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… protecting the innocence and simplicity of children |
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Russell County Child Advocacy Center |
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To contact us: |
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Phone: 334-297-4962 Fax: 334-297-4794 E-mail: rccac@bellsouth.net |
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Child Abuse Information |
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The following are a few of the physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect. Please note that this is not an exclusive list, but more a list of the most common signs and sysmptoms. For more information, please contact Childhelp USA® National Child abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD® (1-800-422-4453).
Physical Abuse Any non-accidental physical injury or pattern of injuries inflicted or caused by an adult, parent, guardian or other person *Indicators are particularly telling if they are: Repeated and consistent over time Long lasting (as one injury heals, a newer injury appears or is discovered in a more recent state of healing.) Location (unusual place sure as face, back,etc) *Red Flags Unexplained bruises Unexplained lacerations Unexplained burns
Behavioral indications in the child.
Sexual Abuse Exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult or person older than the child. *Examples of sexual abuse -Sexual Intercourse -Fondling -Indecent exposure/exhibitionism -Use of children in pornography -Exposing children to pornographic material -Deliberately exposing a child to the act of sexual intercourse -Masturbation in front of a child
*What to look for? YOUNGER CHILDREN Compulsive masterbation Bed-wetting, soiling Excessive curiosity about sex Altered sleep patterns Learning problems Separation anxiety Overly compulsive behavior Developing fears and phobias Sexual acting out with peers Becoming nonverbal Developing tension symptoms -- stomach aches, skin disorders Becoming seductive PREPUBERTY AND TEENAGE Stealing Running away Starting fires Excessive bathing Being withdrawn and passive Girls pulling up skirts Sexual inference in school artwork Teaching others how to masterbate Becoming aggressive toward peers Succumbing to periods of deep depression Falling grades Alcohol or drug abuse OLDER CHILDREN Suicide attempts Early marriage Running away STD’s Pregnancy Substance abuse Getting in trouble with legal system
* Physical Indicators Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia Complains of pain or itching in genitalia Difficulty in sitting or walking Torn, stained or bloody underclothing Sexually transmitted diseases Pregnancy, especially in early adolescence * Behavioral Indictors Bizarre or unusual sexual behaviors Knowledge of sexual behaviors inappropriate for child’s age Excessive masturbation Lack of self esteem, depression, self respect Child may seem very mature for age Child may talk about secrets
Physical Neglect Failing to meet a child’s minimum needs for food clothing, shelter, education, affection, medical care, dental care, etc… (Head lice in and of itself is not defined as neglect by the Alabama Department of Human Resources unless the head lice is left untreated.) Physical indicators of neglect Behavioral indicators of the child
Emotional Neglect & Abuse A pattern of behavior that takes place over an extended period of time, characterized by intimidation, belittling and otherwise damaging interaction that affects a child’s healthy emotional development. Physical indicators of emotional abuse and neglect Behavioral indicators of the child
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Signs of Child Abuse |
