Facts About Child Abuse

By Julie Tresco for the Times Herald Record March 21, 2007

Most parents love their children and would never intentionally hurt them — and yet more than 2.5 million cases of child abuse are reported in the United States each year.

Child abuse is a broad term used to describe any mistreatment of a child, ranging from physical, emotional or sexual abuse to physical, emotional or medical neglect.

Who is hurting the children?

Statistically, 60 percent of abusers are female with an average age of 31. The rest are male with an average age of 34. And a whopping 84 percent of time, the abuser is the parent.

Why would parents hurt their children? Often parents who abuse children were abused themselves, so the pattern of abuse continues. Abuse or neglect also stems from being too immature to raise a child, lack of parenting skills, or unrealistic expectations of a child's abilities or behavior. A parent or caregiver who is dealing with extreme stress such as poverty, divorce, illness, disability, and drug or alcohol abuse is also more likely to abuse a child.

What are the signs?

The signs of abuse can be hard to recognize and may differ from child to child. Signs of physical abuse include unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns or fractures. Signs of sexual abuse include fearful behavior (such as nightmares), bedwetting and inappropriate sexual behavior for the child's age. Signs of emotional abuse include nightmares, running away and headaches. The signs of neglect include poor hygiene, stealing food, several absences from school and overly affectionate behavior (craving attention).

The consequences of child abuse are far-reaching. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children who are abused are at increased risk for engaging in destructive behaviors as adults such as smoking, drinking, drug abuse, obesity, depression, suicide, promiscuous sex and eating disorders.

Abuse during infancy can cause parts of the brain to form improperly, possibly resulting in physical, mental and emotional problems. And the direct costs of child abuse to society (including health care and legal costs) are estimated at $24 billion a year.

Prevention and education are the best ways to stop the cycle of abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected call your local department of children and family services or your police department.

If you are a parent concerned about your own potential for abusing your child, there are steps to take that can help you be a better parent.

• Be honest. Are you hitting or yelling at your child?
• Do you enjoy being a parent?
• Do you take your problems out on your child or blame him for your problems?
• Re-evaluate your parenting skills. What did you learn from the way your parents parented you? What worked and what would you like to change?
• Take a parenting class or read a book for advice. Children do not come with instructions, so it's OK if you have questions.
• Remember. No matter how upset or frustrated you get — NEVER SHAKE A BABY.

Julie Tresco is the educator for Maternal Infant Services Network (MISN) of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties Inc., a not-for-profit organization that coordinates health and human services for pregnant women and children.

Do you have questions concerning your parenting style? Call MISN at 800-453-4666 to find a parenting class in your area.

For More Information on FREE or LOW COST Health Insurance, Prenatal Care or Breastfeeding Support Call 1-800-453-4666.