What You Need to Know About Child Abuse and Neglect  Understand that abusers are usually a known person Child abusers can be strangers who lurk where children gather. Unfortunately, more often, they are people you know and interact with in your daily life. They can be a neighbor, family member, friend—anybody. It is easier for someone trusted and known to the child and parent to gain access to their victims.  Minimize opportunities for abuse. Avoid one-on-one adult/child situations Those who abuse children need the opportunity to do so. They take advantage of one-on-one situations to gain a child’s trust. Set boundaries with other adults. As a parent you have the right to say no to adults who want to have one-on-one interaction with your child. If they object to you being present during their time with your child, ask yourself, “Why?”   Monitor internet and cell phone use, including chat rooms and text and instant messaging New technology is one of the easiest ways for a child abuser to gain access to your child, right in your own home! Know who your child is talking to online. Restrict access to certain websites. Have the computer located in a well traveled section of the house, where you can monitor its use. Limit the personal information your child uses in screen names, email addresses and personal profiles. Limit cell phone use through restricted minutes and “inner circle” plans.  Encourage parenting/child education Many incidents of child abuse and neglect, such as shaken baby syndrome, can be prevented with proper education. Encourage your community to offer parenting education and support. Also, teach your child about their body, what abuse is, and that they have the right to say “No”, even to an adult, if they feel uncomfortable.  Understand that substance abuse and domestic violence often go hand in hand with child abuse Prevention is the best way to combat child abuse. Early intervention to prevent and treat substance abuse and domestic violence can reduce the incidence of violence against children.  Pay especially close attention to those who have physical or developmental disabilities Abusers choose children who they can easily connect with and who are unlikely to tell anyone about the abuse. They will target children who are vulnerable, those they can make “feel special” and often exploit physical, developmental and emotional problems to do this.  Get involved!  Know your child! Drop into sports practices, tutoring sessions, etc. Know their friends parents. If you are a presence, especially an unexpected one, an abuser is not guaranteed the access to your child that they require. Also encourage your child to talk to you. Communicate and make sure to LISTEN.   Understand why children don’t “tell” Children don’t report abuse because they feel ashamed, scared, guilty, and embarrassed. They do not want to upset their parents, neighbors, friends, etc. Especially if the abuse was by a trusted person, they feel they should have been able to stop it and that it is their fault. They also feel they will not be believed, often because this is what the abuser told them. If a child tells you they have been abused:  -Believe them! -Stay calm and DON’T overreact. Limit questions to those that determine immediate safety and relevant facts—questions such as “why didn’t you stop him/her” upset children and place the blame on them. -Listen and reassure -Ensure their safety -Report the abuse immediately   FIND OUT THE The Facts... The Signs... The Response... Who Do I Call?