What is Child Abuse?
It shouldn’t hurt to be a kid….
- Child abuse is physical—shaking, hitting, beating, burning, or biting a child.
- Child abuse is emotional—constantly blaming or putting down a child; excessive yelling, shaming.
- Child abuse is sexual—incest, any forced sexual activity, exposure to sexual stimulation not appropriate for the child’s age.
- Child abuse is neglect—a pattern of failure to provide for the child’s physical needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care; a pattern of failure to provide for the child’s emotional needs, such as affection, attention, and supervision.
Every one of us can help stop child abuse
- Help out a parent under stress with a few hours of child care or assistance with other chores.
- Lend an ear to a parent or child in crisis.
- Support programs that offer child care, parent education, family counseling, and child safety.
If you suspect that a child has been abused, call the Child Abuse Hotline—you may remain anonymous:
Illinois – 1-800-252-2873
Iowa – 1-800-362-2178
We all can help prevent child abuse by recognizing the risk factors, protecting children who are at risk and supporting families who are experiencing stressors. Reporting the situation may protect the child and get additional help for the family.