Did you know more than four children die every day as a result of child abuse? Seventy percent of those children that die from abuse are under the age of 4 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is a chance to spread awareness.
To spread awareness we are teaching our friends and family everything you need to know on how to be a properly informed and supportive family member. This blog talks about the first step to preventing child abuse, knowing how to identify the signs of abuse.
There are 4 major types of child abuse and neglect.
1. Physical Abuse
This type of abuse involves actual physical injury to the child by the caregiver. Choking, kicking, or punching could all be included within the scope of physical abuse.
What are the signs?
– Bruising
– Unexplained fractures or burns
– Abuses animals or pets
– Fears his parents or the thought of going home
2. Neglect
This type of abuse occurs when the caregiver fails to provide a child with basic necessities.
What are the signs?
– A very frail child or one that begs for food or steals money could be showing signs of malnourishment or physical neglect
– A child that is not attending school (frequently absent) or has special education needs that are going unattended could be showing signs of educational neglect
– An undisciplined child, or one that abuses drugs or alcohol could be a victim of emotional neglect
– A frequently sick child, one that needs dental care, or one that has never been to a physician could be medically neglected
3. Sexual Abuse
This type of abuse involves sexual activities by the caregiver to the child or minor.
What are the signs?
– If the child experiences sudden changes in appetite
– If they have difficulty walking or sitting
– If they report frequent nightmares or bedwetting
– If they attach swiftly to strangers or new adult
4. Emotional Abuse
This type of abuse involves constant criticisms, rejection, and threats made to the child.
What are the signs?
– If the child has attempted suicide
– If the child reports a lack of attachment to their parents
– If the child has delayed physical or emotional development
– If the child shows extremes in their day-to-day behaviors or is extremely adult or infantile such as parenting other kids and head-banging.
It is our goal at Laporte, Mulligan & Werner-Watkins, P.A. for every member of the community to be well educated in regards to important legal matters. We achieve that goal by presenting only the most relevant information clearly and concisely.
The prevention of child abuse is a topic that is of utmost importance to us. Please feel free to share this short blog and help raise awareness with your friends. And be sure to bookmark our website for more blogs.