Child Abuse

Child abuse can happen in any type of family—small, large, rich, poor, white, black, etc.  It can also happen to children of all ages. Infants and toddlers are more likely than older children to be seriously injured or killed by child abuse. Abuse to adolescents can go unrecognized, since teenagers might try to hide the problem. Most often, children are abused by their families or guardians, but there are cases of children being abused by day care workers or other caregivers.

Abused children might:

• Say they deserve to be punished.
• Act frightened of parents or 
• other adults.
• Get scared when other kids cry.
• Be very quiet or very aggressive.
• Sit and stare into space.
• Be afraid to go home.
• Act much older than they are.
• Try to get attention by being “naughty.”
• Try to run away from home.
• Get bad grades at school.
• Attempt suicide.

Neglected children might:

• Beg for or steal food.
• Appear in dirty or torn clothing much of the time.
• Miss a lot of school.
• Act very tired all the time.
• Show no emotion on their faces.
• Talk in a whisper or whine.
• Try to get attention by being “naughty.”
• Abuse alcohol or drugs.
• Take on adult responsibilities.
• Talk about being left alone or left “in charge” of younger siblings.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Studies have shown that certain things put children more at risk for abuse.  These factors include:

• Living with a parent who has a drug or alcohol problem—or a parent who was abused as a child.
• Living in a family where the parents are having marriage problems.
• Being a “special needs” child, with physical and/or mental disabilities.
• Living with parents who are unemployed or who have money problems.