The effects of child abuse can last a life time. It can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of shame because the children often hide it, as well as feelings of anger and acting out. Victims of child abuse sadly have a high risk of marrying someone who is abusive and/or becoming abusive to their own children. It is a cycle that must be broken.

Schools and other public agencies are being educated more in child abuse. The purpose is to spread awareness and provide intervention programs. Children are being taught in school assemblies that being abused by any one is not their fault, and that they can tell someone at the school or another trusted adult.

There are many types of child abuse. Verbal abuse is the most common. It involves belittling a child’s abilities. The child often become withdrawn and has no self esteem. Children of verbal abuse often find it difficult to have good relationships. This is because they often try to over compensate and make everything perfect, they get involved with people who verbally abuse them as well, and they often lack trust.

Physical abuse involves the actual hitting of the child. The hitting can be with a hand, belt, or any other object that inflicts pain. The photos out there of children with broken bones and bruised faces are heartbreaking. Physical abuse is very dangerous. It often increases in severity each time it takes place.

Sexual abuse on a child is a criminal act that is not taken lightly. However, it is often difficult to prove. DNA testing and other technology has made it easier. If a child is molested but not penetrated, it is almost impossible to prove.

Child abuse is a world wide problem that can be found in our own backyard. It is the responsibility of each of us to protect children, ours or someone else’s. If you don’t report suspected child abuse, then you are responsible for anything that happens to that child.

Reporting child abuse is the responsibility of each and every citizen out there. If you even think a child is being abused mentally, physically, or sexually, then immediately report it. Contact your local department of human services or the police department. They work hand in hand on child abuse reports. Someone will immediately investigate the situation. If there is nothing going on, then the report will be closed. However, instincts about such abuse are usually right.

It is possible to report child abuse and still remain anonymous. It is important that you provide the agency with as much information as you can. Document dates, times, who was present, and what took place. If you didn’t witness the abuse, but the child is indicating or straight out telling you it took place, then document that information as well. If a child comes to you and reports abuse, contact an official immediately. Do not allow that child to go back to where the abuser is. It is possible that the child will not be safe. However, if you report child abuse anonymously, it is often more difficult to prove a case against the abuser. In some cases, it will determine if they are charged or not.

There are cases out there of false reports of child abuse being reported. It could be an angry spouse, angry grandparent, and a co-worker, anyone who wants to create issues for you. Such false reporting can be charged as a criminal act if proven. If you are contacted by an agency regarding child abuse against your children, it is to your advantage to cooperate with them. They are not in the business of removing children from homes. Their job is to protect children who are at risk. If they talk with you and your children, they will find nothing is going on. Some people try to run with their children or become violent towards the police. These are all indicators that you may be guilty, and can result in your children being removed from your home while a thorough investigation is completed.

Physical child abuse can seriously injure or kill a child. Everyday the news is full of horror stories of small children who were dropped down stairs, out windows, shaken to death, the stories never end. It is important to get information out into the public sectors that such abuse will not be tolerated. Parenting classes and anger management classes are available in almost every community. Often the people who need them the most have no interest in taking them.

Physical child abuse is based on control over that child. It also reflects the inability of the abuser to deal with issues in a reasonable manner. The levels of abuse seem to escalate over time. From slaps to punches, to broken bones and black eyes. It is a pattern that doesn’t get better on its own.

Children of physical abuse are often afraid. Their social well being often suffers. They often blame themselves for the situations taking place, trying to find ways to be better so that it won’t continue. If there are several children being abused, the older children often instigate the beatings towards them to protect the younger children.

This type of abuse can lead a child into a life time of such abuse. They often engage in risky behaviors as they get older as a way of acting out. It is not uncommon for them to involve themselves in intimate relationships with people who are controlling and abusive. They often do not develop the skills to properly parent, and become abusers to their own children.

We can all help prevent physical child abuse by reporting any suspicions we have immediately. We can also spread awareness and education about the abuse. Children need to know that they have options and trusted adults to turn to if they are the victim of physical child abuse.

Children who are being abused often hide it. If their life has always had abuse in it, they may think it is normal. Education programs in schools letting them know abuse is never to be tolerated and where to go for help has had a tremendous impact on the number of children coming forward to report.

We all need to watch out for children. Our own children as well as those of others. It is not just parents who abuse children. It can be other children, grandparents, and child care providers. We all have the responsibility to make sure the needs of every child are met and that they are safe. Approximately 75% of child abuse cases go unreported, even though someone is aware or suspects it.

The Collation Against Family Violence is an organization that promotes positive parenting skills. The work with at risk families to establish boundaries and goals. They also explore alternatives to abuse including taking a time out for them before dealing with their children. They also have a 24 hour hotline for help any time with a particular situation or if you just need to talk.

The Child Abuse Prevention Association helps children who have been the victims of abuse and their families cope with the issues and move forward in positive ways. Children who are victims of abuse run a high risk of being in an intimate relationship where they are abused or they abuse their own children. The goal of this organization is to find positive ways for the children to deal with what has happened and break that cycle from continuing in their future.

When you hear the term emotional child abuse, most of us think of name calling. That is a large part of it, but there is so much more. Some parents withhold their love and affection towards a child. This is a severe form of emotional abuse. It gives the message that if they aren’t perfect they won’t be loved.

Emotional child abuse seriously affects the relationship between the child and the parent. It is very difficult for them to have a close relationship because the child learns not to trust their parent. While they may love them, they have no respect for them. Children can even feel afraid of their parents in this type of situation. Children of emotional abuse often hide their other problems from their parent out of fear of being treated badly because of those events.

Love and Logic is a great tool for parents struggling with finding the right ways to say things to their children. It is simply a great way to no change what you are saying, but change the way you are saying it. Parenting skills classes and counseling can also help with changing the patterns of emotional child abuse.

Children who are abused emotionally usually have low self esteem. They try to please everyone, and often their needs suffer because of it. A very effective tactic is to take record someone who is emotionally abusing their child, then calmly tell them you have something for them to see or hear after they have calmed down. Chances are they don’t even realize what is going on. Then offer them assistance with getting the right help. If they become aggressive when you approach, leave them alone. Give the tape to law enforcement or social services. Emotional child abuse isn’t an area where you want to mind your own business and pretend it isn’t happening.