Reporting Abuse

Look for the signs

Signs of Physical Abuse

·  The child may have unexplained:

o  bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries

o  broken bones

o  burns

• A child experiencing physical abuse may:

o  seem withdrawn or depressed

o  seem afraid to go home or may run away

o  shy away from physical contact

o  be aggressive

o  wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries

Signs of Sexual Abuse

·  The child may have:

o  torn, stained or bloody underwear

o  trouble walking or sitting

o  pain or itching in genital area

o  a sexually transmitted disease

·  A child experiencing sexual abuse may:

o  have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively

o  fear a particular person

o  seem withdrawn or depressed

o  gain or lose weight suddenly

o  shy away from physical contact

o  run away from home

Signs of Neglect

·  The child may have:

o  unattended medical needs

o  little or no supervision at home

o  poor hygiene

o  appear underweight

·  A child experiencing neglect may:

o  be frequently tired or hungry

o  steal food

o  appear overly needy for adult attention

Look for the Patterns

Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors.  While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.  

If a child tells YOU about abuse:

·  Be a good listener.  Show that you understand and believe what the child tells you.  Encourage, but don’t pressure him/her to talk.  Ask open ended questions.

·  Be supportive.  Tell the child he/she did the right thing by coming to you.  Stress that he/she is not to blame.  Let the child know that you want to help.

·  Don’t overreact.  This can frighten the child or prevent him/her from telling you more.  Do not talk negatively about the suspected abuser in front of the child.  

·  Document and report it.  Document your conversation as soon as you can.  If possible, write down the child’s exact words.  

·  Don’t delay.  Never assume someone else will report the abuse.  The sooner it’s reported, the sooner the child and their family can be helped.  

Who must report abuse?

·  Doctors 

·  Nurses

·  Social Workers

·  Police Officers

·  Child Care Workers

·  Any Witnesses 

·  Any/All School Personnel

Call 800-96abuse or report abuse online at:  http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/

STAFF POLICY ON ABUSE