Child Abuse Health Mrs. Wagner

Abuse Parents must be able to provide basic needs and a safe environment for their children. Over 3 million children are abused every year ( reported) Cycle of Abuse – Children of abuse are more likely to abuse their children – “What they know”

Physical Abuse Physical harm – easiest to prove Bruises: Place – Pattern & Stories Place – arms, back Pattern – fingerprints, handprints Stories – don’t make sense (always falling down) Other: Cuts on lips/mouth, broken nose, black eyes, broken teeth, burns on arm, welts, broken bones( way most abusers get caught) Socially keep distance from adults, tend to be timid, or may bully

Neglect Failure to provide basic needs Malnourished Theft of food Poor students – poor attendance Go from outgoing to shy Hygiene issues Unclean hair Dental problems Stay sick Involved with drugs/gangs/crime

Emotional/Mental Abuse Emotional – constant degrading of a child Very low self esteem Critical of others Emotional outbursts – tears, screaming Overachievers become underachievers Less friends Depression – Suicide attempts Drug/Alcohol use Eating disorders Teen pregnancy Bad relationships

Sexual Abuse Only 2% ever serve jail time Kids won’t tell 90% - victim knows 76% - family member Why Children Don’t Tell 1. Embarrassed – mostly boys 2. Scared 3. People will look at them differently 4. Not be believed 5. They have done something wrong – their fault 6. Love

Signs of Sexual Abuse STD Blood/ripped clothing PTSD Anxiety/Fear Pain Bruised hands/wrists Inappropriate sexual knowledge for age Inappropriate touching

Abuse Laws Child Molestation – contact with a child that is 12 or younger Statutory Rape – sexual contact with an adult and child is under 16 years Megan’s Law – Sex offenders must register – they have the highest repeat rate