Children may be injured by domestic violence via:
- being too small to get out of the way
- trying to intervene
- becoming an object of abuse
- being neglected by the abused parent, who may be focused on their own fear or depression
Child abuse and neglect occurs when a child is mistreated, resulting in injury or risk of harm. Types of child abuse and neglect are identified within four categories. The definitions include a brief summary of indicators to explain the definition. None of the indicators alone are definitive of child abuse. It is necessary to look at the family’s total functioning to determine present and impending danger.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse refers to an action of the parent, guardian or custodian that is non-accidental and results in physical injuries, often occurring in the name of discipline or punishment.
Bruises and Welts
- On face, lips, mouth
- On torso, back, buttocks, thighs
- In various stages of healing
- Clustered, forming regular pattern
- Reflecting shape of article used to inflict; electric cord or belt buckle
- On several different surface areas; regularly appear after absence, weekend or vacation
- Subdural hemorrhage or hematomas
- internal injuries
- brain damage
Burns
- Cigar, cigarette burns, especially on soles, palms, back or buttocks
- Immersion burns; sock-like, glove-like, doughnut shaped on buttocks or genitalia, patterned like electric burner, iron
- Rope burns on arms, legs, neck or torso
Fractures
- To skull, nose, facial structure in various stages of healing
- Multiple or spiral fractures
- bone fracture-unexplained and in various stages of healing
Lacerations or Abrasions
- To mouth, lips, gums, eyes
- To external genitalia
Behavioral Indicators
- Behavioral extremes; aggressiveness or withdrawal
- Frightened of parents
- Afraid to go home
- Reports injury by parents
Physical Neglect
Physical neglect occurs when a parent, guardian or custodian fails to provide for a child’s basic needs, like food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care or supervision and abandonment. The failure to meet basic needs must represent a threat to the child’s immediate health and safety or an impending danger if there is a pattern or history of the child’s needs not being met.Physical Indicators
- The child is malnourished, emaciated, is always hungry or begging for food, or is seldom fed nutritious food. A medical diagnosis is usually necessary to determine malnutrition.
- The child’s clothing is inappropriate or insufficient to protect the child from the weather or clothing is so dirty or smelly that it constitutes a health hazard.
- The caretakers fail to provide a home or the home is in a condition that presents a health hazard or dangers such as fire.
- The caretakers refuse to permit a child to attend school. Truancy alone does not constitute child abuse or neglect but may be an indication when considered with other family factors.
- The caretakers fail to seek medical or dental treatment for a health problem or condition that, if untreated, could represent a danger to the child.
- The caretakers fail to provide supervision of a child. The child’s age and competence, amount of time left unsupervised, time of day the child is unsupervised, and degree of parental planning for the unsupervised period must be considered. Community standards need to be considered when making judgments concerning lack of supervision.
- The child is abandoned. Abandonment is a legal term meaning contact with the child has not been attempted by the caretaker for an extended period of time.
Behavioral Indicators
- Begging, stealing food
- Extended stays at school; early arrival and late departure
- Constant fatigue, listlessness or falling asleep in class
- States there is no caretaker
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse and exploitation occurs when a parent, guardian or custodian commits, or allows contacts or interactions between a child and adult, where the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the parent, guardian, caretaker, or other responsible person. Sexual abuse may also be committed by a person under the age of 18, when that person is significantly older than the victim, or in a position of power and control over the child.
Child abuse and neglect are common. At least 1 in 7 children experienced abuse or neglect in the last year, according to the CDC. Every year, Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed in April to raise awareness and honor the important role that everyone can play in strengthening families and supporting children. Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a community responsibility. Most adults want to help but may be unsure about how to get involved. Remember to follow the three Rs – Recognize, Respond and Refer.
Recognize the Warning Signs
Signs of child abuse or neglect include:
- Unexplained injuries, such as bruises
- Extreme behaviors, such as excessive crying, truancy or running away
- Poor hygiene and unsuitable clothing
- Excessive fear of parent(s), caregiver(s) or going home
- Depression or excessive crying
- Poor peer relationships or inability to relate to children of the same age
- Sudden change in behavior
- Constant hunger, tiredness or lack of energy
- Attention-seeking behaviors
For a more in-depth reference tool, please click here.
Respond Appropriately
It is important to respond appropriately to a disclosure or suspicion of abuse. Try to keep your words and body language as calm and neutral as possible. Children may feel confused, scared, sad or angry. Be supportive and non-judgmental. You can let them know that you may need to talk to someone whose job it is to keep them safe.
Don’t wait to make a call. In case of an emergency, or if a child indicates that they are afraid to return home, you should call local law enforcement immediately, or 911.
Refer to Community Resources
Contact your local child protective services agency to make a report. This is determined by the county in which the child resides or in which the abuse or neglect is occurring or has occurred. If an incident has happened within the last 96 hours (4 days), an immediate medical assessment may be necessary. For a directory of child protective services agencies, click here.
You should try to include the following information, although it is not required:
- The name and address of the child you suspect is being abused or neglected
- The age of the child
- The name and address of the parent(s) or guardian
- The name of the person you suspect is abusing or neglecting the child and the address, if available
- The reason you suspect the child is being abused or neglected
- Any other information that may be helpful to the investigation
The Center for Family Safety and Healing fully addresses all aspects of family violence, including child abuse and neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse. If you’d like to learn more about services or make an appointment, please call 614-722-8200.