Assess Issues that Influence

Youths Behavior
Physical Child Abuse
BY: TAYLOR SHUDA
JUNE 7, 2017
 What is Physical Child Abuse
Definition: Physical injury inflicted on a child by other than accidental means. [Ref. s.
48.02(1)(a), Wis. Stats.]

Signs of Physical Abuse:

u Bruises, welts on face, neck, chest, back
u Injuries in the shape of objects (belt, cord)
u Burn marks on arms and legs
u Fractures that do not fit the story of how an injury occurred
u Unexplained lacerations or cuts
u Internal injuries
Ask yourself
Who would want to
hurt a child?

You would think

No one.
Statistics Related to Prevalence of Physical
Child Abuse
u Nearly 700,000 children are abused in the United States annually. U.S. Administration for Children
& Families, Child Maltreatment 2015. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/child-maltreatment-
2015
u In 2015, an estimated 683,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect AND nearly 1,670
children died from abuse or neglect in the United States. U.S. Administration for Children &
Families, Child Maltreatment 2015. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/child-maltreatment-
2015
u In 2015, in Wisconsin there were:
u 42,455 reports of child abuse involving 35,402 children
u 871 substantiated cases of physical abuse

http://www.chw.org/~/media/Files/Childrens%20And%20Community/PCAW/Prevalence%20of%20
Child%20Abuse.pdf
Victims by Age The youngest children were the most vulnerable
to maltreatment. Children in their first year of life
had the highest rate of victimization of 24.2 per
1,000 children in an national population of the
same age.
 Symptomatic Behaviors
u Injuries that dont match the child's story
u Untreated medical care/dental problems
u Wears long sleeves out of season
u Nightmares or insomnia
u Depression, anxiety, withdrawal from friends
u Expresses a reluctance to go home
u Frightened of parents and other adults
 Resources/Supports
Local Resources:
u La Crosse County Human Services Department
u New Horizons Childrens Program, Childrens Advocate
u La Crosse County Crisis Line: 1-888-231-0066

Regional/State Resources:
Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin
http://www.preventchildabusewi.org

National Resources:
National Center for Children Exposed to Violence
http://www.nccev.gov
Who Can Report Child Physical Abuse?
Any person who thinks child abuse and/or neglect has happened or might
happen can make a report to Child Protective Services (CPS) agency or law
enforcement.

How can I make a report?

u Any local Child Protective Services (CPS) can take your report. If the abuse is
happening now or is violent in nature, call 911.
u Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/reportabuse and select an agency where the childs
family lives:
u La Crosse County Human Services Department
u Report 24 hours a day/7 days a week: 608-784-4357 or 608-784-HELP
u It
Shouldnt Hurt to be a Child is a brochure with information about signs of
child abuse or neglect as well as reporting information.
 Strategies to Help a Student in the
Classroom
The classroom can be the main environment that offers safety, security and stability for a
student who has been abused. Paraeducators through their day-to-day contact with
students have an opportunity to make a significant contribution to student(s) who are
victims of child abuse. Here are some ways paraeducators can help:
1. Maintain the student's normal status within the class.
2. Do not treat them differently from the rest of the class or do things that will set them apart
from their peers.
3. Respect and maintain the student's privacy. A fear of abused students is that their abuse
will become common knowledge within the school.
4. Develop a sense of belonging in the classroom where students can feel included and
accepted. Seat the abused student with friends or other caring and supportive students.
5. Respect students' personal space. Show you care by refraining from touching. Instead,
use other forms of encouragement such as smiles or nods.
 Cited Sources

u https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/child-physical-abuse/what-is-child-
physical-abuse-physical-abuse-of-children/
u http://americanspcc.org/child-abuse-statistics/
u http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/child-
abuse/basics/symptoms/con-20033789
u https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cps/reportabuse