Day 7 - Awareness
Child Abuse and Neglect
From The Joyful Heart Foundation website, www.joyfulheartfoundation.org
Who Does Child Abuse and Neglect Affect?
Child abuse and neglect can affect any child younger than age 18, and occurs across socioeconomic, religious, ethnic and educational backgrounds. In 2011, reports of abuse and neglect signaled that boys and girls are similarly affected, with 48.6 percent male and 51.1 percent female who are the subjects of reports of child abuse and neglect.1
The true occurrence of child abuse may be higher than Child Protective Services (CPS) indicates, because abuse is not always recognized or reported by adults. Non-CPS studies, such as the National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence, the nation’s most comprehensive study of children’s exposure to violence, indicates that one in five children have been reported to suffer some form of child abuse or neglect.2
On average, more than five children die every day as a result of child abuse or neglect. Approximately 82 percent of these children are under the age of four, making early childhood the most high-risk time.3 Within that age bracket, children are the most vulnerable in their first year of life.
Of the 6.2 million children reported to Child Protective Services as potential victims of child abuse in 2011, the government confirmed that there were 681,000 cases of child abuse and neglect. Of the 681,000 children affected by abuse, there were 1,570 fatalities, with 81.6 percent of the deaths occurring in children younger than 4 years old.
In addition, up to 15.5 million children witness violence domestic violence in their homes every year.
Regardless of whether a child have been abused or not, developing safe environments for children and positive parenting skills as adults is imperative for children. They determine a child’s ability to thrive. If left unaddressed, the impacts of child abuse can also have effects in the generations to come. When a child is abused or witnesses abuse, he or she learns that violence is a method used to control others and may consciously or unconsciously repeat the cycle of abuse as an adult. However, it is important to note that most adult survivors of childhood abuse do not go on to become abusers as adults. For many survivors, their childhood experiences may motivate them to protect their children and end the cycle of violence in their family.4
1 United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau, Child Maltreatment 2011, (2012), N.p.
2 Finkelhor, David. "Children's Exposure to Violence: A Comprehensive National Survey," Office of Justice Programs, Centers for Disease Control, (Oct. 2009).
3 United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau, Child Maltreatment 2010, (2011), www.acf.hhs.gov.
4 Smith, Melinda and Segal, Jeanne, “Child Abuse & Neglect: Recognizing, Preventing, and Reporting Child Abuse,” (June 2013), www.helpguide.org.
Know the Signs
There are many signs that can indicate ongoing or recent child abuse and neglect. The most recognizable are physical signs, such as cuts and bruises in different stages of healing, rashes, redness in the genital area or a child’s appearance overall.
However, there are other signs of abuse like changes in behavior, fatigue or changes in eating patterns that may not be as apparent, which can contribute to abuse going undetected.
Child abuse and neglect are never the child’s fault. Many abusive adults rely on a child’s innocence to convince children to be silent, or lie about abuse that is going on. Children who have survived abuse may experience feelings of shame, guilt or embarrassment associated with maltreatment or neglect, and may even believe the abuse is their fault. Experiencing these feelings is wounding and can make a child feel confused or alone. However, in many cases it is possible to mitigate—or even prevent—these negative outcomes by recognizing and knowing the common signs and reactions to child abuse. Recognizing the indicators and beginning an open and supportive conversation with a child is an important first step in identifying a problem and beginning the healing process.
The signs listed below are not definitive statements of abuse, but rather suggest that if a child is exhibiting these signs, close monitoring should be enacted to ensure the child is protected.
Signs of child abuse
Children who have experienced child abuse and may demonstrate any of the following signs.
Developmental:
- Failure to thrive socially or academically
- Speech disorders
- Delayed physical development
- Attachment issues, such as discomfort with physical contact or difficulty connecting with others
- Lags in physical, emotional or intellectual development
- Learning disorders
Behavioral:
- Behavior extremes, such as appearing overly compliant and passive or very demanding and aggressive.
- Withdrawn and/or overly sensitive behaviors
- Increased fear or avoidance of a specific person and/or situation
- Difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings
- Substance use
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- Anxiety and/or excessive worrying
Physical:
- Bruises, welts or swelling
- Sprains or fractures
- Burns
- Lacerations or abrasions
- Frequent physical complaints, such as stomachaches and headaches
- Fatigue
- Bedwetting
Sexual:
- Difficulty in walking or sitting
- Torn, stained or bloody clothing
- Pain or itching in the genital area; bruises or bleeding in the external genital area
- Sexually transmitted infections or diseases
- Pregnancy
- Knowledge of or interest in sexual behaviors that are not age appropriate
Psychological:
- Low self-esteem
- Uncharacteristic obedience or perfectionism
- Strong feelings of shame or guilt
- Programmed statements or behaviors
Signs of neglect
Children who have experienced child abuse and may demonstrate any of the following signs.
Developmental:
- Failure to thrive
- Delayed physical development
- Speech disorders
- Attachment issues, such as seeking comfort and attention from others or difficulty forming relationships
- Lags in physical, emotional or intellectual development.
- Learning disorders
Physical:
- Lack of adequate supervision, nutrition, shelter
- Poor hygiene
- Inappropriate dress
- Rashes or skin abrasions
- Frequently home alone or without appropriate supervision
Educational:
- Infrequent attendance in school
- Excessive tardiness
- Lack of school supplies
- Incomplete or missing homework or school forms
Medical:
- Unattended medical or dental needs
- Regular illnesses
Behavioral:
- Low self-esteem
- Behavior extremes, such as appearing overly compliant and passive or very demanding and aggressive
- Substance abuse
Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect
Every child has a right to a safe childhood and a life free from violence. The experience of child abuse and neglect infringe upon that right.
The effects of abuse affect each child differently. While the effects of abuse can be severe and long-lasting, children who have been abused or exposed to violence can and do go on to have healthy and productive childhoods and adult lives. Children are resilient, and being able to discuss and guide our children through a recovery process is crucial to their success. It is often the first step towards healing. In most cases, once their safety is assured, children can overcome the effects of trauma through professional counseling or other supportive interventions.
Developmental and psychological and effects
The brain develops at an incredible pace during the early developmental stages of infancy and childhood. Studies about early childhood development indicate that the brain develops in response to experiences with caregivers, family and the community, and that its development is directly linked to the quality and quantity of those experiences. Meeting a child’s needs during these early stages creates emotional stability and security that is needed for healthy brain development. Repeated exposure to stressful events can affect the brain’s stress response, making it more reactive and less adaptive. With time a child may react as if danger is always present in their environment regardless of what the presenting situation actually is.1
Research has found that children exposed to violence or abuse, if left unaddressed or ignored, are at an increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems in the future.2 Children who are abused may not be able to express their feelings safely and as a result, may develop difficulties regulating their emotions. As adults, they may continue to struggle with their feelings, which can lead to depression or anxiety.3
The following are some of possible effects of child abuse and neglect on a child’s mental health:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dissociation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Academic problems in school-aged children and adolescents
- Withdrawn and/or difficulty connecting with others
- Flashbacks
- Increased hypervigilance
- Difficulty sleeping
The overall impact of abuse also depends on the child’s natural reactions to stress and ways of coping with stressful situations. Other factors can include age at which the trauma occurred, previous exposure to unrelated traumatic incidents and extent of therapy or timing of intervention.
Physical effects
Children are more physically susceptible to injury than adults as their bodies are still in development. When a child is being physically abused or neglected some of these injuries are apparent. However, there are times when a perpetrator is careful not to leave marks or injuries that are visible so that the abuse is not discovered. Being able to recognize the physical effects of abuse can be crucial in identifying an abusive situation and taking steps to protect a child from further abuse or neglect.
These are some common effects observed in children who have been physically or sexually abused and/or neglected:
- Bruises, welts or swelling
- Sprains or fractures
- Burns
- Lacerations or abrasions
- Difficulty in walking or sitting
- Torn, stained or bloody clothing
- Pain or itching in the genital area; bruises or bleeding in the external genital area
- Sexually transmitted infections or diseases
- Lack of adequate supervision, nutrition or shelter
- Poor hygiene
- Inappropriate dress
Children may develop these as ways to cope with complex trauma, or perhaps even to forget or suppress the traumatizing memories.
Possible emotional and behavioral effects of trauma include:
- Eating disorders
- Drug use
- Risky sexual decision-making
- Self-harm
- Troubled sleeping
- Discomfort with physical touch
Effects on children who witness domestic violence
The emotional toll on children who witness threats or violence against others can be substantial, especially when those involved are familiar to the child and the violence takes place in the home. Children may be affected when they witness domestic violence, regardless of whether or not they are directly abused.
Current research has found that children exposed to domestic violence are at an increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems, including anxiety, depression and academic problems. The research also suggests that some children who have witnessed domestic violence show no symptoms of psychological distress.
Children's responses may depend on the severity and frequency of the abuse, the availability of family and community support, and the child's resilience. Once their safety is assured, most children can overcome the effects of trauma through professional counseling or other supportive interventions.
______________________
Once their safety is assured, children who have experienced abuse or neglect can go on to heal and thrive. Being able to discuss and guide our children through a recovery process is crucial to their success, and often the first step towards healing. Most children who have been abused go on to recover and live healthy, productive lives.
1 Stien [sic], Phyllis T. and Kendall, Joshua, Psychological Trauma and Developing Brain: Neurobiological Based Interventions for Troubled Children, 2004, The Haworth Maltreatment and Trauma Press.
2 Child Welfare Information Gateway, “Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect,” Factsheets, (2008), www.childwelfare.gov.
3 Smith, Melinda and Segal, Jeanne, “Child Abuse & Neglect: Recognizing, Preventing, and Reporting Child Abuse,” (June 2013), www.helpguide.org.
Resources
Resources for adults
In situations of child abuse or neglect, children rely on others to be their voice. If a child does disclose abuse or neglect directly, it is important to listen and be supportive by validating how scary it can be to talk about the abuse and that they are being very courageous in sharing this information. A person’s response to the disclosure can be key in helping children begin to cope with the effects of the abuse.
Often, people may feel uncomfortable to report the abuse or neglect of a child, but it is crucial that steps are taken to ensure a child’s safety. Please keep in mind that calls can be done anonymously as well.
In a situation where a child is in immediate danger, the best thing to do is to call 911. Another option in reporting child abuse maltreatment would be to call your local Child Protective Services (CPS) agency.
If you are being abused
If you are being abused, the first and most important thing is to secure your safety. When you are safe, please tell someone you can trust like a teacher, counselor, school nurse, neighbor or non-abusing parent what is happening. You can also call or go to your local police station. This may seem like a scary thing to do, but know that there are people that can help you end the abuse.
Hotlines and More Information
Emergencies
In you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. Emergency situations include a recent threat of violence, recent act of violence or if your safety or someone else’s safety is in imminent danger.
Crisis Hotlines
(All are 24 hours a day unless otherwise noted)
National
ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453 | www.childhelp.org
ChildHelp can help connect survivors to counseling; residential treatment services; children's advocacy centers; therapeutic foster care; group homes; child abuse prevention and education and training.
Child Welfare
The Child Welfare Information Gateway, a resource of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, connects child welfare and related professionals to comprehensive information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. The website features inforation on child abuse and neglect as well as foster care, adoption and more.
Local to JHF
New York
- Prevent Child Abuse New York: 1.800.CHILDREN; from 9am to 10pm
- New York Child Protective Services: 1.800.342.3720; TTY 1.800.638.5163
California:
- California Child Protective Services (CPS): 1.800.540.4000; TTY 1.800.272.6699
Hawai‘i:
- Hawai‘i Child Protective Services (CPS): 1.808.832.5300
Other Resources
1in6
www.1in6.org | Online Support Line
The mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives.1in6′s mission also includes serving family members, friends and partners by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community.
Children's Defense Fund
www.childrensdefense.org | 202.628.8787 or 1.800.233.1200
The Children's Defense Fund's Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe start,and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.
Darkness to Light
www.darkness2light.org | (866) FOR-LIGHT (367-5444)
Darkness to Light provides programs that raise awareness on the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse by educating adults about preventing, recognizing and reacting responsibly to child sexual abuse.
Prevent Child Abuse America
www.preventchildabuse.org | Information and Referral Hotline: 1.800.CHILDREN (1.800.244.5373)
Prevent Child Abuse America builds awareness, provides education and inspires hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent child abuse.
Futures Without Violence
Futures Without Violence works to prevent violence within the home, and in the community, to help those whose lives are devastated by violence because everyone has the right to live free of violence.
It cannot be stressed enough, it you are in immediate danger, call 911 (or the emergency number for your area/country). This information provided is not to be used in place of contacting someone, local agency, or resource to get help…above everything else, please stay safe!
