About Child Abuse

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APRIL is CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

Please note that certain content in this section may be unsettling to children – Parental descretion is advised.
What is child abuse?

Simply stated, child abuse is the maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caretaker, someone living in their home or someone who works with or around children. Abuse of a child is anything that causes injury or puts the child in danger of physical injury. Child abuse can be physical (such as burns or broken bones), sexual (such as touching of private parts or incest), or emotional (such as belittling or calling the child names). Neglect happens when a parent or responsible caretaker fails to provide adequate supervision, food, clothing, shelter or other basics for a child. Child abuse is any action (or lack of) which endangers or impairs a child’s physical, mental or emotional health and development. Child abuse occurs in different ways. All forms of abuse and neglect are harmful to the child.

Child abuse may be – hitting, shaking, burns, human bites, strangulation.  Emotional abuse – constant disapproval, belittling, constant teasing.  Sexual abuse – fondling, the showing of private parts by an adult, sexual intercourse, forcing a child to watch while others have sexual intercourse, incest, pornography.  Neglect – absence of adequate food, shelter, emotional and physical security, and medical care. There are many ways you can help Hibiscus Children’s Center combat and break the cycle of child abuse and neglect.

Child Abuse

Forms of child abuse include:
Physical, emotional and sexual abuse
Neglect of basic needs
Abandonment

 If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the Florida Child Abuse Hotline (800) 962-2873

Child Abuse Statics

5 children die every day as a result of child abuse

Children who experience child abuse and neglect are:
  • 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile
  • 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult
  • 30% more likely to commit violent crime
 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way