NCJ Number
149772
Date Published
Unknown
Length
8 pages
Annotation
As an aid in preventing child abuse and neglect, this booklet provides information on all forms of child abuse and neglect.
Abstract
"Child abuse" is defined as "any behavior directed toward a child by a parent, guardian, caregiver, other family member, or other adult, that endangers or impairs a child's physical or emotional health and development." The major categories of child abuse discussed are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Included among the factors that often contribute to child abuse are alcohol and substance abuse, lack of parenting skills, economic difficulties or poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, and previous victimization. Some signs of possible physical abuse are unexplained injuries, repeated injuries, abrasions or lacerations for no apparent reason, small circular burns, burns caused by friction, and unexplained fractures. Child behavior suggestive of abuse includes hyperactivity, disruptive and aggressive behavior, and shyness and complacency. In the discussion of child sexual abuse, information is provided on what to do if a person discovers a child has been sexually abused. Some advice is to control your emotions, never blame or punish the child, contact a physician and the police, and obtain counseling for the child and oneself. Prevention suggestions focus on parental and community efforts.