Sometimes, child abuse is obvious. When a child’s suffering includes unexplained injuries; delayed development not explained by a medical diagnosis; or severe emotional disturbances, the need for necessary action is unmistakable.
However, experts say child abuse isn’t always crystal clear. Some abuse, such as neglect, is subtle, yet can cause lasting harm to children.
“It’s by far the most substantiated form of abuse,” said Sandy Runkle, director of programs for Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, a division of The Villages. “You hear about physical abuse more often, but thankfully it’s not the most common. It’s by far neglect.”
Emily Perry, executive director of Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Centers agrees and said child neglect can include lack of appropriate food, clothing, or shelter.
Often, her staff sees neglect due to drug and alcohol addicted parents who are incapable of supervising and providing appropriate care for their children.
Neglect can be just as damaging as physical, sexual or emotional abuse, and since it is less obvious, others are less likely to intervene. Furthermore, neglect can be subjective. Runkle gives the example of children living in a dirty home.
“Your definition of a dirty house could be different from my definition of a dirty house and they both can be different from what the Department of Child Services says. That’s why this is so challenging,” said Runkle.
She adds that an adult showing a child pornography, even if the child is 16 or 17 years old, is a type of sexual abuse people may not consider. However, child advocates state this is an example of a “grooming” behavior, which can be employed by sexual predators to gain power over a potential victim.
Witnessing violence is another factor that puts kids at risk. Perry said her staff is also seeing increased referrals to assess child witnesses to domestic violence and other interfamilial violence.
“These situations are generally characterized as neglect ‘environment life/health endangering’ because the child was not directly assaulted,” said Perry. “However, we know that children witnessing domestic violence incidents in the home are at significantly higher risk for experiencing child sexual abuse and child physical abuse.”
Experts say behavioral issues, such as depression or bed-wetting, can indicate problems due to child abuse, particularly if they are linked to physical signs, escalate or intensify. While these issues can be caused by genetic factors and disabilities, child abuse shouldn’t be ruled out.
Runkle said the best way to deal with the “gray areas” of child abuse and neglect is to simply contact the proper authorities.
“The standard is ‘if you have reason to believe.’ You don’t have to shoulder that burden or make the decision. If you are uncomfortable with the situation, you pick up the phone and report it. Be as detailed as you can as to why you’re concerned,” said Runkle.
Both Runkle and Perry said child abusers cannot be restricted to one demographic. However, Runkle states there are risk factors that could lead to child abuse such as substance abuse, domestic violence, insufficient income with no support or unmet mental health issues.
All parents, regardless of risk factors, who face tough times are encouraged to seek help from a church, the child’s day care, the local Women Infant and Children office or the local Department of Child Services office.
Perry said adults should also alter their view of children to help reduce these instances of abuse. Children are vulnerable because in many ways they are unable to care for themselves, are smaller/“weaker” biologically, and don’t function as miniature adults. Due to these issues, adults often perceive children to be of less value than adults.
Sadly, some adults justify negative treatment of children because they are not perceived to be as important. When a child is raised and is treated as “less than,” they grow up believing children are not worthy of love, respect, nurture, and care. They frequently become incapable of providing that nurture, love, and attachment to their own children…thus perpetuating the generational cycle.
“The key to change is teaching children and young adults (new parents) the true value of children. When children feel loved and valued they will grow up to give love and value their children,” said Perry.
Runkle said kids who believe they are being abused should contact a trusted adult. The adult should then believe the child and call the proper authorities.
Though there are gray areas of child abuse, experts ask people to remain vigilant of clear and unclear signs of child abuse. The Indiana Department of Child Services said they have a course available to better understand child abuse.
To report child abuse, call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at (800) 800-5556.
