By Cassie Rodgers&

Deidre Tucker

Ask yourself…Ask yourself…

Who would ever Who would ever want to hurt a want to hurt a

child?child?

““No one,” you say.No one,” you say.

Millions of children are abused and Millions of children are abused and neglected every single day in the worldneglected every single day in the world..

Everyday, about four children die in the United Everyday, about four children die in the United States from child abuse.States from child abuse.

Each year in the Each year in the state of Georgia, state of Georgia,

there are there are approximately approximately

31,000 confirmed 31,000 confirmed cases of abuse.cases of abuse.

Of all abuse cases, 90% Of all abuse cases, 90% occur at home.occur at home.

83% of abuse is committed by a child’s 83% of abuse is committed by a child’s biological parents.biological parents.

Abuse that expresses to children that

they are worthless, flawed, unloved,

unwanted, or only of value when

meeting another’s needs.

* Apathy * Depression

* Hostility or stress * Lack of concentration

* Eating disorders

Physical AbusePhysical Abuse

Physical contact Physical contact that causes that causes feelings of feelings of

intimidation, pain, intimidation, pain, injury, other injury, other

physical suffering, physical suffering, or bodily harm.or bodily harm.

* Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises* Bite marks

* Anti-social behavior * Problems in school

* Fear of adults

An unexplained drop An unexplained drop in a child’s in a child’s

attendance at attendance at school may be due school may be due

to injuries from to injuries from their abuse, or they their abuse, or they

may be may be intentionallyintentionally

held out of school to held out of school to cover up visible cover up visible

signs of the abuse.signs of the abuse.

Sexual Abuse

Forcing a child to engage in or

witness sexual activities.

*Inappropriate interest or knowledge of sexual acts

*Nightmares and bed wetting *Drastic changes in appetite

*Over-compliance or excessive aggression *Fear of a particular person or family member

If a child is a victim of physical or

sexual abuse, he or she may show

reluctance to leave school or go

anywhere they may fear coming in

contact with the abuser.

Physical Physical NeglectNeglect

Failure to provide Failure to provide sufficient food, sufficient food,

clothing, shelter, clothing, shelter, medical care, medical care,

education, education, guidance, and guidance, and

supervision for a supervision for a child.child.

Emotional Emotional NeglectNeglect

Failure to provide a child with love

and affection.

* Unsuitable clothing for weather* Dirty or unbathed * Extreme hunger

* Apparent lack of supervision

A child who has unexplained

weight loss or is unusually

sluggish or fatigued may not be getting enough to eat.

Act on your suspicions. If you are concerned that a child is being

abused or neglected, trust your instincts.

Report your suspicions immediately!

Abuse can lead to many changes in

a child’s behavior, ranging

from becoming isolated and withdrawn to

becoming overly aggressive.

*Child Abuse National Hotline:

1-800-4-A-CHILDGeorgia Abuse Hotline

1-800-CHILDREN National Youth Crisis

Hotline: 1-800-HIT-HOME

Or call your local police department.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call and report it to one of these hotlines. You do

not need proof. Suspected abuse is

enough of a reason to make a report. You

could save the life of a child with a simple

phone call.