Child

Abuse, Neglect
& Maltreatment

Resources &
Organizations
Child Abuse Prevention
Association (CAPA)

Signs, Statistics, & Resources

Providing counseling , family support and education to families at-risk, victims of child abuse and
the community at large.

Child Abuse Hotline

Toll free number within the state of California
to report suspected forms of child abuse and
neglect. (800) 344-6000

Child Help.Org
Prevention, intervention and treatment programs for educators, students, families and
the community. Different chapters are
located throughout the United States.

Amanda Orozco
Ashford University
EDU 644
March 9, 2015
Secondary Heading

Child Abuse: Definition & Statistics

What is child abuse? Child abuse is when a
parent or caregiver, whether through action or
failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional

Recognizing Abuse

Tips for Parents & Caregivers

Though these signs and symptoms do not always suggest

If you suspect your child has been abused, take the

abuse, it is important to recognize that in combination they

following steps:

may be a cause for concern.

1.

harm or risk of serious harm to a child. There

Top 10 Signs of Abuse (Safe Horizon, 2014)

are many forms of child maltreatment, includ-

1.

Unexplained Injuries

2.

Changes in behavior

3.

Behavior regression

4.

Fear of home

5.

Changes in eating

6.

Changes in sleeping

7.

Changes in school attendance/performance

8.

Lack of hygiene

9.

Risk-taking behavior

ing neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, and

emotional abuse.

Physical AbuseNon-accidental injuries inflicted on a

child by a parent, adult and/or caregiver. Over 23% of
adults report being abused as adults (childhelp.org,
2014).
Emotional AbuseMental, social, or emotional harm
inflicted on a child by a parent, adult, and/or caregiver.
Along with neglect, the least reported and recognized
form of abuse (childhelp.org, 2014).

10. Inappropriate sexual behavior

If you suspect a child is being abused, stay calm but take

action. Call your local child protective agency to file a report. They are trained professionals and will evaluate the
seriousness of the situation and act accordingly.

Child NeglectLack of supervision, health care, affection needed for the well-being and development of a
child by parent/caregiver. Only 9% of abuse cases fall
into the category of child neglect each year in California
(Safe Horizon, 2014).

crete proof of the alleged abuse, it is always

safer to believe them and follow the proper
channels of reporting and investigating.
2.

Stay calm. As the adult in the situation, staying calm and level-headed and following the
appropriate steps of action is vital.

3.

Report immediately. Do not wait to file a reportlet the professionals at your child protective agency evaluate the level of threat.

4.

Show concern and care for your child. Be a

support system for your child and let them
know they are safe and will not be judged.

References
Childhelp.org. (2014). Retrieved on March 9, 2015
from https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/.

How to Report Abuse

Sexual AbuseThe exploitation or abuse of child for
sexual purposes by an adult/parent/caregiver. Over
20% of adults report being sexually abused as adults,
the majority by people they knew (childhelp.org, 2014).

Believe them! Whether or not you have con-

Child Abuse HotlineCalifornia (800) 344-6000

Child Abuse Protection Association. (2014).

Retrieved on March 9, 2015 from http://
www.capacares.org
Safe Horizon. (2014). Retrieved on March 9,
2015 from http://www.safehorizon.org/page/10signs-of-child-abuse-58.html