--In 2005, 12.1 of every 1,000 American children, almost 900,000 in all, suffered abuse by adults, with parents of victims accounting for almost 80% of abusers.
--Every day, about four children die in the U.S. because of abuse or neglect, most of them babies or toddlers.
--For every incident of child abuse or neglect that gets reported, it’s estimated that two others go unreported.
Source: DoSomething.org
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Child abuse is any act by an individual which causes nonaccidental serious physical injury, nonaccidental mental injury, serious neglect, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child under 18 years of age.
Child abuse also includes placing a child under 18 years of age in imminent risk of serious physical injury, sexual abuse or exploitation.
What are signs and symptoms of child abuse?
While in some children there may be no signs whatsoever, the following are the most common signs of child abuse:
Neglect:
• Obvious malnourishment
• Lack of personal cleanliness, torn/dirty clothes
• Obvious fatigue or listlessness
• A child unattended for long periods of time
• Stealing or begging for food
• Frequent absences or tardiness from school
• Need for glasses, dental care, or other medical attention
Physical Abuse:
• Frequent unexplained injuries (i.e. bruises, cuts, burns, black eyes)
• Frequent complaints of pain without any obvious injury
• Aggressive, disruptive behavior
• Lack of reaction to pain
• Passive, withdrawn, emotionless behavior
• Unseasonable clothes hiding arms, legs
Sexual Abuse:
• Evidence of injury to the genital area
• Difficulty sitting or walking
• Frequent expressions of sexual activity between adults and children
• Extreme fear of being alone with adults (especially of a particular gender)
• Sexually suggestive, age inappropriate or promiscuous behavior
• Sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy
• Sexual victimization to other children
• Relapse into bedwetting and frequent nightmares
• Complaints of painful urination
• Knowledge about sexual relations beyond what is age appropriate
What should I do if I suspect child abuse?
If you suspect child abuse in Pennsylvania, you should report the suspected child abuse and/or neglect to ChildLine at 1-800-923-0313. If you feel that a child is in an emergency situation, you should call your local law enforcement or 911 immediately.
ChildLine is the 24-hour toll-free telephone reporting system operated by the Department of Welfare to receive reports of suspected child abuse. ChildLine forwards the report of suspected child abuse to the local county officials to investigate in order to prevent any further maltreatment of the child.
Who is a mandated reporter in Pennsylvania?
Individuals who, in the course of their employment, occupation or practice of a profession, come into contact with children and have reasonable cause to suspect that a child under the care, supervision, guidance, or training of that person or of an agency, institution, organization or other entity with which that person is affiliated is a victim of child abuse.
