Child abuse is a horrible problem. Unfortunately, it cuts across the lines of race, class, and gender. Abuse occurs in the most expensive homes in town, as well as the meanest hovel. No adult can, in good conscious, watch a child being beaten. On the other hand we are also reluctant to interfere in someone else’s family life. Luckily there are clear guidelines on what constitutes abuse and what to do about it.
Child abuse takes many forms. When a child’s caretaker hits or hurts the child it’s called physical abuse. You would expect to see bruises, burns, or scars from this kind of abuse. This is often the easiest kind abuse to identify.
There is also sexual abuse. Since all sexual activity between an adult and a child is improper, all such activity is abuse. That kind of abuse can cause behavioral problems like improper sexuality or a lack of trust in adults. This can be harder to identify, especially in older children.
The old saw about “sticks and stones” isn’t quite true when it comes to kids; words can hurt. Judgmental words like “stupid”, “worthless”, or “loser” are especially painful. Destroying a child’s self-esteem or belittling and disparaging a child is just as much child abuse as hitting with a stick. That kind of abuse can destroy a child’s spirit making them timid and fearful.
If a caretaker fails to feed, clothe, or nurture a child that’s abuse too. It may not leave visible scars, but it can be just as damaging as any other kind of abuse. If the child is underfed, underdressed (wearing a light jacket in midwinter, for example) or unsupervised, they are being neglected. If you find a small child left alone for long periods of time - that’s neglect.
When you see physical abuse, it’s easy to identify. An adult beating a child is pretty clearly child abuse. But it can be harder to identify emotional or sexual abuse. Of course, sexual, emotional and neglectful abuse don’t leave physical scars, but they do leave marks.
The first rule is to trust your instincts, especially if you’re a parent. If you feel something’s not right then something’s probably not right. You may be the only person in the right place to put the pieces of the puzzle together. If so, you could literally save a child’s life with a single, anonymous phone call.
It’s true that some occupations are “mandatory reporters” - doctors, teachers, day care providers, and so forth, but this child may not be going to a doctor regularly. That teacher has at least thirty other kids to watch out for. If you see child abuse you need to report it. It doesn’t matter that you aren’t a mandatory reporter. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t certain. Call anyway, a child’s life may depend on it.
If you looked out your front window and saw a man beating a child, you’d call the police. That’s the easy one. When a crime is being committed, call the cops now. That’s what 911 is for. If nobody’s beating that kid right now, then who do you call?
It varies by state, and sometimes by county. Check the blue pages of your local phone book, or call information or an operator on your phone. If you’re confused about where to call, you can always call your local Department of Human Services or Health Department, or call the local police. They will be able to get you to the right phone number for your area.
If the abuser is in a different state, you will need to call the Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD®. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Child abuse is a problem that cuts across color, religion, and national origin. The solution has to be equally wide ranging. To end this problem, to save a child's life, we must each be willing to make that phone call.
