Child Abuse

Caregivers and teachers genuinely care about their children, but they may not be knowledgeable about child abuse issues. In many cases, their awareness is limited because they are new. Teachers who have received formal training also may need reminders of their protective responsibilities as custodians of the children in their care.

What is child abuse?

The maltreatment of a child by an adult is abuse. It may take the form of physical, emotional of sexual abuse. Neglecting to care for a child is also considered child abuse.

Usually a child knows their abuser. Abuse by strangers usually occurs once, and often ends in death for the child. Abuse by someone known to the child may occur over a long period of time before it is discovered.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is been the most prevalent form of child abuse. It is a physical assault that results in injury. Physical abuse may be observable, but internal injury sometimes cannot be readily visible. A blunt injury to an infant can cause damage to internal organs.

Physical abuse may occur in a disciplinary context as corporal punishment

Indicators of physical abuse include:

  • Injury. Look for injuries that may have been inflicted (as opposed to being accidental).
  • Injury location. The most common locations of abuse are on the back, the neck and the knees.
  • Burns. Burns are always a reason to be concerned, especially when they appear in patterns more than once.
  • Emotionally withdrawn. Victims of abuse may be timid and withdrawn. They may be reluctant to go home. Victims have very low self-esteem and their explanations for their injuries may be illogical or inconsistent.
Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse involves anything from yelling and screaming at a child to verbally insulting a child. Emotional abuse is when a child received little or no affection or positive reinforcement. Exposing a child to unpleasant or distressing situations, such as domestic violence or pornographers, is another form of child abuse.

Indicators of emotional abuse include:

  • Odd or out of place behavior. Nail-biting, rocking in place, self-mutilation, pulling out hair of thumb sucking by older children may be indicators of emotional abuse.
  • Parental behavior. A parent that is ridicules or rejects a child in interactions may be emotionally abusing the child. Lack of bonding, wither physical or emotional, may be evidence, as well.
Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves the exploitation of a child by an adult for their own gratification, financial gain or superiority. This kind of exploitation can include intercourse, fondling, oral sex, exhibitionism or child prostitution. The majority of sexual abuse is perpetrated by men.

Indicators of sexual abuse include:

  • Discomfort. Sexually-abused children may exhibit physical symptoms, such as discomfort sitting or while riding a bike.
  • Sudden behavior changes. A child who suddenly starts getting poor grades in school, becomes secretive or withdrawn, or avoids their friends may be sexually abused.
  • Other indicators. Bedwetting, bloodstained underwear and the presence of a STD can all be indicators of sexual abuse.
Neglect
Physical neglect includes depriving a child of basic essential, such as food, shelter, clothing, medical care or education. Leaving a child to care for themselves is also neglect.
Indicators of neglect include:
  • Famished or unkempt appearance. A child who appears to lack basic nutrition, medical attention or physical care may be a victim of neglect.
  • Poor attendance. A child that misses a lot of school without explanation may be a victim of neglect.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a formof intentional injury to infants andchildren inflicted by violent shaking, with or without impact on a hard surface.It can result in severe head trauma, such asbleeding in and around the brain, retinalhemorrhages and bone fractures. About25% of clinically diagnosed infants die, andabout 80% of survivors suffer lifelong neurologicaldamage.

Why shaking a baby is harmful

Babies’ heads are relatively large and heavy, making up about 25% of their total body weight. Their neck muscles are too weak to support such a disproportionately large head. Babies’ brains are immature and more easily injured by shaking. Babies’ blood vessels around the brain are more susceptible to tearing than older children or adults.

When a baby is shaken violently, the brain rotates within the skull cavity, injuring or destroying brain tissue. Blood vessels feeding the brain can be torn, leading to bleeding around the brain. Blood pools within the skull, sometimes creating more pressure within the skull and possibly causing additional brain damage.

Physical signs and symptoms

There are various signs and symptoms of SBS. If you suspect a child has been shaken, seek medical attention immediately. This could be the difference between life and death.

  • Lethargy / decreased muscle tone
  • Extreme irritability
  • Decreased appetite, poor feeding or vomiting for no apparent reason
  • Grab-type bruises on arms or chest are rare
  • No smiling or vocalization
  • Poor sucking or swallowing
  • Rigidity or posturing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures
  • Head or forehead appears larger than usual or soft-spot on head appears to be bulging
  • Inability to lift head
  • Inability of eyes to focus or track movement or unequal size of pupils
When does SBS occur?

Often, perpetrators shake an infant or child out of frustration or anger. This most often occurs when the baby won’t stop crying. Other triggering events include toilet training difficulties and feeding problems.

Reporting a Suspicion of Child Abuse

If you suspect a child in your class may be the victim of abuse, report your suspicions to the School Director or the Assistant Director. At all times the staff member must maintain confidentiality. You should not gather the opinions or request advice of other staff members before approaching the Director with these suspicions.