How to Identify and Report Child, Spousal and Elder Abuse
Because victims of abuse often feel powerless and afraid, abuse often goes unreported. Some victims, especially children and the elderly, do not even know that what they are going through is abuse. If you suspect that someone is being abused, keep their safety in mind and report it.
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Instructions
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Child Abuse
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Recognize signs of abuse in the child. Children who are being abused are often quiet and withdrawn, and may also have a sudden change in academic performance. They may also show sudden changes in behavior and have difficulty concentrating. Signs of physical abuse are usually the most obvious, with marks and bruises that the child has difficulty explaining.
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Recognize signs of abuse in the parent. Abusive parents may seem distant from their children and show little concern for their well-being. The parent may ridicule the child, calling him worthless or stupid. An abusive parent may also blame the child for everything that goes wrong within the family.
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Report child abuse. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact your state's child protective services. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a list of toll free numbers by state that you can call.
Spousal Abuse
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Recognize the signs. Abused women may have to ask their husband's permission before doing anything or seem concerned about how their husband will react to things. She may have unexplained injuries that seem to go untreated. Many battered women also have a poor self-image and low self-esteem, as abusive men tend to ridicule and berate their wives. Realize that men can be abused by their partners, too.
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Talk to the victim in a private setting to express your concern. Tell the victim the things you've noticed that concern you. Let the victim know that you're there to help and offer support. Also, tell the victim about the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Victims or those who care about them can call the hotline and report abuse at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).
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If you witness or suspect domestic violence, report it to your local law enforcement.
Elder Abuse
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Recognize the signs. Elderly people who are being abused by family, caregivers, hospital workers or others in the community may seem anxious, fearful or depressed. Physical signs of abuse may be apparent as well, including bruises or open wounds. Stealing money from an elderly person is also classified as abuse, whether the theft occurs directly from the victim or the elder is "scammed" into giving money to the abuser. For this reason, financial problems may be a sign of elder abuse.
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Talk with the elder. She may tell you about what has been going on. Let her know that you are there for her and that you will help to end the abuse and keep her safe.
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Report abuse. In most states, Adult Protective Services will be the first to respond to a report of suspected elder abuse. Also, the NCEA website has a list of contacts for each state to report elder abuse.
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References
Resources
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