What is child abuse and neglect?

State law defines abuse and neglect as injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances that indicate that the child's health, welfare and safety is harmed. Abuse and neglect does not include the physical discipline of a child.



Recognizing child abuse

and neglect: signs and symptoms

The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse.

The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.



The child:

_ Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.

_ Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention.

_ Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes.

_ Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.

_ Lacks adult supervision.

_ Is overly compliant, passive or withdrawn.

_ Comes to school or other activities early, stays late and does not want to go home.



The parent:

_ Shows little concern for the child.

_ Denies the existence of - or blames the child for - the child's problems in school or at home.

_ Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves.

_ Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless or burdensome.

_ Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve.

_ Looks primarily to the child for care, attention and satisfaction of emotional needs.



The parent and child:

_ Rarely touch or look at each other.

_ Consider their relationship entirely negative.

_ State that they do not like each other.



Common indicators:

_ Physical abuse

_ Neglect

_ Sexual abuse

_ Emotional abuse