NCJ Number
96553
Date Published
1982
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This text focuses on child abuse and neglect and addresses detection, reporting, and prevention.
Abstract
A 16-question quiz on child abuse and neglect is provided, and ways to recognize child abuse and neglect are suggested. Attention is focused on some of the more common indicators of physical abuse, including bruises, burns, lacerations and abrasions, missing and loosened teeth, skeletal injuries, and head injuries. Neglect is defined, and the physical, behavioral, and environmental indicators of neglect are listed. Physical indicators include lack of good hygiene, abandonment, and lack of adequate nutrition. Behavioral indicators include poor learning, falling asleep in school, and engaging in sexual misconduct. Environmental indicators include poverty, long-term parental illness, and lack of material resources. Personal characteristics of abusive and neglectful parents are presented, as are profiles of abused and neglected children. Further, behavioral and environmental indicators of emotional maltreatment and of sexual abuse are described. The prevalence of child abuse and neglect is noted, and reasons why people should report abuse and neglect are offered. South Dakota's child abuse and neglect laws are presented, and guidelines on reporting child abuse and neglect are provided. Parents are urged to take advantage of the many kinds of assistance available to families under stress; these include counseling, protective services, day care for children, emergency shelter for children, and mental health services.