Kenneth R. Lafontaine
Extension Agent, 4-H/Youth Development, Hardin County
Physical and mental abuse and neglect of children is not a new phenomenon. They undoubtedly have always existed in one form or another. Until recently, when the seriousness of the situation gained national attention, these problems were considered only in terms of individual cases. People saw abuse as isolated incidents, or from the perspective that an adult they knew had a tendency to be "a little rough on his/her kids". Little did people know that such an incident was only one of thousands of cases and that parents/guardians were exhibiting this potentially destructive behavior on a much larger scale than imagined.
Child abuse and neglect results in injury and death to thousands of children each year. Even those children who survive abuse and neglect are generally likely to suffer some type of permanent physical injury or emotional trauma.
Abuse represents an action against a child. Generally, abuse is categorized as follows:
Physical abuse: the non-accidental injury of a child.
Sexual abuse: any act of sexual nature upon or with a child.
Emotional abuse: chronic attitudes or acts which interfere with the psychological and social development of a child. It is not a one time act, but consistent and chronic behavior.
Neglect is the failure to act on behalf of a child. Generally, neglect does not produce visible signs, and usually occurs over a period of time. The two categories of neglect are:
Physical neglect: failure to meet the requirements basic to a child's physical development, such as supervision, housing, clothing, medical attention, nutrition, and monetary support.
Emotional neglect: failure to p,rovide the support or affection necessary to a child's psychological and social development. This would include the failure to provide the praise, nurturing, love, and security essential to the child's development of a sound and healthy personality.
Some forms of child abuse and neglect may be more difficult to detect than others; however, there are always signs that suggest a child might be in need of help. These signs may be found together or individually.
The two signs that are usually given by an abused or neglected child are physical indicators and behavioral indicators. Physical indicators are the easiest to detect and diagnose. The child's appearance and the presence of bodily injury are the typical signs. Behavioral indicators are more difficult to detect and interpret than physical indicators. Often, children will send behavioral messages suggesting that abuse or neglect is happening. These signs may be in the form of "acting-out" behaviors which reflect the child's attempt to deal with or hide the abuse or neglect.
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish accidents from abuse. Here are some questions to ask yourself if you notice something that may indicate abuse is occurring.
Injuries are less likely to occur in protected parts of the body such as the back of the legs, buttocks, back, or face.
The greater the number of injuries a child has, the greater the cause for concern. It is uncommon for a child to have multiple injuries simultaneously. It is even more unusual if the injuries are at different stages of healing.
Accidental marks resulting from bumps or falls usually have no defined shape. However, injuries with resemblance to common shapes such as fingertips or cigarettes, should be cause for concern.
If the injury was an accident, there should be a reasonable explanation for how it happened. If the explanation of how the injury occurred is vague, or if the description of how the injury occurred and the appearance of injury don't seem to be related, there may be cause for concern.
Children and accidents go hand in hand. By considering these questions, you will have a better chance of correctly identifying if abuse has occurred.
Although the Ohio Revised Code does not require volunteers to report cases of suspected child abuse, Ohio State University Extension encourages all volunteers to report suspected cases. Reports can be made by phone or in person to Children's Services, County Department of Human Services, or Municipal or County Peace Officer in the county in which the abuse occurred.
When a volunteer files a report he/she shall immediately inform either the agent responsible for the 4-H program, the county chair, or other immediate supervisor about the incident report.
When reporting suspected abuse or neglect, it is important proper procedures are followed. When dealing with the welfare of youth, doing the right thing is not always enough. Be prepared by having the following information available without contacting the suspected abuser:
You can give your name if you choose or you can report anonymously. You are encouraged to give your name. This makes it possible for the children's protective services worker to get in touch with you later if additional or clarifying information is needed.
It is helpful to provide as much of this information as possible. However, if a child's protection is endangered and you don't have all the above information, don't hesitate to make a report with the information you do have. Remember first and foremost, protect the child.
There may be a time when a child directly shares with you information about abuse or neglect. Although it may be a difficult subject to handle, it is very important for you to handle such information in an appropriate manner.
Follow these steps when a child confides in you.
Child abuse and neglect will not go away by itself. Extension volunteers are encouraged to do their part to assure children can grow and learn in a safe and healthy environment.
Winter, R. "Child Abuse Digest." Winter Communications Co., Tampa, FL. 1985.
Child Abuse and Neglect. Ohio Department of Human Services. 1991.
Ohio 4-H Program Agent Handbook, Appendix M17, M18. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Handbook. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. pp, 81-83.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868