Child Abuse Hotline
Stop Child Abuse |
Parental Stress Helpline |
When you suspect child abuse or neglect, REPORT IT!
If you suspect a child is being abused, you have a moral and perhaps legal responsibility to report it. Only through YOUR involvement can professional assistance be given to the parties involved.
Services provided by Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division
Senior Care Guide | Background Screening Home
What causes adults to abuse or neglect children?
- Stress
- Immaturity
- Lack of parenting skills
- Unrealistic expectations
- No one to talk to
- Uncontrolled anger
- Belief in severe physical punishment
- Emotional instability
- Drugs and alcohol abuse
- Lack of understanding of child's needs
- Sometimes just poor judgement
What are some physical signs of child abuse and neglect?
- Abnormal welts
- Bruises
- Burns
- Black eyes
- Recurring injuries
- Limping
- Noticeable pain when moving (Sometimes, through fear of family reaction, children will deny that anything is wrong).
What are some psychological signs of child abuse and neglect?
- Withdrawn
- Angry
- Uncooperative
- Depressed
- Disruptive
- Frightened
- Afraid to go home
- Seldom smiles
What are signs of neglect?
- Inadequately clothed
- Stringy hair
- Lusterless eyes
- Malnourished
- Physically dirty
- Unkept
- Tired
Physical and Behavioral Signs of Sexual Abuse
Children who may be too frightened to talk about sexual molestation may exhibit a variety of physical and behavioral signs. Any or several of these signs may be significant. Parents should assume responsibility for noticing such symptoms including:
- Extreme changes in behavior such as loss of appetite.
- Recurrent nightmares or disturbed sleep patterns and fear of the dark.
- Regression to more infantile behavior such as bedwetting, thumb sucking, or excessive crying.
- Torn or stained underclothing.
- Vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals and vaginal discharge.
- Vaginal infections or venereal disease.
- Unusual interest in or knowledge of sexual matters, expressing affection in ways inappropriate for a child of that age.
- Fear of a person or an intense dislike at being left somewhere or with someone.
- Other behavioral signals such as aggressive or disruptive behavior, withdrawal, running away or delinquent behavior, failing in school.
Make sure that your child knows that if someone does something confusing to him or her, that you want to be told about it. Reassure your child and explain that he or she will not be blamed for whatever an adult does with the child.
