Domestic Violence Series—Child Abuse
We’ve been primarily talking about domestic violence, but this month I want to shine a light on three other types of abuse and the fourth week, we’re going to look at a different slant on domestic violence.
According to Dictionary.com, “Child abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment or 
neglect of a child or children.” According to the US Department of Commerce, one out of ten families with children is affected by child abuse.
Homes in which domestic violence is a factor, has a greater risk of physically abusing their children. According to the US Department of Human Health and Silences, neglect is the most common form of child abuse. Seventy-eight percent of all child abuse cases are a result of neglect.
Children that have been abused are more likely to suffer from physical, psychological, emotional and social issues and setbacks than their counterparts.
Some signs of child abuse include:
- Fear of Going Home
- Changes in behavior
- Unexplained injuries
- Lack of personal care or hygiene
- Weight gain, weight loss or change in eating habits
- Change in sleeping patterns
- Experimentation with drugs, alcohol and/or sex
- Change in behavior—become depressed, withdrawn, aggressive, anxious or scared
- Difficulty concentrating, excessive absences and other issues at school
If you suspect a child is a victim of child abuse provide a safe environment for the child, listen without judging, and contact the local authorities or call l 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
How have you helped an abused child?