Child Abuse Prevention

Child Abuse Resources:

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. CLPD recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Child abuse often happens in secrecy and isolation, so as a parent, caregiver or trusted adult, it is important to be prepared if the children we love are in need of help. See below for further information regarding Child Abuse.

****Resources are available to assist you in taking action. To report suspected abuse or neglect of a child living in Anoka County, call 763-324-1440; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week****

Definitions:

Physical abuse: When a caregiver causes any physical injury, or threatens harm or substantial injury, on a child other than by accident. Physical abuse can range from minor bruises to severe internal injuries and death.

Neglect: Neglect is the most common form of maltreatment. It is usually a failure of a child’s caregiver to:

-Provide needed food, clothing, shelter, medical or mental health care, education or appropriate supervision

-Protect a child from conditions or actions that endanger the child

-Take steps to ensure that a child is educated as required by law

Exposing a child to certain drugs during pregnancy or causing emotional harm to a child may also be considered neglect.

Mental Injury: This is harm to a child’s psychological capacity or emotional stability evidenced by an observable and substantial impairment of a child’s functioning

Sexual Abuse: This is when a child is a victim of a criminal sexual act or threatened act committed by:

-A person responsible for a child’s care

-A person who has a significant relationship to child

-A person in a position of authority

Signs of Abuse:

Emotional Signs- Emotional and behavioral signs/changes are more common than physical signs

-Anxiety and depression

-Sleep disturbances, including nightmares or night terrors

-Change in eating habits

-Unusual fear of certain people or places; reluctance to be alone with a certain person

-Changes in mood including anger, aggressiveness towards parents, siblings, friends or pets

-Rebellion or withdrawal; runaway behavior

-Changes in attitude towards school or academic performance; lack of interest in friends, sports or other activities

-Unexplained or frequent health problems like headaches or stomach aches

Physical Signs-May include bruising, bleeding, redness and bumps, or scabs around the mouth, genitals or anus.

-Persistent or recurring pain during urination or bowel movements

-Wetting or soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training

-Sexually transmitted diseases

-Chronic stomach pain

-Headaches

What details to include when reporting:

-Child’s name, age and address or school

-The reason for the report

-Any other pertinent information you have

-The alleged offender’s name and relationship with the child (if known)

-The parents’ names, address(es) and phone number(s) (if known)

Keep in mind there is voluntary reporting and mandated reporting. Anyone may voluntarily report suspected child abuse or neglect. Persons who work with children or families are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect (mandated reporters).

For more information on what you can do to prevent child abuse, see the links and sources below.

Sources:

https://minnesotachildrensalliance.org/

https://www.anokacounty.us/3099/Child-Protection-Child-Abuse

https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/children-and-families/

https://www.d2l.org/get-help/identifying-abuse/