HOW DO I RECOGNIZE ABUSE?
Child abuse cuts across all social classes and ethnicity and can occur in many different ways. There are four major types of child abuse: physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse and sexual abuse. The first step in helping a neglected or abused child is to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse.
Warning Signs of Physical Abuse
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Bruises, burn, abrasions, laceration, or swelling caused by other than accidental means
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Belt buckle marks, hand prints, bite marks, and pinches
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Child states injury was caused by abuse
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Injury unusual for a specific age group
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A history of previous or recurrent injuries
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Unexplained injuries; conflicting explanations or reasons for the injury
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Child excessively passive, compliant or fearful
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Caretaker attempts to hide injuries
Warning Signs of Neglect
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Child is lacking adequate medical or dental care
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Child is always sleepy and/or hungry
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Child is always dirty or inadequately dressed for weather conditions
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There is evidence of poor supervision
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Conditions in the home are extremely or persistently unsafe or unsanitary
In combination with the above warning signs, there must also include circumstances where the child is at substantial risk of suffering serious physical harm or illness. Absent the substantial risk of suffering physical harm or illness, a parent’s economic disadvantage does not meet the definition of general neglect.
Warning Signs of Emotional Abuse
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Child exhibits extremes in behavior from overly aggressive to overly passive
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Child displays delayed physical, emotional, or intellectual development
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Caretaker constantly criticizes, threatens, belittles or rejects child with no evidence of love or support
Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse
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Pain, bleeding, redness, or swelling in anal or genital area
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Age-inappropriate sexual play with toys, self, or others
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Age-inappropriate knowledge of sex
WHO SHOULD REPORT ABUSE?
Anyone can report child abuse. We rely on members of the community to help us keep children in Santa Cruz County safe.
State law requires that doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors, and other community professionals who have special working relationships with children report any suspected abuse.
Mandated reporters are required to report suspected child abuse to Child Protective Services and to submit a written report within 36 hours after reporting the incident.
WHO DO I CALL?
When you call to make a report, you will be asked for specific information, such as:
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Child's name, approximate age and address
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The name and relationship of the person you believe is abusing the child
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What you have seen or heard regarding the abuse or neglect
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Your name and telephone number, this is voluntary information- unless you are calling as a mandated reporter, in which case you are required to identify yourself
Report Child Abuse and Neglect
To report child abuse or neglect, please call: