What is Child Abuse?
Physical Abuse

• Hitting
• Biting
• Kicking
• Shaking
• Burning
• Throwing Objects

Emotional Abuse

• Verbal Attacks
• Treats
• Humiliation

Sexual Abuse

• Sexual contact with a child
• Using a child for sexual films, pictures or prostitution
• Obscene language
• Exposure not involving contact

Neglect

• Willfully failing to provide for a child’s emotional or physical needs
• Failing to offer guidance and supervision

Why Should I Learn About Child Abuse?
Children Suffer

• Physical and emotional harm that can last a lifetime

Society Suffers

• The cost of ruined lives and broken families can’t be measured.

Who Are the Child Abusers?
There is no “typical” child abuser. They come from all economic, ethnic, and social groups. Most are “ordinary” people like your neighbors or co-workers. Very few abusers are mentally ill.
Most abusers even love the children they abuse. Often, children are abused by a parent, another relative or a family friend. It is less common for a child to be abused by a stranger.
What Traits are Common Among Child Abusers?
Low Self-Esteem

• Many Abusers experience feelings of failure and frustration in life

Poor Control over Emotions

• Abusers are easily overwhelmed by their own feelings and need to strike back at the world

History of being abused

• In many cases, child abusers were abused themselves earlier in life. They may have grown up thinking abusive behavior is “normal”

Does Stress Play a Factor in Child Abuse?
Some common sources of stress include

• Financial troubles
• Social isolation
• Marital problems
• Lack of good parenting skills
• Illness
• Abuse of alcohol and other drugs

What are Warning Signs of Child Abuse?
Physical Signs

• Bruises, whelps, broken bones, cuts, or scrapes
• Burns
• Missing hair
• Injuries or redness around the genitals
• Injuries at different stages of healing
• Injury or medical condition that hasn’t been properly treated

Behavioral Signs

• Aggressive or withdrawn behavior
• Unusual fears
• Excessive craving for attention
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration
• Hunger, begging for food
• Frequent tardiness or absence from school
• Unusual knowledge of sex

What Should I do if I Know a Child is being Abused?
Child abuse MUST be reported! If you know a child is being abused, report it. Your identity will be protected. Getting help can protect the child from further harm.