Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention

girl hugging father, mother and daughter sitting on couch, father and young son high fiving

Children of all ages can be victims of abuse and neglect. However, those younger than four years of age are at a higher risk for serious injury or death from abuse or neglect.

  • If you are feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of parenting, call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) to get support and find resources in your area.
  • New York State Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-342-3720
  • New York State Abandoned Infant Hotline: 1-866-505-7233

Child Abuse and Neglect

  • Child Abuse: Words or actions that cause harm, possible harm, or threat of harm to a child. This includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.
  • Child Neglect: The failure to provide for a child's basic needs (physical, emotional, or educational), or failure to protect a child from harm or possible harm. Basic needs can include food, shelter, clothing, hygiene, medical care, education, and/or supervision.

Signs of Child Abuse or Neglect

  • Unexplained injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or welts.
  • Injuries that do not make sense considering the age of the child.
  • Marks from a hand or object, or a pattern of injuries.
  • Acting frightened, shying away from touch, or afraid to go home.
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants even on hot days to hide injuries such as cuts or bruises.
  • Parent or caregiver showing anger management issues or a strong need for control.

Effects of Child Abuse

Short-term effects of child abuse can include physical injuries such as:

  • Cuts
  • Bruises
  • Burns
  • Broken bones

Long-term effects can include lifelong negative impacts such as:

  • Trouble with eyesight, movement, and mental processes
  • Emotional disorders such as anxiety or depression
  • Negative health outcomes such as eating disorders, substance misuse, smoking, or early death in adulthood
  • Trouble with relationships

Risk Factors of Child Abuse

  • History of child abuse. Many behaviors are learned during childhood. Parents or caregivers who were abused as children are more likely to abuse their own children.
    • Parents or caregivers showing anger management issues or a strong need for control.
    • Parents or caregivers giving an explanation for an injury that does not make sense or is different from another family member's explanation.
  • Parent or caregiver stress. Raising a child can be very difficult and it is normal to become stressed or frustrated sometimes. Additional pressure such as money trouble, problems in personal relationships, or raising a child with a disability can increase a parent or caregiver's risk for committing abuse.
  • Lack of social or community support. Families that do not have nearby friends or relatives may be at risk, as well as those who live in an area without supportive services.

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