Cincinnati Children's Blog
  • Y&H Podcast
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Blog
  • Healthy Living
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Heart Conditions
  • Learning and Growing
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Y&H Podcast
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us
HOME/Child Development and Behavior/Preventing Child Abuse is a Two-Step Process

Preventing Child Abuse is a Two-Step Process

Preventing Child Abuse is a Two-Step Process
April 17, 2015
Robert A. Shapiro, MD
1 Comments

When the topic of child abuse and neglect makes headlines, it’s usually for all the wrong reasons. That is until April each year when the national conversation surrounding this topic turns to something more positive – prevention.

April is reserved as National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month, but the issue is an everyday reality of life for countless children worldwide. Abuse is categorized into four main types – physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and emotional maltreatment. And more often than not, these atrocities are encountered in combination with one another according to research by Prevent Child Abuse America.

In 2012, U.S. state and local child protective services (CPS) received an estimated 3.4 million referrals of children being abused or neglected according to a fact sheet from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). In Cincinnati, the Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children treats more than 2,000 children each year for whom abuse or neglect is suspected.

While the causes of child abuse and neglect are complex and vary from situation to situation, a two-step process of detection and action can help save lives and prevent further abuse.

Everyone can identify the signs of physical abuse:

  • Know the difference between punishment (an inflicted penalty) and discipline (teaching an acceptable behavior). Problems arise when these forms of behavior adjustment are meant to instill fear, rather than to educate a child.
  • Look for physical injuries like bruising, broken skin, and swelling especially when they require medical attention.
  • Be on alert when you feel punishment or discipline is inappropriate for a child’s age and when it results in unreasonable demands or expectations being placed upon a child.

If you suspect abuse or neglect, get involved:

  • File a report as soon as possible by calling Job and Family Services (JFS). Save the number in your phone:
    • Hamilton County, Ohio: 513-241-KIDS (5437)
    • Any county in Ohio: 855-OH CHILD (642-4453)
    • Any county in Kentucky: 1-877-KYSAFE1 (597-2331)
    • Any county in Indiana: 1-800-800-5556
    • National hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
  • Have as much of the following information ready when you’re filing a report (not all is required):
    • Child’s name, age and address
    • Parent/caretaker’s name and address (if different from the child)
    • Reasons why you suspect abuse or neglect
  • Know that you can make reports anonymously. If you do choose to provide your name and contact information, it can help investigators follow up on the case and will be kept confidential.

For more information about how to detect if a child has been abused or what to do if you witness it in a public space, please explore these FAQ pages for patients and families.

No matter whether you’ve witnessed instances of abuse and neglect or not, raising awareness is another actionable step everyone can take to help. We at the Mayerson Center are doing so by participating in the statewide “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign. The pinwheel is considered the symbol of child abuse prevention and healthy and happy childhoods. Find more ways to get involved with this campaign here.

Additional Online Resources:

Childhelp
National Child Abuse Hotline
Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse
Information on national reporting
https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/

Child Welfare Information Gateway
Children’s Bureau
Information on national reporting and hotlines
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/

Hamilton County Job and Family Services
Local services and reporting
https://www.hcjfs.org/

 

Related Articles

Tips for Teaching Children About Body Safety
Tips for Teaching Children About Body Safety
#GreatChildhoods Start with Positive Parenting
#GreatChildhoods Start with Positive Parenting
DIY Craft for Kids: Paper Pinwheels
DIY Craft for Kids: Paper Pinwheels
TAGS:
  • child abuse

About the author: Robert A. Shapiro, MD

Dr. Robert Shapiro is the Director of the Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. He has worked in the field of child abuse and neglect for over 25 years, directs the Cincinnati Children’s child abuse team, has published in the field of child abuse and participates in child abuse prevention strategies nationally. Dr. Shapiro is very interested in “moving upstream” to prevent child abuse by strengthening families, reducing the effects of trauma and finding ways to promote child and family resiliency.

Write A Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

Joseph Peter, MD – Pediatrics – Sacred Heart Medical Group | Clermont Country Internship May 1, 2015 at 7:22 pm

[…] Teaching Award. Dr. Peter participated in a fellowship in pediatrics and adolescent medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. He pursued additional education and training at the Royal College […]

Topics

  • Cancer and Blood Diseases
  • Child Development and Behavior
  • Childhood Obesity
  • Chronic Care Networks
  • Cincinnati Walks for Kids
  • Featured Faces
  • Fetal Conditions
  • Fitness and Nutrition
  • Food Allergies
  • Ghana 2012
  • Health Care Public Policy
  • Health Care Quality
  • Health Care Reform
  • Healthy Living
  • Heart Conditions
  • Hospital Operations
  • Learning and Growing
  • Nurses Week 2012
  • Patient Family Experience
  • Patient Flow
  • Patient Safety
  • Pin of the Week
  • Rare and Complex Conditions
  • Research and Discoveries
  • Safety and Prevention
  • Share Your Story
  • Technology
  • The Young & Healthy Podcast
  • Uncategorized
  • Vaccines
  • Volunteerism
  • What's New
See All Topics
See Less Topics

Subscribe

Subscribe today to our family newsletter for tips, blog posts, podcasts and more.

Subscribe Now

Popular Posts

  • 6 Questions to Ask When Your Child Complains of Chest Pain 1k views

  • Lean, Purple Drank, Sizzurp: A Dangerous Teenage Drink 735 views

  • Stuttering In Young Kids: When To Be Concerned 575 views

  • Family Finds Heart Care Needed for Complex Condition 498 views

  • Social Media: What Effect Is It Having on Kids? 249 views

  • Tips for Helping Babies Transition to Cow’s Milk 249 views

About

The Cincinnati Children’s blog features thoughts and perspectives from our experts on all things pediatric health. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn More »

Contact Us
  • 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
  • 1-513-636-4200 | 1-800-344-2462
  • TTY: 1-513-636-4900
  • socialmedia@cchmc.org
Connect With Us
  • Newsletter Subscribe
  • CincinnatiChildrens.org
  • Contact Us

© 2009-2022 Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center