What is Child Abuse?
Child abuse is any mistreatment of a child by a parent or caregiver that results in harm or injury.
Child abuse includes:
- Physical abuse - an injury to a child that is not an accident; for example, hurting a child by hitting, burning, biting or shaking.
- Physical neglect - failure to provide the child food, clothing, medical care, shelter or supervision.
- Sexual abuse - any sexual contact or exploitation of a child.
- Emotional abuse and neglect - an abusive parent may scare a child by threatening to leave him or her, or by being severely critical. A neglectful parent may not spend any time with the child or may never show the child any affection.
How can child abuse be prevented?
Abusive parents are often ordinary people caught in life situations beyond their control. They may be struggling with stress caused by illness, money problems, alcohol or drug abuse, isolation or immaturity. They may have little or no knowledge of how children develop, or they may have been mistreated themselves.
Support groups and parenting programs can help parents learn to deal with stress, and to raise and nurture their children without physical or emotional abuse.
How can I stop child abuse in a public place?
It can be very uncomfortable to watch the mistreatment of a child by an adult who has lost control. Unfortunately, statistics indicate that abuse is often witnessed, yet frequently ignored. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help.
- Start a conversation with the adult to direct attention away from the child. For example:
- "She seems to be trying your patience."
- "My child has gotten upset like that too."
- "Children can wear you out, can't they?"
- "Is there anything I can do to help?"
- Divert the child's attention (if misbehaving) by talking to the child.
- Look for an opportunity to praise the parent or child.
- If the child is in danger, offer assistance.
- Avoid negative remarks or looks. These reactions are likely to increase the parent's anger and could make matters worse.
How do I report abuse or neglect?
To make a report, call the social services agency where the child lives or where the abuse occurred. Ask for Child Protective Services. Click here for Local Contacts to report abuse and neglect.
Virginia maintains a 24-hour hotline for reporting abuse and neglect.
VA Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1-800-552-7096