Abuse and neglect are associated with short- and long-term consequences that affect not only the child and family, but society as a whole.

There are four major types of child maltreatment: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Although any of the forms may be found separately, they often occur together.

Neglect is failure to provide for a child's basic needs. Neglect may be:

These situations do not always mean that a child is neglected. Sometimes cultural values, the standards of care in the community, and poverty may be contributing factors, indicating that the family is in need of information or assistance. When a family fails to use information and resources, and the child's needs continue to be unmet, then further child welfare professional intervention may be required.

Physical Abuse is physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other object), burning, or otherwise harming a child. Such injury is considered abuse regardless of whether the caretaker intended to hurt the child.

Sexual Abuse includes activities by a parent or caretaker such as fondling a child's genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.

Emotional Abuse is any pattern of behavior that impairs a child's emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance.

This information was taken from the State of Tennessee website:

Possible Indicators of Abuse and Neglect:

• The child has repeated injuries that are not properly treated or adequately explained.
• The child begins acting in unusual ways ranging from disruptive and aggressive to passive and withdrawn.
• The child acts in the role of parent toward their brothers and sisters or even toward their own parents.
• The child may have disturbed sleep (nightmares, bedwetting, fear of sleeping alone, needing a nightlight).
• The child loses his/her appetite, overeats, or may report being hungry.
• There is a sudden drop in school grades or participation in activities.
• The child may act in stylized ways, such as sexual behavior that is not normal for his/her age group.
• The child may report abusive or neglectful acts.

The above signs indicate that something is wrong but do not necessarily point to abuse. However, if you notice these signs early, you may be able to prevent abuse or neglect.

Parents who abuse or neglect their children may show some common characteristics:

• Possible drug/alcohol history
• Disorganized home life
• May seem to be isolated from the community and have no close friends
• When asked about a child's injury, may offer conflicting reasons or no explanation at all
• May seem unwilling or unable to provide for a child's basic needs
• May not have age appropriate expectations of their children
• May use harsh discipline that is not appropriate for child's age or behavior
• Were abused or neglected as a child

Parents who abuse their children need help, but few are able to admit the problem and seek assistance. More than 85 percent of the perpetrators of child abuse and neglect in Tennessee were the parents or relatives of the victims. Staff of school, child care settings or institutions were reported to be the perpetrators in only two percent of the investigation. Adolescents as well as adults can be perpetrators of abuse.

To report abuse, call:

• Your local Children's Services office, ( Directory of Numbers)
• Your local Juvenile Court
• Local Sheriff's office or Police Department

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