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)

How to protect your child from abuse

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Passive, withdrawn, emotionless behavior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

How to protect your child from abuse

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

How to protect your child from abuse

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

How to protect your child from abuse

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

Child abuse prevention training for Smith County Texas parents
Trauma-Informed Schools

Protect Your Kids From Abuse

Give your kids the protection they need to enjoy a happy, healthy childhood.

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Child Advocates Tyler Texas