NCJ Number
148059
Date Published
1992
Length
13 pages
Annotation
After defining child abuse, this booklet outlines the indicators of abuse and neglect and discusses the importance of reporting suspicions of child abuse to the proper authorities.
Abstract
Although definitions of child abuse may differ in some aspects, most would agree that "child abuse causes, or attempts to cause, physical, emotional, or developmental harm to a child in one's care." The five categories of abuse are physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse. Physical indicators of abuse are bruises on more than one surface of the body, burns, fractures and dislocations, and miscellaneous signs of physical injury. The booklet also lists the psychological and behavioral indicators of physical abuse, as well as physical and behavioral indicators of neglect. Emotional abuse and neglect are also described. The law attempts to facilitate the detection of child abuse and neglect by requiring persons who routinely provide various professional services to children to report suspicions of child abuse. All persons, however, have a moral responsibility to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities. Resources for help are listed.