Facts about Child Abuse

To many, child abuse is narrowly defined as having only physical implication.  In reality categories of child abuse includes: 

1. Child abuse or neglect is a crime.

2. The California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Law (Penal Code sections 11164-11174.3) may be accessed on the internet at www.leginfo.ca.gov.

3. Child abuse and neglect affect children of all ages, races, and incomes.

4.  Instances of suspected abuse or neglect should be reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) or the police.

5. A listing of California’s Hotline Numbers for child abuse reporting for each county may be found at childsworld.ca.gov.

6. Parents abusing drugs or alcohol are at higher risk of abusing or neglecting their children.

7. Exposure to domestic violence negatively impacts children. Evidence shows a strong connection between domestic violence and child abuse.

8. Parents who learn about and practice safe nonviolent forms of child discipline become positive role models for their children.

9. Learning what is normal with their child’s development helps parents accept their child as they are and decreases frustration from unrealistic expectations.

10. Parents that utilize recovery programs for alcohol or drug abuse learn to stay clean and stay connected with others.

11. Parent education classes teach parents the benefits of bonding, understanding, and accepting their children’s personalities.

12. High quality preschools teach children social skills and build self-esteem.

13. Fathers who connect with their children form strong family bonds.

14. Parents can learn ways to calm a crying baby and manage feelings of frustration when a baby is inconsolable.

15. Parents can investigate child care providers for any history of abusing children. Use Trustline to check out child care providers 800-822-8490.

16. Parents can ask for help when depressed or stressed by life’s challenges.

17. Parents learning about child safety in the home can prevent accidents and increase awareness of the environment.

18. Parents can use community services such as respite care and home visiting services to strengthen parental resilience when times are tough.

19. Communities can support families by providing free or low-cost activities that encourage parent/child interactions.

20. Community networks collaborating with each other facilitate ease of referrals and obtaining services for families.

Types of Abuse

• Physical abuse; unlawful corporal punishment or injury.
• General and severe neglect.
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse; sexual assault; exploitation.
• Willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment; emotional maltreatment.

Child abuse may involve multiple categories. They include both acts and omissions.  Competent interventions must consider evaluating multiple categories of abuse. The act of inflicting injury or the failure to act so that injury results, rather than the degree of injury, is the basis for making the decision to intervene.