PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE

Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse
might be most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse or
child neglect, also leave deep, long lasting scars. Some signs of child
abuse are subtler than others. Since April is National Child Abuse
Awareness Month, the experts of Children's Hospital want to remind you
of the importance of recognizing and reporting abuse of any kind.

"By learning common types of abuse and what you can do, you can make a
huge difference in a child's life," says Deb Schneider, director of
Children's Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services, or the CHIPS
Center at Children's Hospital. "The earlier abused children get help,
the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not perpetuate
the cycle."

The four types of child abuse are:

* Physical Abuse

* Sexual Abuse

* Emotional Abuse

* Neglect

In Alabama, one in six kids are physically abused every year and as many
as 25 percent of children will be sexually abused by the time they reach
age 18. Physical abuse is the leading cause of death under the age of 3.

Neglect remains the highest reported form of abuse in our state.

The signs of child abuse vary depending on the type of abuse, but there
are some common indicators:

Warning signs of emotional abuse in children:

* Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something
wrong.
* Shows extremes in behavior (extremely compliant or extremely
demanding; extremely passive or extremely aggressive).
* Doesn't seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver.
* Acts either inappropriately adult (taking care of other
children) or inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking,
tantrums).

Warning signs of physical abuse in children

* Frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts.
* Is always watchful and "on alert," as if waiting for something
bad to happen.
* Injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or
belt.
* Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems
afraid to go home.
* Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as
long-sleeved shirts on hot days.

Warning signs of neglect in children

* Clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the
weather.
* Hygiene is consistently bad (unbathed, matted and unwashed hair,
noticeable body odor).
* Untreated illnesses and physical injuries.
* Is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in
unsafe situations and environments.
* Is frequently late or missing from school.

Warning signs of sexual abuse in children

* Trouble walking or sitting.
* Displays knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to
his or her age, or even seductive behavior.
* Makes strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an
obvious reason.
* Doesn't want to change clothes in front of others or participate
in physical activities.

Fortunately, help for Alabama's abused children is available at The
CHIPS Center. The CHIPS Center provides forensic medical evaluations,
psychosocial assessments, play therapy, counseling for non-offending
caregivers and other support services. All services are free, thanks to
the generosity of the Alabama Forestry Association and Alabama Loggers
Council, which donate approximately $250,000 to the clinic each year
through Log-A-Load For Kids.

If you suspect a child has been or is being abused, it is imperative
that you contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources, or you can
call the CHIPS Center at Children's Hospital by dialing 205.558.2751.

For more information, please visit www.chsys.org.