What to do if you suspect child abuse or neglect?

April is child abuse awareness month!!! What to do if you suspect abuse or neglect? If you see actual marks on the child, a good place to start is a pediatrician. You can also speak to the childs teacher, social worker, or psychologist. Child care providers are MANDATED REPORTERS so legally have to take action if there are signs of neglect or abuse. It's always a good idea to create a paper trail (meaning, documented attempts at reporting to a child care provider). 

This is a very useful website. Please go here!!!!!!!!!There are places you can call. Please look on this website for resources where to call to ask questions, report cases, and get support:http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/index.php?s=100

Warning signs of child abuse

APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH. 

This is information provided by helpguide.org.:  GO Here

It's VERY important to recognize the early signs of child abuse so you can DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. 

Warning signs of physical abuse in children

• Frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts.
• Is always watchful and “on alert,” as if waiting for something bad to happen.
• Injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt.
• Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home.
• Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as long-sleeved shirts on hot days.

Warning signs of neglect in children

• Clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the weather.
• Hygiene is consistently bad (unbathed, matted and unwashed hair, noticeable body odor).
• Untreated illnesses and physical injuries.
• Is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations and environments.
• Is frequently late or missing from school.

Warning signs of sexual abuse in children

• Trouble walking or sitting.
• Displays knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to his or her age, or even seductive behavior.
• Makes strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an obvious reason.
• Doesn’t want to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities.
• An STD or pregnancy, especially under the age of 14.
• Runs away from home.

Here is another tragic story. Please recognize the early signs! Recognition could save a childs life! 

April is child abuse awareness month

April is child abuse awareness month. "Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving more than 6 million children (a report can include multiple children). The United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations – losing on average between four and seven children every day to child abuse and neglect. " -Child help USA

Here is one tragic story. Let's join together to put an end to child abuse and neglect. If your child has been abused, please please seak professional help and find a good therapist. The earlier the child begins treatment, the better the outcome. 


One tragic story worth watching.