SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE
In 2022, there were 25,138 confirmed cases of abuse and/or neglect in Michigan.
8,614 of those children were removed from their homes and placed in foster care, shelters or residential treatment facilities.
We constantly dedicate our efforts to raise awareness about Child Abuse Prevention. Our goal is to educate as many people as possible, so that we can collaborate effectively in addressing this critical issue. By spreading knowledge and understanding, we hope to create a united front in the fight against child abuse.
What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
Child abuse is a physical, psychological or sexual maltreatment or neglect of a child. This can happen at the hands of a parent, a close relative or caregiver and has a significant detrimental effect on the child. Although there are numerous ways a child can be abused or neglected, here are the most common types:
Physical Abuse
This is one of the most well-known types of abuse and can range from cuts and bruises to broken bones and hospitalizations.
Signs of Physical Abuse:
– sudden changes in behavior
– dip in performance at school
– unexplained burns, bruises, broken bones or black eyes, fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
– seems frightened of the caregiver and protests or cries when it’s time to go home, or shrinks at the approach of adults.
Sexual Abuse
As much as one might think, sexual abuse isn’t always about physical contact. Anything regarding a child in a sexual manner whether it’s verbally, physically or emotionally can be considered abuse.
Signs of Sexual Abuse:
– change in body language
– difficulty sitting or walking
– reports of nightmares or bed wetting
– demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behaviors
– starts showing parts of their bodies
Emotional Abuse
This type of abuse, like humiliating and criticizing, comes in a pattern of behaviors that harm a child’s emotional well-being and development.
Signs of Emotional Abuse:
– extreme behavioral changes
– either inappropriately adult or infantile
– delayed in physical or emotional development
– has attempted or has thoughts about suicide
– has a lack of attachment to caregiver
Neglect and Abandonment
When the caregiver doesn’t provide the basic care and protection or even leaves the child alone for long periods of time or entirely.
Signs of Neglect and Abandonment:
– frequently gone from school
– begs or steals food or money
– lacks medical or dental care, immunizations or glasses
– consistently dirty or has severe body odor
– lacks sufficient clothing for the weather or clean clothes
– states there is no one home to provide care
Who Do I Call?
If you ever come across a child in any of these situations, you can make a report. A child’s physical and emotional well-being, and maybe even their life, could be at stake. You don’t need proof to report abuse and if you feel at risk, you can remain anonymous.
Emergency: 911
Non-emergencies: Local Child Protective Services or Police Department
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: 855-444-3911
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4458
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888