worthless” or “a mistake.” It also includes the failure to provide the affection and support necessary for the development of a child’s emotional, social, physical and intellectual well-being. This includes ignoring, lack of appropriate physical affection (hugs), not saying “I love you,” withdrawal of attention, lack of praise and lack of positive reinforcement.

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The following child abuse prevention guidelines to help keep your child or a child you care for from becoming a statistic.

Prevention of child Abuse

Child Abuse Prevention Guidelines

• Never discipline your child when your anger is out of control.
• Participate in your child’s activities and get to know your child’s friends.
• Never leave your child unattended, especially in the car.
• Teach your child the difference between “good touches,” “bad touches” and “confusing touches.
• Ask questions; for example, when your child tells you he or she doesn’t want to be with someone, this could be a red flag.
• Listen to them and believe what they say.
• Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior or attitude, and inquire into it.
• Teach your child what to do if you and your child become separated while away from home.
• Teach your child the correct names of his/her private body parts.
• Be alert for any talk that reveals a premature sexual understanding.
• Pay attention when someone shows greater than normal interest in your child.
• Make certain your child’s school or day care center will release him/her only to you or someone you officially designate.

To learn more about child abuse prevention, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD® (1-800-422-4453). The 24-hour hotline is staffed with professional counselors who offer information about child abuse prevention as well as crisis intervention, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service and support resources.