About Child Abuse

What is Child Abuse

Child abuse is any act, or failure to act, that results in intentional harm or mistreatment to a child under the age of 18. There are different forms of child abuse, some of which may occur at the same time.

Physical abuse is a nonaccidental physical injury to a child, which may include punching, kicking, beating, burning, biting, chocking, hitting (with an object such as a stick or belt), shaking, throwing, or something by which a child is caused physical harm. Injuries from physical abuse may be minor such as cuts and bruises, to death.

Neglect is the failure to provide for a child’s basic needs including adequate food and shelter, medical and mental health treatment, or failure to educate a child.

Sexual abuse of a child includes both touching and non-touching behaviors. Non-touching behaviors may include exposure, voyeurism, or showing a child pornographic images.

Emotional abuse is when a child’s self-esteem or emotional well-being is damaged. This may be done by emotional and verbal attacks, such as name calling or belittling a child, as well as isolating or rejecting a child.

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of a Child involves a series of crimes involving sexual abuse or exploitation of a child for the financial benefit of another individual, or in exchange for something of value (including monetary and non-monetary benefits).

Learn the Facts

Almost 700,000 children are abused in the United States annually
In 2019, New York State Child Advocacy Centers investigated over 23,400 child abuse cases
Experts estimate 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday
In over 90% of child abuse situations a child knows their abuser. It is often someone they love and trust
Only 4-8% of child abuse reports are fabricated
In situations of child sexual abuse, 20% are abused before the age of 8

Signs of Child Abuse

Below are some indicators of child abuse. It is important to note that a child displaying these behaviors may not have been abused, and not all children who have been abused may show any signs.

Indicators of Physical Abuse

Sudden changes in behavior
Unexplained bruises or injuries, such as burns, broken bones, or black eyes
Apprehensive to leave with a caregiver, when they have not displayed this behavior before

Indicators of Sexual Abuse

Has difficulty walking or sitting
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Sexual knowledge beyond their age
Nightmares or bedwetting
Injury to genital area

Indicators of Neglect

Malnourishment or fatigue
Poor hygiene, dirty clothes
Frequent absence from school
Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather

See Something, Say Something

It's your responsibility to Keep Kids Safe and to Report Abuse
When to Report: if you witness any of the signs listed above
When you make a report to the hotline: you do not need proof, your information will remain confidential, and you can
make the call anonymously: NYS Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-342-3720
More information here