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$Title{How Can You be Sure That Child Abuse is Going On?}
$Subject{child abuse teacher Community Social behavior behaviors physically
emotionally sexually physical signs bruises welts burns scratches blackened
eyes psychological withdrawn nervous poor image lacks trust hungry
inadequately clothed unwashed unkempt Dysfunctional Sexual provocatively
sexually explicit knowledgeable children care kids kid}
$Volume{Q-23,S-23}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Can You be Sure That Child Abuse is Going On?


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QUESTION:  It is hard not to become involved particularly when you are a
teacher involved with children each day and you suspect something is not
right.  How can you be sure that there is a case of child abuse going on right
under your eyes, and don't wish to falsely accuse anyone of a crime?

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ANSWER:  Teachers are in an ideal position to observe the differences in the
appearance and behavior of pupils suffering from child abuse.  Despite recent
backlash against overzealous reporting due to occasional false reports, the
fact remains that over one million children each year in the United States are
abused physically, emotionally and sexually.  And teachers can do much to help
prevent this human tragedy and stop further injury or death by judicious
intervention when warranted.
     Because you suspect child abuse you must have a reason or evidence.
Visible physical signs, such as bruises, welts, burns, scratches, blackened
eyes, etc., if they occur often or are severe, should make you suspicious.
Sometimes children get hurt while playing, but not every day or week or even
month.  Besides, physical abuse leaves telltale evidence on the skin from
either the implement used (whip marks, cigarette burns) or the person who
inflicted the wounds (bite marks, hand imprints).
     This evidence, if overwhelming and conclusive, should be reported without
delay to the school nurse or physician, because the child's life may be in
danger.  But if still unsure then tactfully take the child aside and carefully
inquire how the injury occurred.  This should help confirm or refute your
suspicions, or it may signal the need for continued observation or further
evaluation by other professionals.
     Emotional or psychological abuse may require more expertise and time to
detect.  And you might find that the same student is being abused both
physically and emotionally.  Comparing the student's appearance, behavior and
interactions with fellow students and adults will give you an indication of
whether he is withdrawn, nervous, has a poor image of himself, lacks trust in
others, etc.  A child who often comes to school hungry, inadequately clothed,
unwashed and unkempt clearly suffers from neglect that borders on emotional
abuse.  Check the child's eyes.  If they are red and swollen, the result of
prolonged crying, you may have your first important clue.  Take the child
aside and ask some simple questions about home-life which may result in
important and revealing responses.  Dysfunctional families often call their
children derogatory names ("Dum-Dum"), and blame their children for everything
that goes wrong.  The children believe that they are always at fault and
deserve to be blamed.
     When in doubt, you can get a good idea of how the child relates to its
parents and their opinion of their child during a parent-teacher conference
without being confrontational.
     Sexual abuse is probably the most difficult to detect.  If the child
behaves provocatively, is more sexually explicit or knowledgeable than his
peers, this may indicate need for further observation and evaluation.  In the
same fashion, withdrawal from usual boy-girl relationships, normal for the age
group, may be another clue.  The key is to approach all suspected child abuse
tactfully and with discretion because lives are at stake.  But once you are
sure any form of child abuse exists, then you are duty bound to report it
confidentially, for the good of all concerned.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.