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Recognizing Abuse

Abuse Types

What is Child Abuse?

Child abuse is harm or threatened harm to a child's health or welfare which can occur through non-accidental physical or mental injury; sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse; sexual exploitation or attempted sexual exploitation.

What is Child Neglect?

Negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child including the failure to provide adequate food, medical treatment, clothing, or shelter.

Exception: A parent or guardian legitimately practicing his religious beliefs and does not provide medical treatment for a child. This does not preclude a court from ordering the medical services to be provided where the child's health requires it.

Types of Abuse

  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Sexual
  • Neglect

Physical Abuse

Occurs when a child's body is injured as a result of hitting, kicking, shaking, burning, or other show of force.

Emotional Abuse

  • Results from any form of abuse or neglect
  • Can be associated with verbal abuse, which can harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being

Sexual Abuse

Any sexual activity that a child cannot comprehend or consent to includes:

  • Fondling
  • Oral-genital contact
  • Genital and anal intercourse
  • Exhibitionism
  • Voyeurism
  • Exposure to pornography

Neglect

  • Physical neglect -- Failing to provide food, clothing, shelter, or other physical necessities
  • Emotional neglect -- Failing to provide love, comfort, or affection
  • Medical neglect -- Failing to provide needed medical care

Report Abuse

Reporting suspected abuse is one of the most important steps you can take to protect children. If you suspect abuse, call one of the numbers listed on this page.

If the child is in immediate danger, CALL 911.

Chilton County:
Chilton County Department of Human Resources (DHR) AT 205-258-4900 . Ask to speak with the child abuse/neglect intake worker.FOR AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY, (205) 755-1120 (Police Dispatch).

Autauga County:

Elmore County:

Indicators of Abuse

Physical Abuse Red Flags

  • Unexplained bruises...
    Unexplained bruises...

    ...appearing on the soft tissue of the face (black eyes), on the genitals, back, buttocks, or upper thigh reflecting the shape of a belt buckle, extension cord, handprints, etc.
    Child is furtive or embarrassed when bruises are discussed.
    Child has many "accidents" at home and seems secretive about what happened.
    Child complains of beatings.

  • Indicators in Child's Behavior
    Indicators in Child's Behavior

    Fear of parents or caretaker.
    Reluctant to go home.
    Difficulty in walking, limping, sore joints.
    Listless, detached, withdrawn, preoccupied, extremely aggressive.
    School performance deteriorates; achievement does not reflect ability.
    Wears inappropriate clothing, i.e., long sleeves and does not want to dress out for physical education class.

  • Unexplained lacerations...
    Unexplained lacerations...

    ...to the face, mouth, eyes, gums, etc.
    ...to the external genitals.
    ...to the legs, arms, torso that mimic the imprint of a belt, extension cord, coat hanger.

  • Unexplained burns
    Unexplained burns

    Cigarette burns on the body.
    Scald burns that look like immersion burns.
    Rope burns or abrasions.

  • Parental Behaviors
    Parental Behaviors

    Shows little feeling or compassion for the child.
    Belittles the child.
    Has unrealistic or bizarre expectations.
    Expects the child to conform to rigid standards of behavior.
    Gives vague or inconsistent explanations of accidents or injuries.

Physical Neglect Red Flags

  • Physical Indicators
    Physical Indicators

    Underweight, often hungry, pale.
    Eyes are listless, sunken, dark circles.
    Poor hygiene, dirty bodies, dirty or ill-fitting clothing, offensive body odor.
    Unattended medical needs.

  • Indicators in Child's Behavior
    Indicators in Child's Behavior

    Begs, steals or hides food.
    Reports that he is left at home alone for extended periods.
    Fatigued and preoccupied.
    Seeks affection or attention inappropriately.

  • Parental Behavior
    Parental Behavior

    Leaves child unattended for long periods of time.
    Seems unconcerned for the child's physical needs.
    Chronically does not provide food or money to purchase food at school.
    Refuses to obtain needed medical and/or dental treatment for the child.

Sexual Abuse Red Flags

  • Physical Indicators
    Physical Indicators

    Difficulty in walking or sitting.
    Lack of bowel control.
    Bloody discharge in pre-menstrual girls or anal bleeding in boys.
    Venereal disease.
    Complains of pain, itching or swelling in the genital area.

  • Indicators in Child's Behavior
    Indicators in Child's Behavior

    Child discloses he/she has been sexually abused.
    Bizarre or unusual sexual behaviors.
    Knowledge of sexual behaviors inappropriate for child's age.
    Excessive masturbation.
    Lack of self-esteem, depression.
    Child talks of "secrets" that cannot be told.

  • Parental Behaviors
    Parental Behaviors

    Perceives the child as "different" or "bad".
    Belittles or humiliates the child.
    Insists that the child be treated differently.
    Expresses or shows no affection toward the child.