Recognize signs of child abuse

Child Abuse

The term child abuse refers to the violence, mistreatment or neglect that a child or adolescent may experience while in the care of someone they either trust or depend on, such as a parent, sibling, other relative, caregiver or guardian. Abuse may take place anywhere and may occur, for example, within the child's home or that of someone known to the child.

There are four main types of child abuse: neglect, emotional, physical and sexual.

Child abuse refers to any form on physical, psychological, social, emotional or sexual maltreatment of a child whereby the survival, self-esteem, growth and development of the child are endangered.

A child may display behavioral changes and physical indicators that abuse may be taking place. It is important to be aware of the indicators, behavioral changes and the presence of these signs in clusters and not just the presence of one indicator.

Types of Child Abuse

There are many different forms of abuse and a child may be subjected to more than one form:

Physical Abuse: the intentional use of force against a child/adolescent resulting in injury or causing bodily harm.

Physical abuse may consist of just one incident or it may happen repeatedly. It involves deliberately using force against a child in such a way that the child is either injured or is at risk of being injured. Physical abuse includes beating, hitting, shaking, pushing, choking, biting, burning, kicking or assaulting a child with a weapon. Assault and unlawful confinement are criminal offences in Canada.

Behavioral Indicators of physical abuse:

inconsistent explanation for injuries

wary of adults

flinch if touched unexpectedly

extremely aggressive or extremely withdrawn

feels deserving of punishment

apprehensive when others cry

frightened of parents / caregivers

afraid to go home

Physical Indicators of physical abuse:

injuries not consistent with explanation

numerous injuries in varying stages of recovery or healing

presence of injuries over an extended period of time

facial injuries

injuries inconsistent with the child's age and developmental phase

Sexual Abuse: any form of sexual conduct (touching, exploitation, intercourse) directed at a child.

Sexual abuse and exploitation involves using a child for sexual purposes. Examples of child sexual abuse include fondling, inviting a child to touch or be touched sexually, intercourse, rape, incest, sodomy, exhibitionism, or involving a child in prostitution or pornography.

Behavioral Indicators of sexual abuse:

sexual knowledge or play inappropriate to age

sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge

prostitution

poor peer relationships

delinquent or runaway

reports sexual assault by caretaker

change in performance in school

sleeping disorders

aggressive behavior

self-abusive behavior

self mutilation

Physical Indicators of sexual abuse:

unusual or excessive itching in the genital or anal area

stained or bloody underwear

pregnancy

injuries to the vaginal or anal areas

venereal disease

difficulty in walking or sitting

pain when urinating

vaginal/penile discharge

excessive masturbation

urinary tract infections



Neglect: failure to give due attention or care to a child resulting in serious emotional or physical harm.

Neglect is often chronic, and it usually involves repeated incidents. It involves failing to provide what a child needs for his or her physical, psychological or emotional development and well being. Emotional neglect includes failing to provide a child with love, safety and a sense of worth.

Behavioral Indicators of neglect:

pale, listless, unkempt

frequent absence from school

inappropriate clothing for the weather

dirty clothes

inappropriate or delinquent behavior

abuse of alcohol/drugs

begging/stealing food

frequently tired

seeks inappropriate affection

mature for their age

reports there is no caretaker

Physical Indicators of neglect:

poor hygiene

unattended physical or medical needs

consistent lack of supervision

underweight, poor growth, failure to thrive

constant hunger

under nourished

Emotional Abuse: Verbal attacks or demeaning actions that impact on a child's self esteem and self worth.

Emotional abuse involves harming a child's sense of self. It includes acts or omissions that result in, or place a child at risk of, serious behavioral, cognitive, emotional or mental health problems. For example, emotional abuse may include verbal threats, social isolation, intimidation, exploitation, or routinely making unreasonable demands.

Facts about child abuse:

Child abuse usually reflects patterns of behavior rather that an isolated incident.

The vast majority of child abusers are parents, relatives, or trusted adults, not strangers.

Children rarely lie about abuse. They are more likely to deny abuse and take back truthful statements that to make false reports.

Child abuse knows no boundaries.

What should you do if a child discloses abuse?

Believe in the child

lack of belief will discourage the abused from disclosing

Listen openly and calmly

give the child your full attention

put the child first and put your feelings (anger, frustration or pain) aside

Reassure the child

be supportive

tell the child what has happened is not his/her fault

never make promises

Write down the facts

record all the facts the child has disclosed to you

avoid interpreting what the child has said, use the child's exact words

Reporting: Everyone has a duty to report child abuse. As soon as a child discloses abuse to you, contact your local police/RCMP/or your local child welfare agency.

Respectively submitted by:

The Yorkton and Area Partnership against Violence Committee

For more information on how to recognize and stop Child Abuse in the Yorkton and area, contact:

Tami Parkinson

Family Support Program

Phone: (306) 782-1209

Email: [email protected]

Sherise Fountain

Sexual Assault Counselor or Sexual Assault Community Educator

Sexual Assault Program - SIGN

Phone: (306)783-9428

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Bernice Cartwright

Aboriginal Family Violence Counselor

Aboriginal Family Violence Program - SIGN

Phone: (306)782-0673

email: [email protected]

Also: Website: www.stopchildabuse.ca

Stop Child Abuse. The Secret of the Silver Horse - A story about good & bad secrets.