Child Abuse Prevention

Articles

Apr 1

On average, 4.3 million children are reported as victims of child abuse and neglect. According to Childhelp.org, child abuse is reported every ten seconds in the United States. Interestingly, the CDC reports that there are about 4 million births per year are the result of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Knowing that there are almost 400,000 children in our foster care system, what is happening to cause the increase in abuse cases?

In 1990, the United States had a population of 250.1 million people. In 1990, there were just under 691,000 abuse cases reported. Since then, that number has multiplied more than 600 times in the last 30 years. How do we slow this trend and protect our nation’s children? What do we look for when assessing abuse or neglect? And, most importantly, how can we be proactive in this out-of-sight war against our nation’s children?

What Does Child Abuse Look Like?

While child abuse varies from case to case. Beyond obvious physical signs such as swelling, bruising, and fractures, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children states that other common signs of child abuse or neglect include:

Unexplained changes in behavior or personality
Becoming withdrawn
Seeming anxious
Becoming uncharacteristically aggressive
Lacking social skills and having few friends, if any
Poor bond or relationship with a parent
Knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age
Running away or going missing
Always choosing to wear clothes that cover the body
Being extremely sleepy or unconscious
Breathing problems
Seizures
Vomiting
Unusual behavior, such as being irritable or not feeding properly

Recognizing child abuse is the first of many stages in assisting children in need. More often than not, abused children are not aware they are being abused and, consequently, do not advocate for themselves.

Resources for Child Abuse

Child abuse should be reported to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child & Family Services.

Clark County (Las Vegas area): 702-399-0081
Washoe County (Reno area): 833-900-SAFE
All other counties: 833-571-1041 or 833-803-1183 for after-hours, weekends, and holidays.
All emergencies should call 911 to report to local law enforcement.

For suspected abuse outside the state of Nevada, The Child Help Hotline will connect you with live chat, text, or a phone number. The phone number is 800-422-4453. Additional help can be found on that webpage for individuals struggling to cope, teens, and parents.

Support for Victims of Child Abuse

Victims of abuse will require support and guidance in order to live a fulfilling life. Psychology Today references a study conducted by Hughes et al., 2017 that composed data from over 253,000 participants to determine the long-term effects on the personality of experiencing an adverse childhood. Adult health outcomes were focused on six categories: substance abuse, sexual health, mental health, weight and physical exercise, violence, and physical health status and conditions. Search criteria for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) included direct and indirect types. Direct ACEs affected the child directly, such as through physical abuse or neglect; whereas, indirect ACEs were caused by the child’s environment, such as family dysfunction.

The study indicated that people who had an adverse childhood experience were likely to develop neuroticism, an overly negative disposition that includes anger, anxiety, self-consciousness, emotional instability, and depression. It also found that these individuals would be harder to get along with, lack the ability to cooperate, and may develop an unhealthy form of pride causing a high level of arrogance. They may also lack the ability to engage with their lives. This could cause them to feel like they have no purpose, leading them towards an unfulfilling life void of activities they care about or enjoy.

Talk therapy could be a great start to help someone who experienced childhood abuse. Occupational therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, is another great practice to implement. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps the patient recognize and process their emotions, then respond in a healthier manner than before. Early intervention is critical as it can change the path the child is currently on, helping to divert them from prior behaviors and experiences they were exposed to. Our therapists at Tilton’s Therapy will meet with you in the comfort of your own home to build a treatment plan unique to the child’s needs.

Preventing Child Abuse

Preventing child abuse is easier said than done. In today’s society, we are constantly pushed by variables outside of our control. Mental health is sometimes not a priority in the spectrum of healthcare in the United States, and that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Economic factors impact the way parents interact with each other, with themselves, and with their children. Unfortunately, parents who experienced an adverse childhood are more likely to repeat those patterns with their own children. The first step to preventing child abuse is having the ability to recognize patterns in your own behavior and find help. One-on-one therapy or group therapy could be a great start. Engaging in parenting circles could provide insight and support to help build new patterns and approaches to parenting. In some cases, medication can be a great resource but should be discussed with your doctor. Self-medicating through the use of drugs or alcohol, even prescription drugs can have an adverse effect on your children. Therapists at Tilton’s Therapy can help with behavioral and mental health by taking a holistic approach to wellness. Our occupational therapists will help you target problems and symptoms that affect your behavior and mood.

For immediate help, please reach out to the national hotline for substance abuse and mental health. Their number is 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The call is 24/7, confidential, free, and full of information to help you at a moment’s notice.

It is unfortunate that child abuse occurs in life, but with community, support, and early intervention, we can turn it around. Our childhood experiences do not have to shape who we become. At Tilton’s Therapy, our team is ready to help however we can so you and your loved ones can live a fulfilling life.