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Experts Offers Tips for Intervention

Every five minutes a child in Michigan is reported as a victim of child abuse or neglect. More than two-thirds of these victims are children under age six. These sobering statistics concern physicians and staff of the Center for Child Protection at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

“Whether it occurs behind closed doors at home or in public places, the number of reported cases continue to grow,” said Deb Simms, MD, division chief, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. “Despite human instinct to stop abuse, many people witness it and simply don’t know what to do.”

Child abuse consists of anything that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health. Abuse includes any damage done to a child which can’t be reasonably explained. It is often represented by an injury or series of injuries that appear to be non-accidental in nature.

Simms and her colleagues offer the following tips for those witnessing an abusive situation:

• Offer understanding and assistance. Your 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 two 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 or knowledge of sexual acts
• Nightmares and bed wetting
• 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

Misconceptions and not knowing who to call are two reasons that abuse is unreported. 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: 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, and your intervention doesn’t help, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is West Michigan’s largest children’s hospital, serving children and families throughout a 37-county region. A teaching hospital, it includes more than 150 pediatric specialty physicians uniquely skilled in providing medical and surgical care to children in more than 40 pediatric specialties. The hospital cares for more than 7,600 inpatients and 190,000 outpatients annually. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is committed to caring for children and families with compassion, excellence and innovation. Visit’www.devoschildrens.org ‘for more information.