INJURY | PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER | PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY | INJURIES

Unfortunately, child abuse still occurs today. Child abuse involves either harming a child psychologically, physically or sexually, or it occurs when someone fails to protect or care for a child, such as in cases of neglect. Child abuse can be inflicted by parents, siblings or other family members, as well as by teachers, caregivers, other children or strangers. Birth parents are the most likely to inflict abuse—they are the abusers 80 percent of the time.

Child abuse reports are received every 10 seconds, and an average of three children die every day because of abuse. There are both physical and behavioral symptoms of child abuse. Noticing and reporting these symptoms to authorities is important; children often cannot protect themselves, and they rely on adults to help them out of abusive situations.

Psychological and emotional abuse includes bullying, name-calling, degrading, yelling and shouting, overly aggressive discipline and ridicule. Signs of psychological or emotional abuse include:

• Physical signs:
  • eating disorders
  • speech disorders
  • nervous disorders
• Behavioral signs:
  • cruel behavior, such as bullying or animal torture
  • bed wetting
  • extreme behavior such as being listless or overly withdrawn

Physical child abuse cases include brain and head traumas, bruising and broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and cuts and burns. Signs of physical abuse include:

• Physical signs:
  • unexplained bruises
  • unexplained burns
  • untreated injuries and burns
  • injuries that take an excessively long time to heal
• Behavioral signs:
  • fear of caregivers
  • running away
  • inconsistent explanation for injuries
  • fear of physical contact
  • excessive shyness

Sexual abuse includes inappropriate touching, forcing the child to participate in or watch sexual acts, lewd behavior toward a child, and making the child undress. Signs of sexual abuse include:

• Physical signs
  • frequent sore throat
  • pain and bruising in genital areas
  • sexually-transmitted diseases
  • pregnancy
• Behavioral signs
  • promiscuous behavior
  • difficulty moving and sitting
  • decline in schoolwork
  • nightmares
  • reluctance to undress

If a child decides to disclose abuse to you, listen carefully and either sit or kneel in order to be at their eye level. The child has decided to place his or her trust in you, so be respectful, do not interrupt, and do not try to make any physical contact that will alarm the child, especially if he or she is a victim of physical or sexual abuse.

Once the child has disclosed abuse, or if you are suspicious of abuse even if the child hasn’t told you directly, report the abuse to police, child protective services or family services. Contact a personal injury attorney in order to be informed of your legal rights regarding the abuse.

Child abuse can be prevented. Volunteer your time in schools and daycare centers. Know the signs of child abuse, and educate yourself and others. Educate yourself and others about correct disciplinary actions.