Not all child abuse is physically violent, emotional abuse and neglect are not as obvious as physical abuse but can do severe damage to the emotional well being of a child. The signs of emotional abuse is much harder to recognize as the scarring and wounds are on the inside of the child, not on the outside.
By statistic over 90% of child victims are abused by someone they know or are related to.
By reporting those who abuse and identifying those who are being abused, help and counseling can enable the child victim to be able to deal with the effect of the abuse and are less likely to become abusers themselves. That is why it is so important to report suspected abuse or neglect as early as possible.
Most children who are abused will not report the abuse. Many times the abuser is a close family member or friend. Most times the child is threatened or pressured not to tell anyone of the ongoing abuse. Children need to be encouraged to tell a TRUSTED relative or friend if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or acts in an inappropriate way towards them.
Child abuse happens in families of every race, culture and income level.
Sometimes loving parents can become frustrated and overreact.
Unintentional harm is abuse if the injury is due to a punishment.
SOME WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE:
- Unexplained or suspicious bruises,burns, fractures or marks.
- Explanation of injuries that make no sense
- Disturbed sleep
- Pain during urination or during bowel movements
- Unusual knowledge of body parts
- Acting out sexually with toys or other children
- Fear of certain people or places
- Pain while walking or sitting
- Malnourished
- Unusual flinching when approached
- Withdrawn, lack of energy or interest, poor school attendance, failing grades
CHILD ABUSE STATISTICS FOR BROWN COUNTY:
Approximate number of reports that were reported to law enforcement:
- 2009–16
- 2010–15
- 2011–30
- 2012–41
- 2013–24
Many people in many different professions are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse such as teachers, law enforcement, mental health professionals, medical professionals, etc. but It is the moral obligation of everyone to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect. We ask that instead of a Child Abuse Awareness month in Brown County we all practice Daily Child Abuse Awareness. I am asking everyone in Brown County to become more aware and proactive when it comes to keeping our kids safe.
Kansas has a Protection Report Center where concerned citizens may report suspected child abuse anonymously. That number is 1-800-922-5330—If there is an immediate concern over the safety of a child please report immediately to your local law enforcement at once. IF YOU THINK YOU SHOULD REPORT A CONCERN–PLEASE DO SO!! Law enforcement would much rather investigate a case that does not meet the criteria of child abuse than to let an abused child continue to be victimized.
