When we know the forms & signs of abuse, we can make Smith County safer for kids—together.
Suspect child abuse or neglect?
(CPS Hotline)
(Local Police Dept)
Type Of Abuse
Physical abuse.
Physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child, or the genuine threat of substantial harm from physical injury to the child, including an injury that is at variance with the history or explanation given and excluding an accident or reasonable discipline by a parent or guardian that does not expose the child to a substantial risk of harm. Physical abuse also includes failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent an action by another person that results in physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child. Definition taken from Texas State Family Code, Section 261.001.
Recognize the signs of physical abuse.
Frequent injuries that are unexplained and/or when the child or parent cannot adequately explain their causes such as: bruises, cuts, black eyes, fractures, burns
Burns or bruises in an unusual pattern that may indicate the use of an instrument
Injuries that appear after the child has not been seen for several days
Evidence of delayed or inappropriate treatment for injuries
Injuries involve the face, backs of hands, buttocks, genital area, abdomen, back, or sides of the body
Frequent complaints of pain without obvious injury
Complaints of soreness or uncomfortable when moving
Aggressive, disruptive and destructive or self-destructive behavior
Passive, withdrawn, emotionless behavior
Fear of going home or seeing parents
Lack of reaction to pain
Type Of Abuse
Neglect.
The leaving of a child in a situation where the child would be exposed to a substantial risk of physical or mental harm, without arranging for necessary care for the child, and the demonstration of an intent not to return by a parent or guardian of the child. Definition taken from Texas State Family Code, Section 261.001.
Recognize the signs of neglect.
Obvious malnourishment or inadequate nutrition
Lack of personal cleanliness
Torn and/or dirty clothes
Need for glasses, dental care or other unattended medical attention
Consistent hunger, stealing or begging for food
Distended stomach, emaciated
Lack of supervision for long periods of time
Frequent absence or tardiness from school
Regularly displays fatigue or listlessness or falls asleep in class
Reports that no caretaker is at home
Self-destructive behavior
Extreme loneliness and need for affection
Type Of Abuse
Emotional abuse.
Inflicting mental or emotional injury to a child, and/or causing or permitting the child to be in a situation in which the child sustains a mental or emotional injury that results in an observable and material impairment in the child’s growth, development, or psychological functioning. Definition taken from Texas State Family Code, Section 261.001.
Recognize the signs of emotional abuse.
Speech disorders
Delayed physical development
Substance abuse
Ulcers, asthma, severe allergies
Habit disorders (sucking, rocking, biting)
Antisocial, destructive behaviors
Delinquent behaviors (especially adolescents)
Developmentally delayed
Type Of Abuse
Sexual abuse.
Sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare, including conduct that constitutes the offense of indecency with a child, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault; failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct harmful to a child; compelling or encouraging the child to engage in sexual conduct; and causing, permitting, encouraging, engaging in, or allowing the photographing, filming or depicting of the child if the person knew or should have known that the resulting photograph, film, or depiction of the child is obscene or pornographic. Definition taken from Texas State Family Code, Section 261.001.
Recognize the signs of sexual abuse.
Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
Pain, swelling or itching in genital area
Difficulty walking or sitting
Excessive seductiveness, inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex
Role reversal, overly concerned for siblings
Significant weight change
Suicide attempts (especially adolescents)
Threatened by physical contact, closeness
Extreme fear of being alone with adults especially if of a particular gender
Sudden refusal to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
Sexual victimization of other children
Major change in normal mood or behavior
Protect Your Kids From Abuse
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As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, our ability to help children victimized by abuse hinges upon the generosity of individuals, businesses, foundations, and community organizations who see the need and choose to stand in the gap.