Types of Abuse
Abuse and neglect are the leading causes of death for children age four and under.
Child abuse may be physical , emotional , or sexual. Physical Abuse is defined as a non-accidental injury to a child by a parent or caretaker. Potential signs include frequent bruises, cuts, burns or other injuries. The child may be very fearful of his caregiver's reaction to misbehavior. Emotional abuse includes severe rejection, humiliation, and provoking extreme fear or guilt in a child. Sexual abuse ranges from promoting prostitution to fondling, intercourse, or using the child for pornographic materials.
Equally damaging is physical neglect. Neglect is when a caregiver fails to provide food, clothing, hygiene, medical care and proper supervision to a child.
The Nursery's Child Care Providers are trained to spot signs of abuse and neglect, and we screen every child who stays with us. We report any suspected abuse or neglect to Hennepin County Community Based First Response, but year after year we report suspected abuse in only one percent of the children we serve. Why? Because their parents have the courage to reach out for help rather than risk harming them.
Learn more: Prevent Child Abuse America, Children's Defense Fund Minnesota |
