Child Abuse and Neglect:  What is it, its effects and causes
Part 2 of a series

 

You know that you want and need to report child abuse and neglect when you see a

child suffering, but what do you look for and what evidence will you need to provide

when making a report?  Exactly what is child abuse and neglect? 

 

The following definitions are from the Agency for Children and Families

and the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information. 

 

Definition of neglect: Failure to provide for a child's basic needs. Neglect may be:

 

Physical (e.g., failure to provide necessary food or shelter, or lack of appropriate

supervision)
Medical (e.g., failure to provide necessary medical or mental health treatment)
Educational (e.g., failure to educate a child or attend to special education needs)
Emotional (e.g., inattention to a child's emotional needs, failure to provide psychological

care, or permitting the child to use alcohol or other drugs)

 

These situations do not always mean a child is neglected. Sometimes cultural values,

the standards of care in the community, and poverty may be contributing factors,

indicating the family is in need of information or assistance. When a family fails to use

information and resources, and the child's health or safety is at risk, then child welfare

intervention may be required.

 

Some signs of neglect would be:
1. Unsuitable clothing for weather
2. Dirty or unbathed
3. Extreme hunger
4. Apparent lack of supervision

 

Definition of physical abuse: physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe

 

Signs of physical abuse:
1. Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises, or welts in the shape of an object
2. Bite marks
3. Anti-social behavior
4. Problems in school
5. Fear of adults

 

 

The following behaviors are indications the child is being sexually exploited:
1. Inappropriate interest or knowledge of sexual acts
2. Nightmares and bed wetting
3. Drastic changes in appetite
4. Overcompliance or excessive aggression
5. Fear of a particular person or family member

 

development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or

rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance. Emotional abuse is often

difficult to prove and, therefore, child protection services may not be able to intervene

without evidence of harm to the child. Emotional abuse is aljost always present when

other types of neglect or abuse are identified.

 

Signs a child is being emotionally abused:
1. Apathy
2. Depression
3. Hostility or stress
4. Lack of concentration
5. Eating disorders

 

Now that you know the definitions and signs to look for, will you make that report when it

is needed?  A lot of people do not make reports when they are aware or even present

when a child is being neglected or abused.  In the horrible case of Brianna Lopez

recounted on this site, her own mother and grandmother were aware of the

abuse when it was happening and did nothing to stop it.  They even denied it later until

forced to tell the truth by the evidence of her fatal injuries.  Why?

 

Some people think the abuse is not as bad as it really is, and that they can protect the

child.  They may not want outsiders to come to the home for some reason, thinking this

will cause trouble.  The abuser may be the only one in the household who works and

there is a fear of loss of income if they are jailed.  If the abuser is violent to the

child(ren), there is jost likely domestic abuse also and there is a fear of further

violence. 

 

These reasons are understandable but when a child's life and welfare are at

stake, only one choice should be made.  The adult has the ability to leave, get a job or

protect themselves, but the child does not.  He or she may be depending on you

to help save their life.

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