CHILD ABUSE
IS NEVER
THE CHILDS FAULT
Child abuse and neglect consists of an act of commission
or omission that endangers or impairs a child's physical
or emotional health and development.


CHILD ABUSE and NEGLECT
Child abuse is a complex and serious problem affecting the most vulnerable in our society. In most situations a child is reluctant or too afraid to report abuse, and for many children, when they finally do mention it, they are not believed.

It is much easier for most parents to talk to children about sexual abuse if the children already have some basic sex education and knows the correct names for their bodies sexual parts. Having this knowledge enables children to tell the difference between sexual abuse and healthy sexuality. It helps to teach children the big difference between the touch of someone who is showing them affection and the touch or approaches of someone who is trying to take sexual advantage of them.

It is vitally important we strongly educate children on 'stranger danger' and the need to be constantly aware. Child abuse refers to the non-accidental physical injury, neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual exploitation of a child. In its most serious form, child abuse can result in the death of a child.


Parents mistakenly believe child abuse will never involve their own child, usually because mum and dad believe their family and friends are completely trustworthy or because "this sort of thing" doesn't happen in our neighbourhood or community.
In every race and cultural background around the world children are abused.This abuse appears in many forms such as physical and/or sexual and/or emotional abuse.
In a large percentage of cases children are often abused by someone well known to them or by someone they recognise.

    
Sexual abuse of a child occurs when an adult, an older child or an authority figure uses their power or authority over the child to take advantage of the child's trust and respect.

Child sexual abuse is any sexual act or sexual threat imposed on a child.
The dependency and immaturity of a child is easily exploited by adults or adolescents who perpetrate child sexual abuse.

PHYSICAL ABUSE
 Physical abuse is defined as any non-accidental injury sustained by a child

WHAT TO LOOK FOR FROM THE CHILD

A child who is being abused will often display many of the indicators listed below . . .

Welts and bruises that are unexplained. Reports abuse to you.
Abrasions and/or lacerations that are unexplained. Very wary of adult contact.
Reluctant to communicate. Random displays of anger and aggression.
Unexplained fractures - burns and head injuries. Extremes of behaviour.
Hyperactive behaviour. Human bite marks that are unexplained.
Early loss of teeth. Behind in normal development.
Wearing of clothes to hide their injuries. Appears wary of or frightened of carer.
Often looks for affection from any adult. Apprehensive when other children cry.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR FROM THE PARENT OR CARER

An abusive parent or carer will often display most of the symptoms listed below . . .

Parent(s) or carer appear unconcerned about child's well-being.
Appears over anxious towards the child
Is negligent in obtaining medical care for the child or takes too long to seek medical advice for the child.
Gives implausible or 'hard to believe' reasons for any injuries suffered by the child.
Is easily overwhelmed by the needs of the child.
Rarely takes the child to the same doctor or hospital for each injury.
Parent(s) or carer are users of drugs or are substance abusers.
Often disciplines the child unnecessarily or in a harsh manner.
Continually refers to the child in a demeaning or negative manner.
Often displays poor self esteem and/or self control.

SEXUAL ABUSE
 The use of a child by an adult or older person for sexual gratification

CHILD PHYSICAL INDICATORS TO LOOK FOR

Has difficulty in sitting or walking. Has stained and/or torn or bloody underwear.
Has itching or pain in the genital area Has bruises or bleeding in vaginal, anal and genitalia areas.
Has venereal disease. Has recurring urinary tract infections or complications.
Has foreign matter in rectum, urethra or bladder. Pregnancy

CHILD BEHAVIOUR INDICATORS TO LOOK FOR

Displays aggressive or overt sexual behaviour. Likes to start fires
Drawing sexually explicit pictures of people. Has a poor relationship or can't 'get on' with their peers
Displays cruelty to animals. Displays a wariness of adult physical contact.
Has too much knowledge of explicit sexual acts. Has unexplained episodes of nightmares or bedwetting.
Suffers from unexplained sleep disorders. Reports sexual abuse
Frequent washing, showering or baths. Injuries that are obviously self inflicted

PARENT/CARER INDICATORS TO LOOK FOR

Lives in a location that is geographically isolated. Often jealous of child
Parent or carer displays symptoms of low self-esteem. Overly protective of child.
Has little or no social and emotional contacts outside the family. Overly protective of family privacy
Forbids the child to be involved in any form of extracurricular activities.  
Involves or encourages the child in acts of prostitution.  
Parents or carers are drug user(s) or substance abuser(s).  

EMOTIONAL ABUSE
 'The failure of the parent/carer to provide the necessary affection, love and support to enable the child to develop a healthy, stable personality.'

CHILD PHYSICAL INDICATORS TO LOOK FOR

Inability to trust Displays a failure to thrive.
Reluctant to play with peers Habit and/or sleep disorders.
Speech disorders Has low self-esteem
Reports emotional maltreatment Extremes of behaviour.
Behind in their physical development Has difficulty forming positive relationships.
Suicidal tendencies or attempted suicide. Apathetic towards most things

PARENT/CARER INDICATORS TO LOOK FOR

Often treats children in family unfairly or unequally. Withholds love to the child.
Does not appear to care about the child’s needs. Can't find anything good or attractive in the child.
Often blames or belittles child without reason. Often displays inconsistent behaviour towards the child.
Is often cold and rejecting towards the child.  

NEGLECT
 Failure to provide a child’s emotional and physical needs.

CHILD PHYSICAL INDICATORS TO LOOK FOR

Is always hungry. Behind in development.
Begging or stealing of food. Unattended medical or dental needs.
Is continually tired or listless. Unattended physical problems.
Obviously underweight Consistent lack of parental/carer supervision.
States there is no parent or carer. Abandonment
Regular absence from school - truancy. Substance or drug abuser
Has poor hygiene or is noticeably unclean.  
Extended stays in school (such as early arrivals or late departures to or from school)

PARENT/CARER INDICATORS TO LOOK FOR

Lives in a disorganised, upsetting or chaotic home life. Quite often can't be found.
Continually feels nothing will change. Has unrealistic expectations of the child.
Is isolated from relatives, neighbours and friends. Drug user or substance abuser.
Exposes child to an unhealthy or unsafe home life. Displays an apathetic attitude towards life in general.

Parenting is often one of the most demanding, complex and at the same time rewarding tasks some of us ever undertake. The multitude of demands placed on a parent are often very difficult. No parent is perfect and at one time or another most parents will be in need of help, assistance or professional advice.
Should you encounter problems or difficulties in parenting, you are not alone and you have many organisations throughout Australia able to help and advise.
Are you concerned about your childs behaviour ? . . . listed below are a few alternatives
Talk with other parents you know, or neighbours and relatives you trust about your worries and problems.
Consult with your family doctor or medical centre,or your local community or health care centre.
Seek advice about what is considered to be normal behaviour in a child or children.
Enquire about parent support groups and/or parenting courses available or in your local neighbourhood.
Enquire about any family support services available in your neighbourhood.

HOW TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE
Call the DoCS helpline on 132 111 - Available 24 hours a day - 7 days a week
Mandatory reports should use the strictly confidential number 133 627.
In Emergencies call 000