No matter how careful a parent is in selecting child
care, there is always the risk of child abuse. It
is possible for even babies to be abused or neglected.
But how is a parent to know when and if their child
is being abused? The fact is, there is no standard
behavioral patterns for children who are abused or
neglected. A child's reaction to such treatment is
as individual as the child. There are however, some
general signs that can alert a parent to abuse.
Behavioral Changes
- loss of appetite;
- a tendency to overeat;
- even the onset of nightmares or bedwetting.
A parent should also be concerned if their child
shows or expresses an intense dislike for the caregiver.
It is not unusual for a child to feel anxious about
being separated from the parent. The concern comes
when the child, who has begun to throw tantrums or
who cries heavily at the sight of the caregiver or
the center, is acting in a way inconsistent with his
or her normal behavior. This could indicate a cry
for help.
Improper Care
The signs of improper care being given to
babies and infants may be more difficult to detect.
Babies have been left in their car seats for virtually
the whole day receiving neither physical or emotional
care. In a situation such as this:
- A child may tire or become listless.
- The child may become completely detached from
his or her environment.
- The child may show signs of developmental delays
resulting from the lack of stimulation and affection.
- On the other hand, a baby or infant may become
more demanding of a parent's attention and affection.
- Sleep patterns may become disturbed.
- The child may develop a severe case of diaper
rash, may vomit or become anemic.
Cuts, Bruises and Welts
Other signs of abuse may be more evident.
Such is the case with unexplained cuts, bruises, burns
or welts. A good provider will tell a parent when
and how an accident occurred, and should provide an
accident report of some sort. Anything out of a child's
normal pattern for such accidents should be looked
into.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse, every parent's worst nightmare,
may show itself in any of the aforementioned signs.
Other possible signs include:
- torn or stained clothing;
- abnormal walk;
- an odd vaginal smell or discharge;
- pain in the region;
- possibly even trouble in swallowing;
- and a knowledge of sex unusual for the age of
the child.
The Parent's Role
What should a parent do if child or sexual
abuse is suspected?
- For the well being of the child a parent must
remain calm, and should not, in any way accuse,
or upset the child.
- If the child is old enough, a parent should discuss
the findings with him or her, then listen and be
sympathetic, allowing the child as much time as
is necessary to disclose what information he or
she is willing or able to at that time.
- A parent should take the child to their family
doctor or pediatrician for a full examination.
The Doctor's Role
If the doctor or pediatrician confirms abuse,
he or she will notify the proper authorities who will
then take over the case. If a doctor is uncomfortable
or unwilling to become involved in the situation,
the parent should ask for a referral to another doctor
or for the number where they themselves can report
the abuse. And they must follow up on these referrals.<./p>
If for any reason a parent suspects their child is
being neglected or abused, the child should be removed
from the care immediately. To help eradicate child
abuse, parents must improve their skills for detecting
such problems. As Aristotle once said, "The ultimate
value of life depends upon awareness and the power
of contemplation rather than on mere survival."
For more information on how to recognize and report
child abuse, contact your local ministry or social/community
services office, located in the "blue pages"
of your phone book.
