Although there are many formal and acceptable definitions of child abuse, the following is offered as a guide for information on child abuse and neglect.
Child abuse consists of any act of commission or omission that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development. Child abuse includes any damage done to a child which cannot be reasonably explained and which is often represented by an injury or series of injuries appearing to be non-accidental in nature.
Forms of Child Abuse
For additional information regarding signs and symptoms of child abuse, view the What is Child Abuse page.
What do I do if I think someone is abusing a child?
If a child discloses that he or she has been abused by someone, it is important that you listen to them most of all.
- Ask ONLY four questions
- What happened?
- Who did this to you?
- Where were you when this happened?
- When did this happen?
Asking any additional questions may contaminate a case!
DO NOT
- Investigate
- Ask leading questions (a question that suggests the answer or contains the information the questioner is looking for – That man touched you, didn’t he?)
- Make promises
- Notify the parents or the caretaker
DO
- Provide a safe environment (be comforting, welcoming, and a good listener)
- Tell the child it was not his/her fault
- Listen carefully
- Document the child’s exact quotes
- Be supportive, not judgmental
- Know your limits
- Tell the truth
If you suspect abuse, but a child has not disclosed it to you, call 1-800-4-A-CHILD. Our counselors can talk through the situation with you and help decide what the best course of action is.
Original source https://www.childhelp.org/educator-resources/defining-child-abuse/