Recognizing child abuseA little knowledge could save a child's life
Every year in Escambia County over 7000 reports of suspected child abuse are received by the Department of Children and Families. Child abuse comes in many forms – physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect – and recognizing child abuse isn't easy.
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Some possible signs of child abuse are:
- Any change in a child's behavior
- an outgoing child becomes withdrawn or vice versa
- a child's grades start dropping
- a child is unable to sleep
- a child regresses to an earlier stage of development, such as bed-wetting
- a child becomes fearful
- a child displays self-harm or aggression to other children
- Frequent bruises or broken bones
- Frequent absences
- Social isolation
- Inadequate hygiene
The thing to remember is that it is NOT your job to KNOW whether abuse is occurring or not – it is your job to report ANY concerns. Under Florida law, anyone who suspects a child may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility to report it. Make the call, get a professional set of eyes and ears on that child, and save a life.
For more tips on spotting child abuse, go to:
Reporting abuse
It's mandatory under Florida to report abuse if you see it happening or suspect that it's occurring. Abuse may be reported by calling the Abuse Hotline at:
Telephone: 1-800-962-2873
TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1-800-453-5145
* This toll free number is available 24/7; counselors are waiting to assist you.
Learn about fax and web reporting options by following this link to MyFLFamilies.com:
http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/howtoreport
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