Preventing Child Abuse
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month!
Four children die each day in the United States as a result of child abuse. Yet countless others suffer
physical injuries and an emotional pain that doesn't always go away. Although a case of child abuse is reported every 10
seconds, it is estimated that the actual number of cases is 3 times greater than the number reported (Childhelp, 2005).
As shocking as these numbers may seem, they are a reality for many innocent children who find themselves caught up in the
frightening world of child abuse.
Perhaps you're a parent who understands the frustration that raising a mischievous toddler can bring.
Or maybe you're struggling to deal with a baby who never seems to stop crying. Or perhaps you're not a parent at all,
but someone who suspects a certain child is being abused. No matter who you are, you can help to prevent child abuse.
Recognizing Child Abuse
The first step in protecting children from harm is to recognize the signs of abuse. Any act that can potentially endanger
a child's health - physical or emotional - may be regarded as child abuse. There are four main types of child abuse - physical,
emotional, sexual, and neglect.
Children who are being abused or neglected may show some of the following signs of abuse: |
(Information adapted from Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2006.)
|
- Cruelty to peers or animals
- Low self-esteem
- Poor performance in school
- Passive behavior
- Reluctance to go home
- Fear of adults
- Easily startled
|
- Weight or height below the norm
- Frequent absences from school
- Drug or alcohol use
- Lack of adult supervision
- Poor hygiene
- Regressive behaviors
- Inappropriate clothing for the weather conditions
|
- Behavioral problems such as antisocial or aggressive behaviors
- Unreasonably explained injuries (such as bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones), particularly after a long absence.
|
*This is not an exhaustive list. These signs do not always indicate abuse, and may be attributed to other factors. |
What is the effect of abuse on children?
The effects of abuse can differ greatly from one child to another.
How a child will be affected depends on many factors - such as the child's age and individual characteristics, and the type,
duration, and severity of abuse. While some children are able to overcome their circumstances and even thrive in spite of
them, many suffer life-long physical and emotional consequences. While bruises and broken bones may heal, the emotional scars
left by child abuse may never go away.
Children who are abused often grow into adults who suffer from issues such as low self-esteem, relationship
difficulties, long-term health problems, substance abuse, depression, and eating disorders. For many of these individuals
that suffer long-term consequences, it's as if the abuse never ends.
What factors can lead to child abuse?
A number of different factors can contribute to child abuse; most, however, result from a combination of extreme stress and
a lack of coping skills. Many abusers were actually victims of child abuse themselves. Other factors that commonly contribute
to child abuse are financial problems, relationship difficulties, low parental self-esteem, inability to control anger, and
substance abuse.
Breaking the Cycle
Child abuse can be prevented. Here are some coping skills to assist during times of stress.
- Make time for family and friends. Get a sitter and head out for some one-on-one time with your partner.
Go out to dinner with friends. Plan a special activity with your child. Having fun is a great way to relieve stress.
- Take a time out. If you're feeling overwhelmed, ensure that your child is in a safe place, and find
somewhere that you can have a peaceful moment alone.
- Discipline appropriately. Praise your child when they are doing something right. Set clear limits and
appropriate consequences for when your child exceeds them. Wait to discipline your child during a time when you aren't angry.
- Understand which behaviors are appropriate for your child's age. Children develop in stages. A 12 year-old
child is very different from a four year-old child. Understanding the appropriate behaviors for your child's age can be
helpful in setting appropriate limits and consequences.
- Consider what could be contributing to your child's behavior. Children don't always know how to express their
emotions. If your child is acting out, consider what is happening in their life that could be affecting them.
- Get some support. Seek out your family and friends for support. Church and community groups can provide
you with the opportunity to meet other parents who understand what you are going through. If you need additional help,
consult a mental health professional.
- Take care of yourself. Exercise regularly, eat a well-balanced diet, and get adequate sleep.If your body isn't
healthy, it makes it more difficult for your mind to be.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of hurting a child, get help immediately.
Preventing child abuse is everyone's responsibility. If you know a child you suspect is being abused,
call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. Reporting is anonymous and the child will not be removed
from the home unless abuse is confirmed. You just may save a life.
References:
Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2006). Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved
February 27, 2007 from the World Wide Web:
www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm
Childhelp. (2005). National Child Abuse Statistics. Retrieved February 12, 2007 from the World Wide Web:
www.childhelp.org/uploads/Gl/ci/GlciCz0RJ5B-BqEfR8Bh_w/STATS-2006.pdf
This material is provided by CIGNA Behavioral
Health, Inc. for informational/educational purposes only. It is not
intended as medical/clinical advice. Only a healthcare provider can
make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. For more information
about your behavioral health benefits, you can call the member
services or behavioral health telephone number listed on your
healthcare identification card.
CIGNA
Behavioral Health, ©2007
