Resources
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
You can reach the Crisis Center of Comal County at 1.800.434.8013 or 830.620.4537.
Child Abuse
What is Child Abuse?
The term “child abuse” can be defined as any behavior directed toward a child by a parent, guardian, caregiver, other family member, or other adult, that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development. While child abuse and neglect affect all segments of society and know no socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, or religious boundaries, included among the factors which often contribute to child abuse are alcohol and substance abuse, lack of parenting skills, economic difficulties or poverty, domestic violence and previous victimization.
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Child abuse includes four major categories:
physical abuse
sexual abuse
emotional abuse
neglect
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Physical child abuse involves external injuries and is more easily detected than other forms of abuse. The following may indicate physical abuse:
Unexplained injuries, especially those located on parts of the body not usually affected by normal childhood activities, (e.g., eyes, mouth, back, thighs, buttocks, genital areas, etc.).
Repeated injuries such as bruises, welts or burns, especially those where the shape of an object is visible, (e.g., an electric cord, hair brush, belt, buckle, board, cigarette, etc.).
Abrasions or lacerations appearing on the body for no apparent reason. Injuries in various stages of healing which appear in a regular pattern or are grouped together.
Small circular burns which may have been inflicted by a cigarette or cigar, often found on forearms, hands, buttocks, or soles of the feet.
Burns with a “doughnut” shape on the buttocks which may indicate a child was dipped or forced to sit in scalding liquid. Any burn which shows the pattern of the object used to inflict the injury (e.g., an iron, fireplace tool, heaters, etc.).
Burns caused by friction, usually found on arms, neck, legs, or torso indicating a rope or cord may have been used to tie up the victim.
Unexplained fractures, (e.g., nose, face, ribs, legs, arms, etc.).
Behavior by the child which may be hyperactive, disruptive, and aggressive, or complacent, compliant, shy, withdrawn or uncommunicative.
Denial by parents that anything is wrong, unlikely explanation for the child’s injuries, delays in obtaining medical care, or inadequate care given and injuries which occur with increasing frequency or severity.
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Child neglect is the continued failure to provide a child with necessary care and protection including adequate shelter, food, clothing, medical care, etc. Lack of appropriate supervision, especially for young children, for extended periods of time is also considered child neglect. Signs of possible neglect include:
Appears poorly nourished or inadequately clothed
Appears consistently tired or listless
Inconsistent attendance at school
Lack of good hygiene, or an obsession with cleanliness
Is regularly left alone in dangerous situations, or over long periods of time
Exhibits evidence that medical needs are not being met
Unable to relate well to adults or has trouble forming close friendships
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Everyone in Texas is a mandatory reporter of child abuse. Statewide intake is available 24/7: 1-800-252-5400 or www.txabusehotline.org.
The phone call can be anonymous, and it could save a child’s life.
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