Child Abuse

A child is in need of protection when someone older who is in a position of authority or trust, physically, emotionally or sexually mistreats or neglects a child.

Most children know and trust the person who is doing this to them - also known as the abuser. If the abuser is not part of the family they often have become friends with the child and their family. This puts the child in a very uncomfortable position. To tell someone about the abuse is to say something 'bad' about this family member or friend. Often a child is told (directly or indirectly) they will get in 'trouble' if they tell (threatened) or they are promised 'special treats' to stay quiet (bribery).

A child in this situation naturally feels very confused, anxious and alone. They know something is not right yet they don't know how to get the help they need. Imagine feeling this kind of conflict and not knowing who to turn to for help. These strong, conflicting emotions can keep a child silent about the abuse for weeks, months, years or even a lifetime.

Every child has the right to grow up free from abuse and we all have a shared responsibility to make that happen. This quick guide is designed to give you practical information to help you if you suspect child abuse or neglect. It tells you what to look for, how to respond, and who to call for help.

The presence or absence of one or many of the signs does not necessarily mean that a child has been abused or neglected. However, they are related to children living under highly stressful circumstances which may include abuse or neglect.

Physical Abusereturn to top

When someone deliberately hurts a child's body this is known as physical abuse. Physical abuse can happen once or many times. Examples include shaking, choking, biting, kicking, burning, poisoning a child, holding a child under water, hitting or forceful restraint.

Possible signs of physical abuse:

• not willing to explain an injury
• afraid of physical contact
• afraid of going home
• won't admit to being hurt or feeling badly even though their actions say otherwise
• don't want to see a doctor, or nurse
• evidence of repeated injury
• inappropriate seasonal clothing to hide injuries
• bruises, welts or abrasions, especially to the head or face
• burns, especially in patterns or lines, rope burns
• fractures and dislocations, especially in children under two years
• bite marks
• frequent absences from school

Sexual return to topAbuse

When someone older and more powerful uses a child for sexual purposes this is known as child sexual abuse. Examples of sexual abuse include fondling, intercourse, incest, sodomy, exhibitionism and the production of child pornography.

Remember that the abuser is often a family member, family friend or in a respected position and may be using threats, intimidation or bribery to maintain the silence.

Possible signs of sexual abuse:

• fear of being left with a certain person
• pain, itching or injuries in genital area
• difficulty walking or sitting
• seductive behaviour
• wary of physical contact
• unwillingness to change for physical education
• sexually explicit art work or bizarre sexual content in school work
• misuse of alcohol or drugs
• self-mutilation
• prostitution
• suicide threats or attempts
• detailed knowledge of sexual behaviour inappropriate to the child's age
• venereal disease
• anxiety
• hopelessness
• depression
• running away from home
• promiscuity
• pregnancy

Emotional Abuse return to top

When a child's emotional needs are ignored by a parent or caregiver the results can be serious mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. This is called emotional abuse. Examples of emotional abuse include verbal threats, socially isolating a child, intimidation,
exploitation, terrorizing or making unreasonable demands on a child.

Possible signs of emotional abuse:

• changes in mood or personality (e.g. once talkative, now very quiet)
• Nightmares or difficulty sleeping
• drop in school work
• drug or alcohol abuse
• withdrawing or not getting along with friends
• anxiety
• depression
• self-destructive behavior
• physical complaints with no medical basis (headache, nausea, pain, muscle twitches, stomachaches)
• acting younger or older than they are
• acting aggressive or out-of-control
• overly eager and anxious to please
• low self esteem
• suicide attempts

Child Neglectreturn to top

When parents or caregivers do not pay attention to the emotional, mental or physical development of a child this is called neglect. Neglect is often an ongoing situation rather than a specific event. It can be difficult to spot because there is not a sudden change in behaviour.

Possible signs of neglect:

• evidence of poor hygiene
• lunches are often 'forgotten'
• inadequately clothed
• needs a lot of attention
• children who often appear hungry, listless, and tired
• frequently unattended physical or medical needs (hair, teeth, eyes, ears)
• inadequate supervision or child care arrangements that place the child at risk
• irregular attendance at school

Witnessing Violencereturn to top

Research clearly shows that children exposed to violence in their home, can suffer significant emotional and physical harm. These children display emotional and behavioural problems just as if they themselves were physically abused.

Possible signs of a child living with violence:

• significant change in school performance or behaviour
• coping skills deteriorate
• overachieving, excessively compliant, constant approval seeking OR alternatively, becomes unusually defiant in class and aggressive
• Health complaints (tummy ache, non-specific pains)
• eating disturbances e.g. under or over eating, hoarding food etc.
• appears overtired, cries more readily, constant sadness, lowered self esteem
• takes on responsibility beyond normal age expectations
• overly afraid to leave caregiver

How to Ask Questions If You Suspect Abuse return to top

Caution should be used when asking children about abuse. Only ask questions if you have strong reasons to suspect that a child is in need of protection.

Avoid asking questions that can be answered with a yes/no. "Is everything okay at home?" Is a yes/no question. A cautious child will be able to deflect your concern with a quick 'yes'.

Try
"Sometimes it can be hard to concentrate if you're feeling upset or worried about something, can you tell me anything that might be making you feel upset or worried today?"

Or
"When I look at (or read) your work, it seems to me like you are saying that you feel worried or upset about some things? Can you tell me about that?"

Remember: It is not your responsibility to conduct an investigation to determine whether a child is in need of protection or to make a determination as to the safety of the child. However, at times, it is necessary to clarify what you have observed and whether the information you have gives you 'reasonable grounds' to suspect that a child may be in need of protection.

Responding to a Disclosurereturn to top

When reponding to a diclosure listen to the child as openly, calmly and quietly as you can and don't make promises you can't keep.

Tell the child:

• that you believe them
• that you are glad they told you
• that it is not their fault
• that you will do your best to find help
• that you cannot keep this information a secret (It is the law that this information must be reported.)

Say: "It is not your fault in any way" (children often believe it is their fault.)
Say: "You are very brave to tell about what happened" (children feel afraid to tell)
Say: "I care about you and I want to help".

More Information return to top

people who can help?	the legal side	links and resources