NCJ Number
145091
Date Published
1983
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This book is designed to help educators recognize the symptoms of child abuse and neglect and to understand their responsibilities in reporting suspected cases of abuse.
Abstract
Following an overview of the history of child abuse, the causes of child abuse and neglect are discussed, including parental experiences of childhood abuse, unrealistic expectations, parental stress, social isolation, role reversal, poor self-image, delay in maternal-infant bonding, overpunishment, lack of education, rejection, and resentment. Educators must be aware that abuse can take the form of physical trauma, mental abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, sibling and babysitter abuse, institutional abuse, and nonintentional abuse. Child abuse can be recognized through the child's behavior and appearance and the parent's attitudes. Wounds may include bruises and welts, multiple injuries, imprint of objects, burns, fixed object lacerations, fractures, and skull and head injuries. Separate chapters are devoted to recognizing signs of sexual abuse and to the teacher's responsibility under mandatory child abuse reporting laws. Child abuse prevention can be implemented through treatment, education, and intervention. 5 appendixes