Protecting children
According to the Federal Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment Act, child abuse is defined as “Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.”
What Abuse May Look Like
Physical
Sexual
Emotional
Neglect
Bullying & Cyberbullying
Grooming
1 in 4 girls, 1 in 13 boys, and LGBTQ+ youth are 3.8 times more likely to experience childhood sexual abuse than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
Recognizing Red Flags
Physical Indicators
Unexplained injuries, ex: bruises, fractures, burns, cuts
Injuries that don't match given explanation
Untreated medical or dental problems
Difficulty sitting or walking
Low weight and/or height for age
Increase in stomach aches or headaches
Constantly tired
Behavioral Indicators
Withdraw from social groups & activities
Absences from school
Changes in behavior - aggression, hostility, hyperactivity, unusual fearfulness
Rebelliousness or defiance
Changes in school performance
Sudden loss of self-confidence
Attempts to run away
Reluctance to leave school
Anxiety
Depression
Disordered eating
Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts
Online Enticement, Grooming, and Child Abuse Material
Why we don’t use the term “child pornography”
“Pornography” is a term used for material depicting adults engaging in consensual sexual acts, and is distributed through legal means (for the most part).
The use of the word “porn” in relation to child abuse material can detract from the true horror of the abuse, and can even imply consent from the victim.
From: National Center for Missing or Exploited Children
From: Thorn
From: National Center for Missing or Exploited Children
Grooming
Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them. This can happen in person, online, or a combination of both.
In-person grooming often begins in the presence of other adults.Grooming can look a lot like making a good friend, so it may not be obvious, even to other adults. Children who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited, or even trafficked.
Grooming can happen over a short or long period of time, from weeks to years. Groomers may build a relationship with the child’s caregivers, siblings, and friends in order to seem more trustworthy and authoritative.
Online grooming can happen on any platform or app where there is a way to “chat” or interact with others. Predators know where to find children, so even games that may seem too young or innocent for groomers can pose a risk.
For more information on grooming and how to protect your children, visit thorn.org.
If you think a child is being harmed, there are things you can do
Visit The Department for Human Services website for more information.
Interested in Learning more?
Our online resources can help you to understand, identify, and prevent abuse.