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How to Prevent Child Abuse

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How to Prevent Child Abuse

Preventing child abuse can be difficult, especially since we often feel helpless against widespread abuse. So we created this one-stop guide to promote child abuse prevention by compiling a complete list of resources as an information gateway. We have included tips to educate adults around children, information about the different causes and forms of abuse, and how to respond when you suspect child maltreatment.

I was abused as a child but was able to rise above my troublesome past to become a functioning adult. Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to overcome a painful childhood, and as a result of their abuse, many children grow into insecure, dysfunctional adults. As a father of two small children, I wanted to make sure to end the cycle of abuse. I know the importance of teaching my children how to protect themselves by educating them on what is okay, and what is not okay.

There are no easy answers, but hopefully, this guide can help you spot child abuse, such as the shaken baby syndrome, or spot children that have been neglected, provide information about prevention programs, and learn the steps to report the abuse to child welfare services.

Chapter 1: The Grim Reality Of Child Abuse

The Grim Reality of Child Abuse

Child abuse and neglect of children are epidemics. The United States has more cases of child abuse than virtually any other industrialized nation.  In 2015 reports of child abuse involved a whopping 7.2 million children. Many abused children live in single-parent households, whose parents are teenagers and high-school dropouts, or with a divorced parent who has sole custody.

The statistics for 2015 are stark and shocking.

Child Abuse Victims by Age
  • Child abuse reports involved 7.2 million children
  • Victimization rate was highest for children under one year of age
  • 207,000 children received foster care services
  • There is an annual estimate of 1,670 to 1740 children who died from abuse and neglect

But that’s just part of the story.  Child abuse touches every socioeconomic and educational level and is found in every religion and ethnic group.  The effects of child abuse are staggering. Abused and neglected children are much more likely to develop depression and anxiety and to experience poverty, mental illness, imprisonment, and addictions.

The appalling child abuse statistics below reveal that infants under a year are most impacted.  If you are a parent, you know the challenges of having a fussy, sleepless baby thrust in your arms.  The parent can feel frustrated and alone and can wind up shaking or hitting their infant.  Horrifically in 2015, there were 1,585 senseless deaths of helpless infants.

Is there an answer? Surprisingly, one solution is marriage, which offers the most protection for children.  Children of single mothers are more likely to suffer child abuse or neglect and seek foster care, than children of married women.

RESOURCES FOR CHILD ABUSE STATISTICS:

Chapter 2:  The Different Forms Of Abuse And Neglect

The Different Forms of Abuse and Neglect

Quite often, abusive parents have abused themselves, and as a result, are crippled emotionally. They are unable to nurture and love their children appropriately, and lash out in frustration from pent-up anger when their child won’t stop crying or won’t behave.

The four main types of abuse are:

  • Emotional
  • Neglect
  • Physical
  • Sexual

Emotional abuse is one of the most damaging, but rarely-understood forms of abuse, and is especially devastating for children; some studies show that the long-term effects of psychological abuse are far more damaging than physical abuse.  Often these parents unknowingly damage their children by being hyper-critical, ridiculing them, or bullying them. Parents get frustrated and scream or threaten physical punishment.

Latest statistics show that:

Common Causes of Child Abuse
  • 75.3% of victims are neglected
  • 17.2% of victims are physically abused
  • 6.9% of victims are psychologically abused

Some parents are wrapped up in their own problems, have an addiction, or are so self-absorbed, they virtually ignore their children. Parental drug abuse leads to children feeling unloved or unwanted and can result in self-condemnation and an extremely poor self-image.

Here is why children need lots of attention, both physical and emotional.  When affection and warm nurturing are withheld, and the children are neglected, they become hurt and angry and grow up with feelings of insecurity and abandonment. Educational and preventive programs for new parents can be extremely beneficial in promoting positive parenting and helping with child abuse prevention.

According to reports:

1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will have been sexually abused by their eighteenth birthday
  • 8.4% of victims are sexually abused
  • 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will have been sexually abused by their eighteenth birthday

But that’s just part of the story.  Sexual abuse is by far the most damaging and hardest to face.  Children are most often assaulted by someone the child knows and trusts, such as a parent or uncle, or by a coach, teacher or babysitter. And unfortunately, most people simply can’t or won’t acknowledge the huge numbers of children that have been abused.

These experiences can leave a child with feelings of guilt and shame, and they feel they must have caused the abuse. This negative self-image can lead to self-hatred. At times, it can also hinder proper child development.

Simply stated, physical abuse is defined as injuries resulting from hitting, beating, biting, kicking, or anything that harms a child’s body. Parents become abusive when they let their anger dominate while disciplining their children. Some forms of physical abuse are:

  • Pushing, shoving, pulling hair or kicking
  • Slapping, punching, or hitting with belt or another object
  • Choking or strangling
  • Throwing things
  • Force-feeding or denying food

My experience is that parents who are impulsive, with anger issues, are more likely to slap their child, or beat them. One way to stop abuse is for parents, when they reach the breaking point, to take a time out and take a walk around the block, or just take a few minutes to breathe and relax.

RESOURCES FOR THE TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE:

Chapter 3: Discovering The Root Causes Of Abuse And Neglect

Discovering the Root Causes of Abuse and Neglect

Hands down, the number one cause of abuse is parental stress and poor coping skills. Many parents face enormous pressure by raising their children alone.  Tragically, one common source of frustration for parents that lead to abuse is teaching their children how to use the bathroom. It can take a child a long time to catch on to potty training, causing the parents to become impatient and angry.

And, as if that’s not enough, poverty causes financial stress and aggravates marital problems; the number of abused children is higher for those on government assistance. More than two-thirds of single mothers are on welfare, so addressing financial problems is important to minimize abuse.

Other types of abuse recognized by some states include child abandonment and trafficking. Certain risk factors that have been strongly linked with maltreatment include substance abuse and religious or cultural practices and beliefs.

No doubt about it, we can only stop child abuse by teaching parents coping methods and positive parenting skills.  We must have children and family resources and preventive programs available, and every parent must develop their own effective style of parenting. When they are frustrated and overwhelmed, parents need to learn to take a deep breath and do whatever they can to step away and calm down.

RESOURCES FOR THE CAUSES OF ABUSE:

Chapter 4:  Developing Awareness And Recognizing The Signs Of Abuse

Developing Awareness and Recognizing the Signs of Abuse

There are many different ways to recognize child abuse, but it is essential to be extremely cautious before making an accusation.  False accusations can be quite damaging. Unless you have a personal relationship with a family, signs can be misread.  Unless there is clear evidence that a child is in physical danger, talk to other neighbors or teachers for assistance in assessing the situation. Express concern to the parents if possible.

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF ABUSE

  • Child is withdrawn and doesn’t want to go home, or is afraid of their parents due to domestic violence
  • Physical bruises, burns, welts or broken bones
  • Severe anxiety or insomnia, rage or ranting
  • Inappropriate sexual knowledge

Many abused or neglected children are too young to know right from wrong and are unable to put into words their horror stories. If the abuser is a parent, the impulse for the child may be to protect their parents and hide the abuse. Many signs of abuse are quite subtle and can take a trained eye to catch.  Some even avoid social interaction just to hide what they’re going through. If you suspect your spouse may be abusing your child, be sure and seek out counsel with a child custody lawyer.

RESOURCES FOR RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE:

Chapter 5:  Teaching Children Abuse Prevention

Teaching Children Abuse Prevention

An important way to keep children safe and prevent child abuse is to let them know what is appropriate and what is inappropriate behavior.  We don’t want to scare our kids, but we have to teach them to be able to say no when someone in authority is stepping over the line. Children need to be warned if someone, especially those in authority, try to bribe or intimidate them to keep quiet.

  • Only 1 in 10 children reports the abuse themselves
  • More than 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator

What does this mean to you? Books are excellent children and family resources and helpful for teaching children, such as “Your Body Belongs To You”, by Cornelia Spelman. It explains that they should never be touched in their “private parts”.  You should teach your child the well-known rules to never go with a stranger; however, most sexual abuse cases happen with a family member or friend, so children must be able to recognize the difference between affection, rough play, and abuse.

The internet can be a huge danger zone from predators, so closely monitor your children’s internet access and activity. Tell children to go with their gut feeling. If it feels wrong, it is wrong.

RESOURCES FOR TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT CHILD ABUSE:

Chapter 6: Protecting Children And Keeping Them Safe From Abuse

Protecting Children and Keeping Them Safe From Abuse

We want to keep children informed and knowledgeable, howeverm we desperately want to provide child protection.  Concerned adults can help ensure a safe treatment and healthy childhood for all children.

Communication is critical for a child’s welfare.  Here are some important ways to empower children:

  • The bathing suit talk –  Kids need visual, and discussing areas that are under a bathing suit is an easy way to teach boundaries to young children.
  • Age-appropriate language – Use language that your children can understand for body parts. The name is not as important as having a common language.
  • Safe environment – Children must feel safe in sharing their experiences, and they need to know that no adult should tell them to hide something from their parents. They should be assured that they will not be harmed for telling the truth.
  • Never force affection – It sends a confusing, mixed message to force a child to hug, or kiss, or sit on the lap of a relative.  Teach them to say no when they feel uncomfortable.
  • Validate and listen – Don’t discount or dismiss negative experiences a child has had.  Listen to their problems and concerns.

RESOURCES FOR PROTECTING CHILDREN:

Chapter 7: What To Do If You Suspect Child Abuse

What to Do If You Suspect Child Abuse

Be attentive around children and be aware of any signs of abuse.  If you see a red flag, act on that concern.

Things you can do:

  • If a child is in immediate danger the police on 911 IMMEDIATELY
  • Give them the Child Care Crisis Text hotline number: 741741
  • Contact organizations such as Pinwheels for Prevention – Prevent Child Abuse America
  • Offer to keep the child during times of stress
  • Offer to listen and support the child during times of stress
  • Organize a support group, a community for youth or parents,  or an information gateway website with a mission to prevent child sexual abuse and other types of abuse
  • Offer to pay for parenting classes or counseling in a local child abuse prevention center
  • Call the National Child Abuse hotline: 1-800-4-A-Child to gain advice and report any concerns
  • Join a support group, numerous child safety charities and organisations offer this facility, check their website for the nearest chapter
  • Call or email a child safety charity simply to gain advice
  • Child charities offer numerous contact avenues and educational avenues, get involved!

Don’t just sit on your hands!  Parents need to teach children safety skills and empower them with the tools and knowledge to develop into independent individuals, with strong boundaries. The challenge will be to give them life’s lessons of respect, honesty, and good judgment.

And we don’t stop there.  You can mentor young people in a variety of ways,  through involvement in church, child care centers, resource center, and scouting programs in your own family and neighborhood.  You can make a stunning difference in the lives of these children.

RESOURCES FOR HANDLING CHILD ABUSE AND CHAPTER NEAR YOU:

What Can You Do To Make A Difference In A Child’s Life?

Abuse creates mental health issues and turbulence in children’s lives.  Too often they resort to using drugs, or engaging in sex, or most disturbing, committing suicide. And also often, the key to preventing abuse is the love and care provided by you, their parent. It can be truly rewarding to break the cycle and positively impact a young person’s life.

Please let me know if you found this how to post helpful, and please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.  Be sure and share this article with your friends, families, and other people you care about.