10 Ways To Stop Child Abuse
1. Act on your suspicions. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, trust your instincts. Suspected abuse is enough of a reason to make a report to the authorities. You do not need proof.
2. Be aware of unexplained injuries. Note unusual burns or bruises in the shape of objects, or unconvincing explanations of a child’s injuries.
3. Notice changes in behavior. Abuse can lead to many changes in a child’s behavior, ranging from becoming isolated and withdrawn to becoming overly aggressive.
4. Notice a child’s fear of going home. If a child is a victim of physical or sexual abuse, he or she may display apprehension about leaving school or going places with the abuser.
5. Notice if a child is expressing an inappropriate knowledge of sexual relations. If a child is a victim of sexual abuse, he or she may exhibit overly sexual behavior, or use explicit sexual language.
6. Notice unexplained weight loss or other signs that a child is not getting enough to eat. Underfed children may be unusually sluggish or fatigued.
7. Notice if there is an unexplained drop in a child’s attendance at school. Children may be unable to attend school due to injuries from their abuse or intentionally held out of school to cover up visible signs of abuse.
8. Notice if a child is stealing or begging for food from fellow classmates or members of the community. Children who do not get enough to eat may resort to trying to obtain food in whatever way they can.
9. Notice a child’s lack of personal care or hygiene. Young children who have been neglected or abused may appear dirty or uncared for or have unsuitable clothing for the weather conditions.
10. Notice if there is a decline in a child’s performance in school. Abuse may affect all aspects of a child’s life, including their grades.
If you suspect a child has been abused...
Do:
Believe the child
Keep calm
Show interest and concern
Take action
Don’t:
Pressure the child
Panic or overreact
Confront the offender
Blame the child
Overwhelm the child with questions
If you suspect a child has been abused, please contact the New York State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment at 800.342.3720. If you are outside of New York, please contact the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information.
Do get involved! It can save a child’s life. To get help and more information from Safe Horizon’s experts, visit http://www.safehorizon.org/.
Who is Safe Horizon?
For over a quarter of a century, Safe Horizon has been at the forefront of helping victims of crime and abuse through their crises. We are woven into the fabric of New York City, and we are here where and when you need us—in the courts, in your community, and at the other end of a telephone at any hour of the day or night.
There are few things as sacred as the innocence of a child. Yet, all too often that innocence is shattered as thousands of children fall victim to violence and abuse every year. We believe that home should be a sanctuary where children feel safe and loved. That’s why we’ve been providing compassionate counseling and practical assistance to the children of our community for more than 25 years. We invite you to join us in taking action to stop child abuse.
Who is North Fork Bank?
North Fork Bank, the 16th largest bank holding company in the nation, has been an active and steadfast supporter of Safe Horizon’s pioneering services for children. With origins in Long Island and more than 355 locations throughout the New York metropolitan area and New Jersey, North Fork Bank is rooted in the communities Safe Horizon serves and is committed to protecting our children.
North Fork Bank is currently sponsoring the Safe Horizon Child Advocacy Centers, contributing critically needed funds and reaching out to the community to raise awareness of child abuse and the ways Safe Horizon helps address it.
http://www.safehorizon.org/.