Child Abuse

Child abuse indicators:

Physical Abuse:

Neglect:

• Hunger & malnutrition
• Poor hygiene
• Inappropriate dress for weather
• Lack of supervision
• Unattended physical or medical need

Sexual Abuse:

• Difficulty in walking or sitting
• Sudden change in behavior
• Anorexic
• Sexually provocative
• Self-destructive
• Unusual knowledge of sexual issues, beyond developmental stage

Emotional Abuse:

• Behavior extremes (compliant, passive or aggressive & demanding) ó lacks self-esteem
• Seeks approval to an extreme
• Fearful of making decisions
• Neurotic traits

Why victims do not disclose:

People are afraid to report or talk about abuse because…

• They don’t know where to get help
• They do not recognize that they are abused
• They are ashamed
• They are dependent on the abuser for care or financial support
• They were threatened to keep the secret
• They may blame themselves
• They have limited social contacts or supports outside of the home
• They fear their abusers may threaten to harm them or their children if they tell

Handling disclosure:

• Find a private place to talk
• Do not express panic or shock
• Express your belief that the victim is telling the truth
• Give them reassurance for opening up
• Reassure them that the victim is NEVER at fault
• Determine their immediate need for safety
• Reassure them that you are there and will do your best to support/protect them
• If necessary, report to the proper authorities

How you can help?

If a person is in imminent danger, contact the police or 911 

Making a report:

• Call the child abuse hotline at 1-800-540-4000 and speak to a counselor and obtain a consultation on whether the incident is reportable
• Make a child abuse report within 24 hours. You can file a child abuse report online at https://mandreptla.org/
• Call Aleinu for a consultation and guidance throughout the process