If you want to save this information but don't think it is safe to take it home, see if a trusted friend can keep it for you. Plan ahead. Know who you can call for help, and memorize the phone number.
Be careful online too. Your online activity may be seen by others. Do not use your personal computer or device to read about this topic. Use a safe computer, such as one at work, a friend's home, or a library.
Child abuse is any act that harms a child. Nobody wants to think that a child might be abused. We want to believe that adults or older children who have power over children will only do what is right. But child abuse happens. If you think that a child is in danger of abuse, you can do something about it.
Child sexual abuse is any sexual act with a child done by an adult or by an older child. Sexual abusers often are people who are loved and respected by the children. It may be a family member, group leader, or another person with authority. A child who is sexually abused seldom shows physical signs. Many times children who are sexually abused are scared to speak about the abuse.
Child physical abuse is any contact that's meant to harm a child. It can result in bruises, burns, broken bones, or internal damage like head and abdominal injuries. If a child is hurt repeatedly by an adult or caregiver, the child may come to expect it. A child who is not cared for or given love also suffers from neglect and emotional abuse.
Children may not understand that child abuse is wrong. They often think that they have done something wrong and that they deserved the abuse. You may suspect that a child is being abused or is in danger of being abused. Watch for changes in how the child acts or looks. If a child says anything to you about abuse, take it seriously. You may be the child's best hope of getting help. Give support to the child, and then contact your doctor, local police, or child protection services. Another resource is the Childhelp hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). While you certainly do not want to falsely accuse a parent or caregiver, trust the system and know that you are acting for the child by speaking up.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems.
How can you care for your child at home?
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 and get the child to a safe location. Arrange to stay in a safe place with the child.
Look for signs of sexual or physical abuse. A child who has been abused may:
Be fearful and slow to trust.
Act out sexually in a manner that seems older than the child's years.
Wet the bed or have pain in the belly or genital area.
Have bruises, burns, or injuries that are not explained.
Be angry and aggressive or sullen and passive.
Be depressed.
Have trouble sleeping.
Give love and support to a child who has been abused. If the child talks to you about the abuse, let the child know that talking about it is a very brave thing to do.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think a child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
You witness child sexual or physical abuse.
You believe that a child is in immediate danger.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
You think that a child may be in danger from sexual or physical abuse. You can also call your local police or child protection services. Another resource to call if you are concerned about a child's well-being is the Childhelp hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
Contact your doctor if:
A child tells you about being abused.
You see possible signs of sexual or physical abuse.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
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