April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Carroll County, the state of Ohio and across the nation. 

Carroll County Department of Job and Family Services and Carroll County Safe Kids Chapter joined together to host a learning luncheon April 15 at St. John's Villa. A presentation on Internet Safety for Children and Bullying was given.

In 2006, there were 76,179 new reports of child abuse and neglect in Ohio and  145 of these reports occurred in Carroll County.  Of these reports, 46 were emotional maltreatment; 20 neglect; 38 physical abuse and 41 sexual abuse.

WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?
Child abuse and neglect often take place in the home and come from a person the child knows well - a parent, relative, babysitter, or friend of the family.  There are four major types of child maltreatment.  Although any of the forms may be found separately, they often occur together.
These are: 
-Neglect:  failure to provide for a child's basic needs;

-Physical abuse:  Physical injury as a result of hitting, kicking, shaking, burning or otherwise harming a child;

-Sexual abuse:  Any situation where a child is used for sexual gratification.  This may include indecent exposure, fondling, rape or commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials;

-Emotional abuse:  Any pattern or behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth, including constant criticism, threats and rejection.

WHY DOES CHILD ABUSE OCCUR?  HOW MANY CHILDREN ARE AFFECTED?
Child abuse and neglect affect children of every age, race and income level.  Research has identified many factors relating to the child, family, community and society that are associated with an increased risk of child abuse and neglect.  Studies have shown when multiple risk factors are present, the risk is greater.

Young mothers and fathers unprepared for the responsibilities of raising a child; overwhelmed single parents with little support; and families placed under stress by poverty, divorce or a child's disability are all at greater risk.  Some families are stressed by worries about employment, health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence or other problems or are simply unaware of how to care for their children's basic needs.

These circumstances, combined with the inherent challenges of raising children, can result in otherwise well-intentioned parents causing their children harm or neglecting their needs.

In 2005, about 3.3 million reports were made to child protective services about the safety and well-being of approximately six million children.  These reports showed 899,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse or neglect.  Of these, more than 60 percent were neglected; more than 15 percent physically abused; less than 10 percent sexually abused and less than 10 percent emotionally maltreated.  In 2005, an estimated 1,450 children died due to abuse or neglect.  More than 40 percent of those deaths were attributed to neglect.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?
Research shows child maltreatment is associated with adverse health and mental health outcomes in children and families, which can last a lifetime.  Long term effects can be physical, psychological or behavioral.

A history of child abuse or neglect has been associated with increased risk of:  Mental illness; substance abuse; development disabilities and learning problems; social problems with other children and adults; teen pregnancy; lack of success in school; alcohol and drug use and domestic violence.

In addition to the impact on the child and family, child abuse and neglect affect various systems including medical and mental health, law enforcement, judicial, public social services and nonprofit agencies - as they respond to the incident and support the victim.  One analysis of the immediate and long-term economic impact of child abuse and neglect suggests that child maltreatment costs the nation as much as $259 million each day or approximately $94 billion each year.

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
The first step in helping or getting help for an abused or neglected child is to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse.  The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family; however, when the signs appear repeatedly or in combination, there is a possibility of maltreatment.

These signs include:
-Neglect:  Signs of malnutrition; poor hygiene or unattended physical or medical problems.

-Physical abuse:  Unexplained bruises, burns or welts; child appears frightened of a parent or caregiver.

-Sexual abuse:  Pain, bleeding, redness or swelling in the anal or genital area; age inappropriate sexual play with toys, self or others; age inappropriate knowledge of sex.

-Emotional abuse:  Extremes in behavior ranging from overly aggressive to overly passive; delayed physical, emotional or intellectual development.

Anyone can and should report suspected child abuse or neglect.  Child abuse can be prevented by recognizing the risk factors, protecting children who are at risk and supporting families who are experiencing stressors.  Reporting the situation may protect the child and get additional help for the family.