CHILDREN

CHILD ABUSE

WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?
Child abuse is hurting or not caring for a child. It can be physical - hurting the child's body. It can be emotional - criticizing how a child thinks or feels.

Child abuse is against the law. If you think someone is hurting a child, you must tell the Child Welfare Agency in your state. This is the law. If you do not report your suspicions, you are breaking the law, too.

RECOGNIZING CHILD ABUSE
There are two basic ways to tell if a child is being abused. One is by looking at the child for physical signs of abuse. The other is by observing how the child acts. Remember, a healthy child may show one or more of these signs once in a while. However, if you see these signs often, the child may be the victim of abuse.

SIGNS OF ABUSE

Physical Signs:

has unexplained bruises, welts, or breaks on face, lips, mouth, body, back, bottom, thighs, or sex organs (genitals)
exhibits bruises in different stages of healing
has bruises shaped like a belt buckle, electrical cord, or something that could be used to hurt a child
has bruises in several different areas
exhibits bruises after the child has been absent
has unexplained burns
has cigar or cigarette burns, especially on feet, hands, back, or bottom
exhibits burns from being placed in hot water, (sock-like, glove-like, or doughnut shaped on bottom or sex organs)
has burns in patterns (like elec-tric stove burner, iron, etc.)
has rope burns on arms, legs, neck, or body
has infected burns (showing that the burn was not treated right away)
has trouble walking or sitting
has torn, stained, or bloody under clothing
experiences pain when going to the bathroom
has discharge from sex organs
has venereal disease (especially in preteens)
needs to go to bathroom often
has a vacant or frozen stare
has continuing problems such as stomachaches, vomiting, etc.
is behind in physical development fails to grow or gain weight

often feels deserving of punishment
is somewhat fearful of contact with adults
is frightened when other chil-dren cry
behavior changes from very shy to aggressive and/or over active
is frightened of parents
is afraid to go home
is very inactive or daydreams a lot
lies very still while watching surroundings (in infants)
responds to questions with one word
looks and acts older than he or she should for age
acts up to get attention
does not make close friendships
seeks affection at any time
thinks little of himself or herself
always tries to do everything he or she is told
is constantly crabby
reports sexual assault by person caring for him or her
feels and acts very unhappy
suddenly has sleeping or eating problems
exhibits much or unusual rubbing of the genitals
tells someone something but not the whole story ("We have a secret, but I can't tell," "I want to tell you something, but I can't," etc.)
exhibits withdrawal, fantasy, or babyish behavior
has weird sexual ideas or behavior
injures himself or herself
has speech problems
is very active or behaves in such a way as to disturb others
has a pale face and blank stare
exhibits a habit disorder such as unusual sucking, biting, or rocking

ACTIVITIES TO TRY

1. Ask your trainer or agency representative for the telephone number to call to report abuse. Put this number on the wall near your telephone.
2. Think about how to report abuse. With a spouse or a friend, practice calling to report abuse.

Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Eller, C.L. (1991). Child abuse (Family Day Care Facts series). Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts.

Any additions or changes to these materials must be preapproved by the author.

AlbertaRose would like to thank The National Network for Child Care, Journey In Time for Monday's Child Images