Newark, N.J.--Each year approximately 3 million children are reported abused or neglected in the U.S, and one-third of those cases are proven to be a form of child maltreatment. Research shows that child maltreatment is associated with adverse health and mental health outcomes in children and families, and those negative effects can last a lifetime. April has been designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month in an effort to increase awareness.
“Child abuse, often called the hidden epidemic, continues to be major problem in this country and around the world, “ says Patricia Morgan-Glenn, MD, FAAP, Medical Director, Metro Regional Diagnostic and Treatment Center (RDTC) at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. “According to the latest statistics, about four children under the age of 4 years old will die each day in the U.S. due to child abuse. More than one-third of child fatalities are due to neglect.”
Below is information provided by Children’s Hospital of New Jersey and the American Academy of Pediatrics to assist the community with recognizing signs of child abuse and neglect:
· Neglect is when a child's basic needs are not met. These needs include nutritious food, adequate shelter, clothing, cleanliness, emotional support, love and affection, education, safety, and medical and dental care.
· Physical abuse is when a child is hit, slapped, beaten, burned, or otherwise physically harmed. Like other forms of abuse, physical abuse usually continues for a long time.
· Sexual abuse is when a child is engaged in a sexual situation with an adult or an older child. Sometimes this means direct sexual contact, but it can also mean that the child is made to watch sexual acts, look at pornography or be part of the production of pornography. Children many times are not forced into the sexual situation, but rather they are persuaded, bribed, tricked or coerced.
· Emotional/Psychological abuse is when a child is regularly threatened, yelled at, humiliated, ignored, blamed or otherwise emotionally mistreated. Making fun of a child, and always finding fault are forms of emotional/psychological abuse.
In order to intervene on the behalf of a child it is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. Dr. Morgan-Glenn reports that typically there are indicators of abuse and neglect:
- There may be changes in the child’s behavior that include a change in school performance, new behavior such as aggression or unusual passivity, or depression, nightmares, bedwetting or fear of his or her parents or fear of going home.
- Signs of neglect include inadequate supervision, being poorly dressed, always hungry, frequent school absences, inadequate medical/dental care, and begging or stealing food.
- A physically abused child may have unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, or fractures.
- Children who are being sexually abused may have advanced sexual knowledge, inappropriate sexual play, excessive masturbation, genital symptoms such as pain, discharge or bleeding, a sexually transmitted infection, or pregnancy.
- In addition, abusive or neglectful parents may seem to have little care or concern for the child, may publicly belittle their children, or may use extreme physical discipline.
Appropriate Diagnosis and Treatment for Child Abuse
It is important that child abuse or neglect be appropriately diagnosed and treated. In NJ, there are four specialized centers that were created by legislation in 1998. These Regional Diagnostic and Treatment centers (RDTCs) are geographically based throughout NJ.
If you suspect any form of child maltreatment, you must call Child Protective Services. In New Jersey, that agency is Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE. There is often a reluctance to call DYFS; however, since you cannot investigate possible abuse or neglect, nor should you, you must allow the authorities to assess a child’s risk of harm.
The Metro RDTC is located at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (a Saint Barnabas Health Care System affiliate). The RDTC sees over 800 new cases of child abuse and neglect each year and is staffed by highly trained psychologists, social workers, pediatricians and support staff. The Metro RDTC also offers both individual and group therapy on a short or long-term basis for children and teens.
To contact the Metro RDTC call (973) 926-4500.
DATE: April 7, 2008
CONTACT: Beth Salamon, Public Relations (973) 322-4926
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