Mayo Clinic Offers Tips on Preventing Child Abuse

Friday, November 22, 2002

ROCHESTER, Minn. — As difficult as it is to imagine someone intentionally hurting a child, about one million children are abused every year in the United States. Child abuse can involve actual or threatened physical, sexual, emotional/mental abuse, as well as neglect, to a child under the age of 18. In addition, children who survive physical abuse suffer emotional trauma that lasts long after the bruises have healed.

Child-abuse prevention is a year-round responsibility. Take time now to understand the signs of child abuse and learn how to help a child who turns to you for safety.

Know the signs of possible physical abuse

Some forms of child abuse and neglect may be more difficult to detect than others; however, key indications suggest a child might be in need of help. The following signs may be found together or individually:

* Unexplained bruises in various stages of healing (bruises will be different colors)

* Self-destructive behavior

* Welts, human bite marks, bald spots

* Unexplained burns, especially cigarette burns

* Unexplained fractures, abrasions or other injuries

* Nervous, aggressive, disruptive and destructive behaviors

* Unusually wary of physical contact

* Frightened of parent or caretaker

* Expresses little or no emotion when hurt

* Shy, withdrawn and passive

Listen to a child who confides in you and know how to find help

Child-abuse statistics are only the reported incidents — many more go unreported and undetected, often because children are afraid to tell. If a child confides in you, you have the important responsibility to take action. Following are tips to help an abused child feel safe and comforted.

* Listen to what the child says. Don't "lead" or interrogate the child. Let the child share what he or she is willing to tell.

* Reassure the child that he or she has done the right thing by telling you. Acknowledge the difficulty of the decision and make it clear that any abuse and neglect is not the child's fault.

* Keep your own feelings under control. Be calm and nonjudgmental. Don't express emotions.

* Use the child's own vocabulary.

* Do not promise not to tell. Tell the truth.

* Be supportive. Provide help and guidance. Let the child know that confiding in you was the only way to possibly end the abuse.

* Contact the appropriate professionals and report what has occurred. Do not share information or discuss the situation or contact anyone involved.

Help prevent child abuse

Most parents feel frustration with their children at some point. When everyday pressures build to the point where you feel out of control, take a deep breath. Instead, try these suggestions. You'll feel better, and so will your child.

* Take a deep breath. And another. Remember, you are the adult.

* Close your eyes. Pretend you are your child.

* Press your lips together and count to 10, then 20.

* Put your child in a time-out chair (one minute for each year of age).

* Put yourself in a time-out chair. Think about why you are angry: is it your child, or is your child simply a convenient target for your anger?

* Call a friend for support.

* If someone can watch your child, go outside and take a walk.

* Splash water on your face.

* Play soothing music.

* Think about how blessed you are to have your child.

Mayo Clinic establishes Child Abuse/Neglect Management Program

As health-care providers, staff at Mayo Clinic are mandated by law to report suspected cases of child abuse. To assist staff in reporting cases of suspected child abuse, Mayo Clinic established a Child Abuse/Neglect Management Program. In addition to providing education and training, the program also includes a team to respond to suspected child-abuse cases. This team includes a medical director, a social worker, a pediatric nurse practitioner, a primary care physician and a psychologist or psychiatrist, all familiar with child abuse and the reporting process. Physicians from Community Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Family Medicine and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology serve as rotating team members. Together, the team reviews all written child-abuse reports.

If you suspect child abuse, contact your local Child Protection Services (CPS) agency or call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453 or 800-222-4453 (TDD).

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Resources:

* National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information

* American Academy of Pediatrics

* Child Abuse Prevention Network

* National Children's Alliance

* National Children's Advocacy Center

* National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Sara Lee
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email:newsbureau@mayo.edu

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