Offer Assistance to Parents in Need to Prevent Child Abuse

Expert Offers Tips for Intervention and Dispels Myths

More than 3 million reports of child abuse are made annually in the United States. The sobering statistic concerns experts at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Center for Child Protection.

“Whether abuse occurs behind closed doors at home or in public places, the number of reported cases continues to grow,” said Deb Simms, MD, division chief, Center for Child Protection and a child abuse pediatrician with the Spectrum Health Medical Group. “Despite the human instinct to stop abuse, many people witness it and simply don’t know what to do.”

Simms and her colleagues at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital offer the following tips for those witnessing an abusive situation:

Offer understanding and assistance. A calm, sympathetic, physical presence is likely the most effective response.
Sometimes a parent’s anger is fueled by embarrassment at the scene a child is making. Try saying one of the following:

– “Children sure can wear you out. Is there anything I can do to help?”
– “It looks like you’re having a difficult time. May I help you with anything?”
– “Children his/her age can be a handful. May I get him/her a drink or hold
something for you?”
– “Most 2-year-olds can’t sit still for long periods of time. Would it help if I
found something for him/her to play with?”

Move the anger away from the child. Start a conversation with the adult. Ask a question to provide distraction.
Compliment or praise the parent. Say something positive such as “It’s tough to shop with a toddler, I admire your effort.”
If the child is in imminent danger of injury, call 911.

“Observing a child being mistreated is an awkward situation,” added Simms. “It’s natural to be uncomfortable around abusive, or what you think is potentially abusive, behavior. It’s perfectly natural to question the safety of a child, yet, not know what to do.”

Not all children are abused in public places. It’s important to know the warning signs that may be indicators of abuse.

Potential Signs of Physical Abuse

Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises or welts in the shape of an object
Bite marks
Anti-social behavior
Problems in school
Fear of adults

Potential Signs of Sexual Abuse

Inappropriate interest in, or knowledge of, sexual acts
Nightmares and bedwetting
Drastic changes in appetite
Overcompliance or excessive aggression
Fear of a particular person or family member

Potential Signs of Emotional Abuse

Apathy
Depression
Hostility or stress
Lack of concentration
Eating disorder

According to Simms, the cure for abuse is prevention. Prevention comes in many forms:

Know where your child is and who they are with
If your child goes to a daycare facility, make sure it is staffed by licensed providers
Set a good example for other parents by being a good parent
Help your children tell you if something has happened to the private areas of their body by giving a name to those parts
Have an open relationship with your child so that if they are being abused, they feel comfortable telling you

Myths about child abuse include:

Myth: By law, abused children must be removed from their homes immediately.
Fact: This is the least likely outcome.

Myth: Child abuse cannot be reported anonymously.
Fact: In most states, including Michigan, you don’t need to provide your name.

Myth: The person reported for abuse is entitled to know who made the report.
Fact: The person reported for abuse does not know who made the report.

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD, visit d2l.org or childhelp.org.

The Center for Child Protection is a multidisciplinary hospital-based program providing services for physically and sexually abused and neglected children on both an inpatient and outpatient basis. The CCP was founded in 1993 through philanthropy.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a member of Spectrum Health, is a Grand Rapids-based hospital serving children throughout Michigan. A teaching hospital, it includes more than 150 pediatric physicians with training in providing medical and surgical care to children in more than 40 pediatric specialties. Visit helendevoschildrens.org to learn more.