How can I know if a child is possibly being abused?
Family and domestic violence is strongly associated with child abuse and neglect. In families where domestic violence occurs, there is an increased risk that basic childhood needs will not be met including the need for care and protection.
Witnessing violence between parents, or being involved in a violent act between adults in the home, can have a serious impact on the emotional well-being and development of children and young people. It can impact on self-image, responses to other people, and ability to form healthy relationships as adults. It denies a sense a security and safety to children and young people, teaches them that violence is a solution to problems, and may lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Family and domestic violence fits within the definitions of child abuse when it is clear that the child or young person's physical, emotional, and psychological development is affected.
If you are concerned about the well-being and/or safety of a child or young person and can identify a cluster of indicators in relation to the child, you have an obligation to contact Child Protective Services in your community, or some other experienced professional or agency. When their safety is at risk, children and young people rely on responsible adults to act protectively on their behalf. They cannot protect themselves.
What are some signs of possible child abuse?
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Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when a child or young person is deliberately hurt, or is at serious risk of being physically hurt, by the actions of their parents or caregivers. This can be the result of actions such as punching, kicking, shaking, throwing, scalding/burning, or strangling. It can also be the result of repeated excessive physical discipline. The injuries are not considered accidental.
Possible indicators of physical abuse:
Broken bones or unexplained bruises, burns, or welts in various stages of healing
The child or young person is unable to explain an injury, or explanations given are inconsistent, vague, bizarre, or changing
Direct admissions from the parents that they are concerned that they might harm their child
Family history of violence
Marked delay between injury and obtaining medical assistance
Parents who show little concern about the welfare of their child or the treatment and care of the injury
Repeated presentations of the child to health services with injuries, ingestions, or minor complaints
The child or young person is unusually frightened of a parent or caregiver, or is afraid to go home
The child or young person reports intentional injury by their parent or caregiver
Arms and legs are kept covered by inappropriate clothing in warm conditions
Ingestion of poisonous substances, including alcohol or drugs
Avoidance of physical contact by the child (particularly with a parent or caregiver)
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Neglect
Neglect is the failure to provide a level of care that meets a child or young person's developmental, emotional and physical needs. It also includes the failure to provide adequate medical, therapeutic or remedial treatment.
Possible indicators of neglect:
Signs of malnutrition, begging, stealing, or hoarding food
Poor hygiene: matted hair, dirty skin, or severe body odor
Unattended physical or medical problems
The child or young person states that no one is home to provide care (inadequate supervision, failure to ensure safety)
Child or young person appears constantly tired
Frequent lateness to or absence from school
Inappropriate clothing, especailly inadequate clothing in winter
Alcohol and/or drug abuse present in the household
Frequent illness, low-grade infections or sores
Hunger
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse involves the exposure of children and young people to inappropriate sexual activity by either forcing them to be involved in sexual acts or witnessing the sexual activity of others, either by reading or viewing pornographic material or through direct observation.
Possible indicators of sexual abuse:
Sexualized bahaviors inappropriate to their age (including sexually touching other children and themselves)
Knowledge of sexual behavior inappropriate to their years
Disclosure of abuse either directly or indirectly through drawings, play, or writing that describes abuse
Pain or bleeding in the anal or genital area with redness or swelling
Fear of being alone with a particular person
Child or young person implies that he/she is required to keep secrets
Presence of sexually transmitted disease
Sudden unexplained fears
Bedwetting or bed soiling
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Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse accompanies all forms of abuse/neglect but can exist on its own as a specific type of abuse. Emotional abuse is harm caused by behaviors such as severe verbal abuse, continual rejection, use of physical or social isolation, threats of abuse, harrassment, frightening or bully actions.
Possible indicators of emotional abuse:
The parent or guardian constantly criticizes, threatens, belittles, insults, or rejects the child or young person with no evidence of love, support, or guidance
The child/young person ehibits extremems in behavior from overly aggressive to overly passive
Delayed physical, emotional, or intellectual development
Compulsive lying and stealing
High levels of anxiety
Lack of trust in people
Feelings of worthlessness about life and themselves
Eating hungrily or hardly at all
Uncharacteristic seeking of attention or affection
Reluctance to go home
Rocking, sucking thumbs, or self-harming behavior
Fearfulness when approached by a person known to them
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- President — Fred Johnson
- Vice President — Ken Phillips
- Secretary — Merv Chaplin
- Treasurer — John Lucas
- Director — Larry Basnett
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