April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Youth Villages shares 7 subtle signs of child abuse and neglect that are overlooked or missed

By Ralph Hardin

ralphhardin@gmail.com

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Unfortunately for many children, their abuse goes unnoticed, unseen, or hidden from the public eye.

Some child abuse is visible, and yet there are those who still do nothing to help.

Dr. Lindsay Pate, Licensed Psychologist and Assistant Director of Clinical Services for Youth Villages explained, “In Arkansas, anyone who suspects child abuse may file a report, but Arkansas statutes require mandated reporters — including but not limited to child care workers, physical and mental health providers, members of the clergy, law enforcement officials, juvenile intake or probation officers, prosecutors, school employees, foster parents, social workers, and employees of the Department of Human Services — to report all instances where they suspect a child to be a victim of child abuse.”

So, what are signs of child abuse and neglect that people should look for in children and adolescents?

Some are obvious indicators,” Pate said. “Children who have visible bruises, appear hungry, wear tattered or unwashed clothing, or display poor hygiene are a few of the more observable indications. However, there are additional abuse and neglect signals that may not be so apparent.”

Here are seven signs that you may want to look for:

• Emotionless or withdrawn: Child’s eyes appear empty, looking beyond you as opposed to looking at you; lacks normal emotional responses or is reluctant to interact with others, especially if this is a noticeable change from their typical behavior.

• Fearful of physical care: Child suddenly shows fear over normal physical care activities like changing their diaper, getting undressed, or going to the bathroom.

• Non-age-appropriate behavior/ unusual play activity: Child exhibits adult-like behavior or carries adult responsibilities; a child acts out what is happening to them via play.

• Avoids or is fearful of people or places: Child stops wanting to visit a person or place that they used to enjoy; scans every new room or building they enter as though they are looking for someone or something.

• Low self-esteem: Child routinely makes critical or negative comments about themself.

• Frequent illnesses: Increase in stomachaches, headaches, infections, or not feeling well.

• Eating changes: Drastic or sudden changes in eating, appetite, or focus on food.

Children often do not feel comfortable sharing information about what has happened to them because they simply do not know how to express it or trust that adults will protect them. As a mandatory reporter, you are the voice for

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children who are being abused and neglected. You can be the advocate who they need.

In Arkansas, you can make a report to the Crimes Against Children Hotline at 1-800-482-5964 (1-800SAVEACHILD) if there is suspicion that a child or adolescent is being abused or neglected.

“Call 911,” said Pate, “if a situation is an emergency or life-threatening.

About Youth Villages

Youth Villages is a national leader in mental and behavioral health committed to finding the most effective solutions to help children, families and young adults overcome obstacles and live successfully. Working through direct services and partnerships with other high-performing agencies and advocacy, we collaborate to bring positive change to child welfare, children’s mental health and justice systems. Our 4,000 employees serve more than 39,000 children and young adults in more than 100 locations in 26 states and Washington, D.C. Youth Villages has been recognized by the Harvard Business School and U.S. News & World Report and was identified by The White House as one of the nation’s most promising results-oriented nonprofit organizations. Learn more at www.youthvillages.org.