What is child abuse and neglect?
State law defines abuse and neglect as injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances that indicate that the child’s health, welfare and safety is harmed. Abuse and neglect does not include the physical discipline of a child.
Recognizing child abuse
and neglect: signs and symptoms
The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse.
The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.
The child:
_ Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.
_ Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention.
_ Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes.
_ Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.
_ Lacks adult supervision.
_ Is overly compliant, passive or withdrawn.
_ Comes to school or other activities early, stays late and does not want to go home.
The parent:
_ Shows little concern for the child.
_ Denies the existence of – or blames the child for – the child’s problems in school or at home.
_ Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves.
_ Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless or burdensome.
_ Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve.
_ Looks primarily to the child for care, attention and satisfaction of emotional needs.
The parent and child:
_ Rarely touch or look at each other.
_ Consider their relationship entirely negative.
_ State that they do not like each other.
Common indicators:
_ Physical abuse
_ Neglect
_ Sexual abuse
_ Emotional abuse
