More than 2.5 million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported in the U.S. each year. The true number is probably much larger as all types of child abuse and neglect tend to be underreported.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that:
- One in four girls and one in eight boys will be sexually abused before they reach the age of 18.
- One in 20 children is physically abused each year.
- Half of all child abuse falls into the category of neglect.
What is Abuse?
Physical abuse -- inflicting physical injury by punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, shaking, or otherwise physically harming a child
Child neglect -- failure to provide a child's basic needs physically, emotionally, educationally, and medically
Sexual abuse -- includes fondling children's genitals, intercourse, incest, rape, sodomy, exhibitionism, commercial exploitation through prostitution, or producing pornographic materials
Emotional abuse -- acts or lack of attention by parents or other caregivers that results in behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental disorders
Recognizing Abuse and Neglect
It can be difficult to recognize abuse and even more difficult to determine what to do about it. Children are often reluctant to tell anybody if they are being abused because they think they will be blamed or not believed. Parents tend to overlook symptoms because it is uncomfortable to talk about.
The longer a child is abused or neglected, the deeper the trauma, and the less likely there will be a full emotional recovery.
Many behaviors can indicate possible abuse or neglect. In many cases the behaviors could be caused by other situations. This list doesn't guarantee that the cause is abuse, but be alert to unexplainable changes such as:
- Injuries, bruises, factures, or head or abdominal injuries that cannot be explained
- Fearful behavior such as nightmares, depression, or attempts to run away
- Abdominal pain, bedwetting, urinary tract infections, genital pain or bleeding, or sexually transmitted diseases
- Extreme sexual behaviors (acting out) that are inappropriate for the child's age
- Sudden drop in self-confidence
- Self destructive or suicidal behaviors
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause
- Failure to gain weight (usually in infants)
- Desperately affectionate behavior or need for approval
- Overeating and stealing food
When to Call for Help
If you suspect your child or another child has been abused or seriously neglected you should call your pediatrician or a child protective agency. Provide the information you have and they will follow-up.
Doctors are legally required to report cases of abuse. Child protection agencies can provide shelter and care for abused children. Mental health professionals are often involved to help children cope with and overcome past emotional trauma caused by abuse or neglect. Some communities have Child Abuse Hotlines -- and you can often call anonymously. |
