It is possible to suspect that a child has been abused, but not know how to deal with it. What steps can you take in order to bring the perpetrators of this USA crime before they get away? Child abuse is defined as violence against or threats to a child and could include neglect, physical, mental, or sexual abuse.
First Step: Look for signs of abuse
You may not be the only one to have seen signs of child abuse. However, you might be the first to act. People often see abuse in their children but don’t know what to do. If you feel comfortable, you might talk to the child and the parents about the abuse. Sometimes, it can be helpful to offer a listening ear to the child.
Remember that the warning signs may not always be obvious such as a dark eye or bruises. The child’s life could be saved by recognizing warning signs.
Let’s take a look at the signs that a child may be being abused.
- Signs of a behavioral disorder
- Signs of the physical body
- Verbal cues
Behavioral Signs
Sometimes, the child might withdraw from others or feel threatened by physical contact. They might refuse to take a bath or bathe enough. Regression may manifest as sucking their thumbs without a cause. They may have nightmares, or exhibit inappropriate sexual behavior for their age.
Signs
You may notice welts, swelling or bruises as a sign of child abuse. Another sign could be broken bones, bloody sheets or untightened undergarments.
Verbal Cues
It is possible for the child to use inappropriate language for their age. You may hear them use inappropriate phrases for their age.
Step 2: Talk with your child
If you are concerned about abuse, talk to the child. It is important to establish a safe environment for them to talk freely. Sometimes, the person might have threatened them or scared them into talking about it. You should be aware of your tone. If you speak too seriously, it could cause fear in the child. Do not be judgmental or blaming the child. For example, statements like “When you said that, it made me worry ” aren’t appropriate.
Step 3: Report it and speak with a lawyer
To bring the perpetrator to justice, report it to police. Talking with police creates a written record about the abuse. Although they might appear to be doing nothing at the beginning, this all depends on the agency. To see what’s going on, you can check back at the end of each week. In cases where your child was abused at daycare or another institution, you will need to speak with a lawyer. The legal right to compensation for children is equal or greater than that of adults. It holds those who abuse them accountable for their actions. The perpetrator, school or organization that employed them can be held responsible.
