April is a month spent recognizing so many important things. Easter, Tax Day, Earth Day, and National Pretzel Day all come to mind. It’s also when the flowers bloom, the weather gets warmer, and the sun begins setting later. Spring is here! April is also nationally designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In a study run for Statistica, Illinois ranked as the 4th highest state in the U.S. regarding the mistreatment of children. Child abuse spreads across a wide spectrum and is a problem we can help to reduce. As adults, we can ensure there are supports in children’s lives that enable them to have safe, loving, and nurturing homes. The children in our community today are the teachers, parents, and leaders of tomorrow. Providing an environment for them to thrive is not only crucial for their present well-being, but vital for their development as they grow into adults.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse can be broken down into four sub-categories that are emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. 

According to The Child Welfare Information Gateway and RAINN, these are the definitions of each sub-category of child abuse:

  • Emotional or psychological child abuse is a pattern or behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, rejection, and withholding of love, support, or guidance.
  • Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of child abuse. It occurs when a person close to the child deliberately commits an act that results in a physical injury to the child. These injuries can have serious, long-lasting effects and can sometimes cause death.
  • Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse that includes sexual activity with a minor.
  • Neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment. It can include physical, educational, medical, and emotional neglect. Chronic child neglect occurs when a caregiver repeatedly fails to meet a child’s basic physical, developmental, or emotional needs. 

What are the signs of child abuse?

Adults often don’t notice if a child is experiencing abuse because most children will not explicitly mention abuse when it occurs. It can be beneficial for adults to be familiar with the signs of child abuse to recognize when it is taking place.

Children being abused might not choose to disclose this information to adults for several reasons. Some of those reasons include the following:

  • They’re fearful
  • They’re not sure who is safe to tell
  • They’re confused about what is happening to them
  • Their abuser has made them believe it is their fault or that they deserve the abuse
  • They think no one will believe them

In cases where a child chooses not to disclose their abuse, adults close to them need to be familiar with the hidden signs or symptoms of abuse. These may include some of the following:

  • Increased symptoms of depression or anxiety
  • Sudden withdrawal
  • Sudden change in behaviors (lashing out, aggression, starting fights, etc.)
  • Refusing to go to school
  • Poor hygiene or inadequate clothing
  • Loss of self-esteem
  • Inappropriate sexual touching of peers
  • Increased, unexplainable bruising or injuries
  • Aggressive weight loss or weight gain

What do I do if I know or suspect a child is being abused or is in danger?

If a child has explicitly told you they are in danger, or you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please remember to remain calm. Letting the child know they are safe and heard with you is essential.

Dealing with a child abuse situation can be scary and emotional. It is important to remain calm and clear-headed to deal with the situation properly and not let your own emotions get in the way of the child receiving the help they need. The key things to do if you find yourself in a situation where you suspect child abuse include:

  • Stay in control of your emotions and try not to react emotionally in front of the child. If a child can see that you are responding negatively to the information they shared with you, they may feel as if they have done something wrong.
  • LISTEN! Listen as well as you can and try to remember all the details given. Writing down any details shared with you can be extremely helpful in reporting the allegations.
  • Let the child know you are a safe adult to talk to. If they are in danger and feel you are there to help them, they will be more likely to discuss their situation with you. Being a trusted ally can be a gift to give a child who is being mistreated and feels fearful of speaking up.
  • REPORT! In Illinois, you can report child abuse and neglect in two different ways. In emergencies, please call the child abuse hotline at 1(800)25-ABUSE(22873). In non-emergency cases, you can report using their online report link. It is important to remember that if a child is in immediate danger, you should contact the local authorities at 911.

All children deserve to grow and prosper in loving and safe environments. With the help of our community and our professionals at Family Counseling Service, we can work to provide this safe environment for the children around us to feel they can come to us if they are in danger.

Please reach out if a child you know is struggling with mental health concerns. Family Counseling Service is here to help. Contact us online or call us at 630-844-2662.