April is Child Abuse Awareness Month

Child abuse takes many forms: physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, neglect, exploitation, and more. When we hear the words “child abuse” we often first think of physical abuse, but the shocking truth is that neglect is the number one form of abuse in America. Approximately 3 million cases of child abuse and neglect involving almost 5.5 million children are reported each year. The majority of cases reported to Child Protective Services involve neglect, followed by physical and sexual abuse. There is considerable overlap among children who are abused, with many suffering a combination of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and/or neglect.

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Types of Abuse:

CHILD NEGLECT

CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES

SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

TRAFFICKING & EXPLOITATION

PHYSICAL ABUSE

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

SEXUAL ABUSE

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Risk factors include parental depression or other mental health issues, a parental history of childhood abuse or domestic violence. Child neglect can include physical neglect (failing to provide food, clothing, shelter, or other physical necessities), emotional neglect (failing to provide love, comfort, or affection), or medical neglect (failing to provide needed medical care). Psychological or emotional abuse results from all of the above, but also can be associated with verbal abuse, which can harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being.

The major reasons for physical and psychological maltreatment of children within the family often are parental feelings of isolation, stress, and frustration. Parents need support and as much information as possible in order to raise their children responsibly. They need to be taught how to cope with their own feelings of frustration and anger without venting them on children. They also need the companionship of other adults who will listen and help during times of crisis. Teach him/her to keep his/her distance from strangers, not to wander away from you in unfamiliar territory, to say “no” when someone asks him to do something against his will, and always to tell you if someone hurts him or makes him feel bad. Teach him/her that he/her is strong, capable, and can count on you to keep him/her safe, as long as he/she can tell you about it. When talking with an abused child, the best way to encourage them is to show calm reassurance and unconditional support. If you’re having trouble finding the words, let your actions speak for you.