Child Abuse

or "damaged

Tell you that "there is something wrong with my vagina, penis, anus, or mouth"

Draw pictures or use toys to express sexual or abusive acts

Have habits like biting fingernails or pulling hair when under stress

Not want to go to school, home, or to a certain place

Do poorly at school

Seem more angry and aggressive towards you and other people

Think or talk about suicide

A neglected child may be: ‚

Not bathed, with dirty clothing, or hungry
Often absent from school
Out late at night
On their own with no adult watching
Forced to work at an early age
Hungry and stealing food or money
Using alcohol, illegal drugs, or smoke at an early age
Not dressed appropriately, like not having a jacket during cold weather

What to do if you suspect that your child or another person's child is being or has been abused: ‚

Call the authorities right away.
Keep your child's torn or stained clothes. Bring them with you to the police station.
Bring your child to a doctor. The doctor will treat the injuries. Your child may need to go to a psychologist to help cope with the trauma.
Talk to your child. Ask your child what happened and who was responsible. Tell your child that what happened was not their fault.
Be patient if your child does not want to talk to you at first. Your child may be scared or ashamed.
Make sure your child knows that you believe in them. Your support will help your child recover.
Talk to your family about how they can help. Family support may help your child heal from the trauma.

What will the results be?

You may be able to keep your child safe from abuse.
You may be able to tell if your child is being abused.
You may have increased awareness if other children are being abused.

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Help with pain
Prevent infection
Calm your child

Will physical activity be limited?

If your child was physically abused, your child may have problems moving the painful part. Let your child rest until the pain goes away. ‚

What problems could happen?

Physical trauma like bruises, cuts, and wounds
Genital infection or bleeding
Low mood
Lack of interest in doing things
Thoughts of hurting himself
Low self-esteem
Suicide

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

Know the people around you.
Know the people your child interacts with. Visit your childs school. Go to parent meetings. Get to know your child's friends and their parents. During a sleepover, know the parents of the host.
Know your community. Ask the authorities in your neighborhood about child sex offenders and if there are any in your area.
Teach your child about private parts. Tell your child that no one should touch them. Encourage your child to tell you if someone tries to touch them.
Teach your child to say "No" if someone tries to touch them or do things that may seem uncomfortable.
Tell your child to never get in a car or go with a stranger. Teach your child never to go into someone's home when taking part in community activities like selling Girl Scout cookies.

When do I need to call the doctor?

You think your child or some other child has been abused
You see changes in your childs behavior and attitude
Your child often has urinary infections
Your child has unexplained bruises or discharge on the skin or genital area
You see a child with many bruises

Helpful tips

Bringing your child to a support group may help your child cope with the trauma of abuse. Knowing others have had the same trauma may encourage your child to open up with his feelings and confide in you. ‚

Where can I learn more?

American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Child-Abuse-What-Every-Parent-Should-Know.aspx ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/CM-FactSheet-a.pdf ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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