What You Need to Know About Child Abuse and Neglect  The Facts -1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before the age of 18 -1 in 5 children will be sexually solicited over the internet -The average age of a victim of abuse is 9 years old -More than 3/4 of child abuse fatalities occur to children under the age of 5. -Child abuse and neglect is the leading cause of death for infants and young children. -30-40% of sexual abuse victims were abused by a family member -At least 50% are abused by another known person outside of the family -Strangers represent the smallest group of abusers The Signs -Physical Signs -Unexplained bruises, broken bones, burns, marks such as “lashes” from belts, hangers, etc. -Constant hunger, stealing food, lack of medical care, severe lack of hygiene, constant lack of supervision, etc. -Injury to genital areas, sexually transmitted disease, pregnancy -Emotional or behavioral signs -Withdrawal and depression -Sudden changes in behavior or school performance -Inappropriate or not age-appropriate sexual behavior -Delinquency and truancy -Behavior extremes, i.e. overly compliant or aggressive -Developmental delays The Response -Everyone in NJ is required to report suspected abuse. -Anyone can make a report. -All reasonable suspicions should be reported, including -A child telling of abuse -Witnessing abuse -A parent’s statement of abuse -Physical or behavioral signs of abuse - Reports can be made to: -DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873) -Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200 Who Do I Call -Local Police Department, including: -A child telling of abuse -Witnessing abuse -A parent’s statement of abuse -Physical or behavioral signs of abuse -Reports can be made to: -DYFS (Division of Youth and Family Services at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873) -Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at 973-285-6200 -Local Police Department Who Do I Call? Download list here!