Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse
Abuse–where doesn't it exist? Whether it's the child who bears welts on her legs because she couldn't make it to the bathroom on time or the child who is routinely yelled at and blamed because her mom has bad days at work, abuse wears many faces. In addition, the forms of abuse can be blatant, subtle, or anywhere in between. How much do you know about child abuse and reporting requirements?
1. The most common type of child abuse is
A. Sexual abuse
B. Physical abuse
C. Emotional abuse
D. Neglect
2. The age group most often victimized is
A. 7 years old and younger
B. 8 to 12 years old
C. 13 to 18 years old
3. A child's age makes a difference in the type of abuse experienced.
True
False
4. I should report child abuse even if it is only a suspicion.
True
False
5. I could be held legally responsible if I fail to report suspected abuse.
True
False
6. If a child tells me she is being abused but asks me to keep it a secret, then I am obligated to comply with her request.
True
False
7. Which of the following is a sign of potential child abuse?
A. Below age-level height and weight
B. Untreated illness or injury
C. Poor peer relationships
D. All of the above
8. Reporting incidences of child abuse to my pastor or church board would be a violation of privacy.
True
False
9. The majority of parents who abuse children are mentally ill.
True
False
10. Neglect is not as serious as physical abuse.
True
False
Answers:
1. D. Neglect. Neglect is the most common form of child abuse. Child Protective Services (CPS) determined that 52 percent of victims in 1996 suffered neglect, 24 percent physical abuse, 12 percent sexual abuse, 6 percent emotional abuse, and 3 percent medical neglect. Many children are the victims of more than one kind of abuse.
2. A. 7 years and younger. Although child abuse and neglect affect children of all ages, CPS confirmed that more than half were 7 years old or younger (1996). Approximately 26 percent were ages 8 to 12 while another 21 percent were 13 to 18.
3. True. Children younger than 8 tend to suffer more from neglect and medical neglect while children over 8 are more often the victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Please note, however, that all ages experience all forms of abuse.
4. True. A report should be made when reasonable cause exists that a child has been abused. The answer is true only for mandatory reporters as defined by state law. Persons who are not mandatory reporters are “permissive” reporters who are encouraged to report but who are not legally required to do so. These persons are not legally required to report suspicions.
5. This is true only for mandatory reporters as defined under state law.
6. False. You are required by law to follow your state's reporting procedures. Reassure the child that she has done the right thing, but do not promise not to tell.
7. D. All of the above. There are many different signs of child abuse. You should be alert to the many different types of verbal, physical, and behavioral indicators.
8. False. If you suspect or are aware of child abuse, immediately report it to your pastor or church board to coordinate your efforts in reporting abuse. This is a very complex question. Someone who reports to the pastor a confidential disclosure of abuse may be violating the person’s privacy. This cannot be ruled out. Further, this answer fosters the widespread misconception that a person with knowledge or suspicion of abuse can discharge her reporting responsibilities under state law by telling the pastor. This is most definitely NOT the case, except in two states (with conditions).
9. False. Fewer than 10 percent of abusive parents have a mental disorder.
10. False. Neglect is just as serious as any other type of abuse. Cognitive and neurological deficits occur when children experience neglect.
How do I report suspected abuse?
Most states have a toll free number to call. To find your state's number call the Childhelp's National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4 A CHILD (800-422-4453).
TDD: 1-800-2 A CHILD.
Although there are many different signs of abuse, here is a brief list of indicators to watch for:
Emotional Abuse
Habit disorders, such as biting, rocking, head banging, and thumb sucking in an older child
Poor peer relationships
Behavioral extremes or self-destructive behavior
Irrational and persistent fears, dreads, or hatreds
Neglect
Height and weight significantly below age-level average
Abandonment or inadequate supervision of child
Untreated illness or injury
Lack of safe, warm, sanitary shelter
Lack of necessary medical and dental care
Physical Abuse
Unexplained injuries such as bruises and welts, fractures or dislocations, burns, lacerations, human bite marks, pinch marks, lacerations, or bald patches
Fear of going home
Gives unbelievable explanations for injuries
Suggests that other children should be punished harshly
Feels deserving of punishment
Sexual Abuse
Has sexual knowledge or behavior beyond child's developmental level
Is depressed or suicidal
Has frequent psychosomatic complaints
Suddenly avoids certain familiar adults or places
Abuses drugs or alcohol
School grades drop
Sources:
To learn more about child abuse refer to "What are the Basic Guidelines for Protecting Children?" in the Leader Training Guide and visit the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information Web site at http://www.calib.com.