It is NOT just changing your FB profile

I know there is this great big push to change your FB profile to support ending violence against children.  I think that is great that we are bringing awareness to a problem in our communities.  But, more needs to be done.  When we change our FB page we must also educate in order to eradicate the ills of child abuse.  Violence in any form is never okay.  Children are helpless and they look to us for guidance.  We must not continue to allow the vicious cycle of child abuse to run rampant in our families.  Below you will find some information about child abuse and what we can do TOGETHER to rid our families of this nasty cycle of violence.  Please spread the word link to this blog.  Let's begin the education to prevent abuse and work to get those in violent situation to realize there is help out there.  


If you are a child that can see this blog and you are being abused, call 911 immediately. You do not have to be treated this way and it is not the way you should be treated.  Please seek help NOW.    If you can't reach a phone tell a friend, a family member and ask them for help.


Adults if you can see this blog and are caught up in the cycle of abuse you can get help NOW.  Don't allow your abuse to be the abuse to your children.  There are other ways to handle your child.  If you feel you are in a cycle of abuse please let someone know and allow your child to stay with other family members until you get the help you deserve and need.


Abuse is a neverending cycle if we don't start to do something we will lose more children to the hands of their abusers.


It is NOT just changing your FB profile.  We must begin to do something about the senseless violence.  Don't just change your FB profile Educate & Help someone that you know needs it!


Racquel 
Be Blessed, Be Encouraged & Be a Blessing!


Facts About Child Abuse

• 84 percent of prison inmates were abused as children.
• One in three girls and one in five boys are sexually abused by an adult at some time during childhood. (Most sexual abusers are someone in the family or someone the child knows, not the proverbial stranger with a lollipop.)
• Families with four or more children have higher rates of abuse and neglect, especially if their living conditions are crowded or they live in isolated areas.
• More than 80 percent of abusers are a parent or someone close to a child. Child abuse is far more likely to occur in the child's home than in a day care center.
• One in thirteen kids with a parent on drugs is physically abused regularly. (Drug and alcohol abuse in the family makes child abuse about twice as likely.)
• One out of ten babies born today are born to mothers who are abusing drugs. Drinking and smoking heavily during pregnancy also endangers the health of unborn children.

Some Signs of Child Abuse

Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible sign, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse or child neglect, also leave deep, long lasting scars. Some signs of child abuse are subtler than others. However, by learning common types of abuse and what you can do, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life. The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not perpetuate the cycle. Learn the signs and symptoms of child abuse and help break the cycle, finding out where to get help for the children and their caregivers.


Emotional 


A child who is apathetic (just doesn't care).
A child who suffers from depression.
A child who won't take part in play or school activities.
A child who is often hostile or aggressive.
A child with a loss of appetite.
A child who compulsively overeats


Neglect


Any of the signs above.
A child who is hungry much of the time.
A child wandering outdoors unsupervised.
A child unsuitably dressed for the weather.
A child who is continually dirty or wearing the same soiled clothes.
A child who shows up early or stays late at school.

Physical


Bruises or welts shaped like an object (belt buckle or electric cord).
Bruises in unusual places (back, eyes, mouth, buttocks, genital areas, thighs, calves).
Layers of different colored bruises in the same general area.
"Sock" or "glove" burns on feet or hands or doughnut shaped burns on buttocks (from forcing the child into hot water).
Small round burns from cigarettes.
Burns in the shape of an object (iron, fireplace tool, or heater).
Rope burns on ankles, wrists, or torso.
Adult sized bite marks.
Suspicious fractures (doctors and nurses are trained to recognize these).


Sexual


Withdrawal or anti-social attitude.
Refusal to undress for physical education or sports.
Exaggerated interest in sex or "acting out" sex with other children.
Unusually seductive behavior.
Fear of intimate contact (hugging or sports)
Torn, stained, or bloodied clothing.

How To Report Child Abuse


Anyone suspected that a child is being abused should report it to their state child abuse hotline or call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD).


Visiting a state's child abuse website will also help you learn about mandatory child abuse reporting laws that you may be subject to.


Also remember that if you think that a child is in immediate danger from child abuse or neglect, then you should call 911.


If you suspect a child is being abused, it’s critical to get them the help he or she needs. Reporting child abuse seems so official. Many people are reluctant to get involved in other families’ lives. Understanding some of the myths behind reporting may help put your mind at ease if you need to report child abuse:


I don’t want to interfere in someone else’s family. The effects of child abuse are lifelong, affecting future relationships, self-esteem, and sadly putting even more children at risk of abuse as the cycle continues. Help break the cycle of child abuse.


What if I break up someone’s home? The priority in child protective services is keeping children in the home. A child abuse report does not mean a child is automatically removed from the home - unless the child is clearly in danger. Support such as parenting classes, anger management or other resources may be offered first to parents if safe for the child.


They will know it was me who called. Reporting is anonymous. In most states, you do not have to give your name when you report child abuse. The child abuser cannot find out who made the report of child abuse.


It won’t make a difference what I have to say. If you have a gut feeling that something is wrong, it is better to be safe than sorry. Even if you don’t see the whole picture, others may have noticed as well, and a pattern can help identify child abuse that might have otherwise slipped through the cracks.