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Care Line: 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373)

What is child abuse, and why is PREVENTION important?

Four Types of Child Abuse and Neglect Include:

Physical Abuse - Infliction of physical injury or allowing another to do so.

Neglect - Chronic failure to meet basic needs of a child for food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education or supervision.

Sexual Abuse - Utilization of a child for sexual gratification by an adult or older child in a position of power, or permitting another person to do so.

Emotional Maltreatment Emotional Neglect - Chronic failure by the caregiver to provide support and affection necessary to develop a sound and healthy personality. Emotional Abuse - Chronic attitude or acts of a caregiver which are detrimental to the child's development of a sound and healthy personality.

Physical Abuse
Physical Indicators Bruises Lacerations Welts Lumps Bumps Unexplained fractures Cigarette burns Immersion burns Top	Behavioral Indicators Verbally reports abuse Depression Behavioral extremes Role reversal Appears frightened of caretaker Apprehensive children cry Exaggerated startle response School absenteeism Low self-esteem
Neglect
Physical Indicators Flat, bald spots on infant's head Dirty, smelly Torn, dirty or inappropriate clothing for the weather Developmental lags Underweight Top	Behavioral Indicators Dull Listless Begging/stealing food Constant fatigue Alchohol or drug use Reports being left alone
Sexual Abuse
Physical Indicators Any venereal disease Bruised/dilated genitals or rectum Aggresive/overt sexual behavior Difficulty/pain in sitting or walking Drawing pictures of people with genitals or vagina Foreign matter in bladder, rectum or uretha Pelvic imflammatory disease Top	Behavioral Indicators Pre-mature knowledge of explicit sexual acts Torn, stained or bloody underwear Sleep disorders Pregnancy under 16 years of age Taking frequent baths Starting fires Recurrent urinary tract infections Self-inflicted injuries Expresses fear of particular person or place Reports sexual abuse
Emotional Maltreatment
Behavioral indicators Low self-esteem Difficulty forming positive relationships Inability to trust Poorly developed ability to empathize with others Top	Defiant behavior Elimination disorders Speech disorders Eating disorders Derives pleasure from hurting others Suicide attempts Reports emotional maltreatment

Prevent Child Abuse Indiana
Prevent Child Abuse America


Kids First Council
900 N. Park Street
Seymour, IN 47274
(812) 523-1352

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Updated 07/02/03