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Child abuse and how to report it

This page is intended to get parents and other care-givers headed in the right direction if you feel that a child has been abused physically or sexually.

Table of Contents

  1. How do I report suspected abuse of a child or teen?
  2. Should I call the police?
  3. Can I call Kevin Lee, Dartmouth Youth Advocate?
  4. How can I learn more about the signs of abuse and the process of reporting it?
  5. View definitions and signs of physical and sexual abuse.
  6. Other resources on this topic.

How do I report suspected abuse of a child or teen?

Call the Department of Social Services (D.S.S) at:

508-910-1000 – New Bedford Office

508-235-9800 – Fall River Office

1-800-792-5200 – After hours/weekends

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Should I call the police?

You can, and should if you feel that a child or teen is in immediate danger. If you call the police they will usually file a Form 51-A (Child Abuse) with the Department of Social Services. You may also call the police and DSS also.

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Can I call Kevin Lee, Dartmouth Youth Advocate?

Yes, you can. Kevin Lee is a mandated reporter, which means that he is required by law to report suspected abuse and/or neglect of a child or teen to DSS. Dartmouth residents sometimes call our office to discuss what is involved in reporting abuse. However, if a child or teen is believed to be in immediate danger, call the police and report this right away.

To contact Kevin Lee, Youth Advocate, click here.

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How can I learn more about the signs of abuse and the process of reporting it?

The Massachusetts Department of Social Service (DSS) maintains a very useful and informative Web site. Visit their DSS Web site. (http://www.state.ma.us/dss/)

You can also contact Kevin Lee, Youth Advocate, for more information. (See above)

 

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View definitions and signs of physical and sexual abuse?

From the DSS Web site. (Used with permission)

D E F I N I T I O N S

Abuse is any action that creates a substantial injury or a risk of injury to a child. Abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Physical abuse happens when a child is hurt through beating, shaking, kicking, burning or other types of bodily harm. A child can end up suffering from bruises, fractured or broken bones, internal injuries or even death. When children are denied the basic necessities they need to thrive, it is also considered physical abuse as well. Infants born addicted to drugs are physically abused, too.

Sexual Abuse occurs when a child has any sexual contact with an adult. This can happen through intercourse, which is considered rape under Massachusetts law. It includes any oral, genital or anal penetration. Sexual exploitation and molestation are also considered abuse. They're defined as contacts or interactions with a child that are used to satisfy an adult's sexual needs and desires. This includes any verbally enticing language as well as fondling, masturbating or exposure of sexual organs by the adult. Sex between an adult and child is never consensual.

Emotional Injury hurts a child's mental development. It occurs when attitudes or actions repeatedly happen in a family that negatively effect the way a child feels about him/herself. This can impair a youngster's behavior and ability to function. Emotional abuse happens in all kinds of ways. A lack of love and support can be devastating. This can take the form of emotional detachment or a severe lack of affection. Extremely harsh, critical treatment of a child can cause emotional injury, too. This can include severe punishment, verbal assaults that may include belittling or scapegoating and rejection.

Neglect happens when a child's basic needs are not provided for. Every youngster needs food, shelter, medical care, supervision, emotional stability and a chance to grow. When a caregiver withholds these things, a child is neglected. This may happen deliberately or through negligence, or an inability to parent. The environmental circumstances that some parents may face, such as disability, homelessness or inadequate financial resources, are not seen as sources of neglect.

W A R N I N G _S I G N S

By learning some of the warning signs of abuse and neglect, you'll be more alert to a child who may need help.

Signs of Physical Abuse:

·        Bruises, welts, burns that cannot be sufficiently explained

·        Injuries on places where children don't usually get hurt (the back, neck, back of legs, face)

·        Repeated injuries

·        Withdrawn, fearful or extreme behavior

Signs of Sexual Abuse:

·        Difficulty walking or sitting

·        Pain or itching in the genital area

·        Torn, stained or bloody underclothing

·        Frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches

·        Chronic depression

·        Withdrawal

·        Feeling threatened by physical contact

·        Inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex

·        Running away from home

Signs of Emotional Injury:

·        Inability to play as most children do

·        Sleep problems

·        Antisocial behavior

·        Behavioral extremes

·        Lags in emotional and intellectual growth

Signs of Neglect:

·        Chronically dirty or unbathed

·        Chronic school absences

·        Dress inadequate for weather

·        Left alone

·        Left in the care of siblings too young to baby-sit

·        Often fatigued - even falling asleep in school

·        Hunger

·        Self destructive feelings or behavior

 

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Other resources on this topic.

For listing of local human service providers, area crisis hotlines and national youth related hotlines visit the Emergency Hotlines page in this Web site.

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Copyright © 2003-2004  Dartmouth Youth Commission. All rights reserved.
Revised: December 06, 2003 .