When you think of child abuse, your first thought may be of a child with bruises or other marks that raise red flags. But the signs aren’t always so clear. Abuse can be physical, sexual, or emotional. Or a child may be neglected, meaning their caregivers don’t provide for basic needs, like food or safety.
What makes abuse even harder to stop is that most of the time, the abuser is someone the child knows. They may be reluctant to say something because they may want to protect that person or they are afraid of what the abuser will do if they speak up.
It’s important to know how to recognize different types of abuse, and what you can do if you suspect it.
Signs of Child Abuse
Abuse can be hard to recognize. Kids can get cuts and bruises or show signs of stress for lots of reasons that are a normal part of childhood. So it helps to know specific signs to look for, and trust your gut as you look at the whole picture of the child’s physical and emotional health.
Signs of physical abuse may include:
Bruises, welts, or other injuries that can’t be explained or don’t match with the child’s story
Burns, especially from cigarettes, that can’t be explained
Injury marks that have a pattern, like from a hand, belt, or other objects
Injuries that are at different stages of healing
Medical or dental issues that go untreated
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse
If you suspect child abuse, it’s important to report it. It isn’t a private matter or a family problem. A child’s physical and emotional well-being, and maybe even their life, could be at stake.
You don’t need proof to report abuse. If you suspect it, call your local child protective services, police, a hospital, or a hotline, such as the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453. You don’t have to give your name.
If you suspect child trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
Depending on the situation, there are many ways you can help the child:
If they need medical care right away, call 911.
Take the child to the hospital -- it’s a haven for abused children. Doctors can check for signs of abuse and give medical care.
Help the child stay safe. If you think someone like a babysitter or day-care worker has abused your child, keep the child away from them and contact police. If you suspect a parent or caregiver, supervise the child while they're around that person.
If the abuse happened at school, tell the principal about it. But report it to your local or state child protection agency, too.
Help the child get therapy to start healing the emotional damage of the abuse.
Encourage the child to talk to you about what happened. But don't make it an interrogation. Focus on listening.
Make sure they feel supported and know this is not their fault.
It’s best to not confront the abuser yourself. Instead, contact police or a child protection agency and let them handle it.
Medical Evaluation: Physical examinations by healthcare professionals to document injuries and determine their cause.
Psychological Assessment: Mental health professionals can assess emotional and psychological well-being through interviews and standardized tests.
Forensic Interviewing: Trained professionals conduct interviews in a supportive environment to gather information from the child.
Diagnostic Testing: Depending on the suspected type of abuse, additional tests like X-rays, CT scans, or laboratory tests may be necessary.
Your Family, Our Responsibility !