Child abuse and neglect are common. At least 1 in 7 children experienced abuse or neglect in the last year, according to the CDC. Every year, Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed in April to raise awareness and honor the important role that everyone can play in strengthening families and supporting children. Protecting children from abuse and neglect is a community responsibility. Most adults want to help but may be unsure about how to get involved. Remember to follow the three Rs – Recognize, Respond and Refer.
Recognize the Warning Signs
Signs of child abuse or neglect include:
Unexplained injuries, such as bruises
Extreme behaviors, such as excessive crying, truancy or running away
Poor hygiene and unsuitable clothing
Excessive fear of parent(s), caregiver(s) or going home
Depression or excessive crying
Poor peer relationships or inability to relate to children of the same age
Sudden change in behavior
Constant hunger, tiredness or lack of energy
Attention-seeking behaviors
For a more in-depth reference tool, please click here.
Respond Appropriately
It is important to respond appropriately to a disclosure or suspicion of abuse. Try to keep your words and body language as calm and neutral as possible. Children may feel confused, scared, sad or angry. Be supportive and non-judgmental. You can let them know that you may need to talk to someone whose job it is to keep them safe.
Don’t wait to make a call. In case of an emergency, or if a child indicates that they are afraid to return home, you should call local law enforcement immediately, or 911.
Refer to Community Resources
Contact your local child protective services agency to make a report. This is determined by the county in which the child resides or in which the abuse or neglect is occurring or has occurred. If an incident has happened within the last 96 hours (4 days), an immediate medical assessment may be necessary. For a directory of child protective services agencies, click here.
You should try to include the following information, although it is not required:
The name and address of the child you suspect is being abused or neglected
The age of the child
The name and address of the parent(s) or guardian
The name of the person you suspect is abusing or neglecting the child and the address, if available
The reason you suspect the child is being abused or neglected
Any other information that may be helpful to the investigation
The Center for Family Safety and Healing fully addresses all aspects of family violence, including child abuse and neglect, teen dating abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse. If you’d like to learn more about services or make an appointment, please call 614-722-8200.
Tamara Mapp is the Director of Program Development and Implementation at The Center for Family Safety and Healing (TCFSH). She oversees staff members for home visitation, child assessment center, fostering connections and adult services. She also provides administrative support to behavioral health and research at TCFSH. Tamara is also responsible for various grants and programs that support the work of the organization.
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