ABUSE & NEGLECT OF CHILDREN Child abuse is any kind of harm to a child’s body, emotional pain, neglect, or use for sexual purposes that can cause injury or psychological damage to a child. TYPES OF ABUSE Compiled from www.keepkidshealthy.com   EMOTIONAL ABUSE A child who is constantly put-down, called names or criticized by a parent or caregiver may lose their self-esteem and self-confidence. NEGLECT ABUSE A child who is left alone or ignored by a parent or caregiver, and whose basic needs of food, shelter, nurturance, safety, education and medical care are not being met may develop emotional and health problems. PHYSICAL ABUSE A child who is physically injured by a parent or caregiver that is not caused by an accident may experience behavioral problems. These injuries include bruises, welts, cuts, broken bones, burns, internal injuries and even death. SEXUAL ABUSE A child who is used for a sexual purpose (including inappropriate sexual activity or exposure to pornography) by a parent, caregiver or any other older person or person of power may develop emotional and behavioral problems.

WHAT YOU CAN DO WHEN PARENTS MISTREAT THEIR CHILDREN IN PUBLIC (Developed by Parents Anonymous)   1.  Sympathize with the parent Say something like, "She seems to be trying your patience", or "My child used to get upset like that." 2. Divert the angry attention away from the child Strike up a conversation with the adult. Ask a question or directions, anything to provide a distraction and the time for the parent’s anger to subside. 3. Compliment or praise the parent or child Say something positive like, "What a big, strong boy you have! How old is he?", or "It’s a lot of work to shop with a toddler. You have my admiration for managing it". 4. Offer sympathy and help Sometimes a parent’s anger is fueled by some embarrassment at the fuss the child is making. Say something like, "Children sure can wear you out. Is there anything I can do to help?", or "Taking kids out to eat is hard. I’m sure everyone here is remembering that and giving you credit for your patience." 5. Alert the store manager If you are concerned about the child’s physical safety, ask someone with authority over the parent to communicate something like, "This is a safe place for children. We do not spank here." 6. Quietly stand guard If the child is being neglected and in jeopardy, for example, a child left unattended in a grocery cart or a toddler at a street or parking lot curbside, wait quietly near the child until the parent returns. WHERE TO REPORT ABUSE OF A CHILD 800-962-2873