{"id":25923,"date":"2023-04-17T07:00:11","date_gmt":"2023-04-17T07:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=25923"},"modified":"2025-01-29T21:54:17","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T21:54:17","slug":"know-the-signs-of-child-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/know-the-signs-of-child-abuse\/","title":{"rendered":"It takes a village: Knowing the signs of child abuse in your community","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Content warning: This article covers child abuse and neglect. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Every year in America, more than 600,000 \u2014 or one in seven \u2014 children are victims of abuse or neglect.<\/p>\n

Mandated reporters \u2014 law enforcement, doctors or other health care providers, teachers and child care providers \u2014 are obligated to report suspected child abuse. But what about neighbors, volunteers, relatives or passersby?<\/p>\n

Many children suffer in silence, and the adage \u201cit takes a village\u201d couldn\u2019t be truer today. It takes prepared community members to advocate for children and to know when and how to speak up if something is wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike many things in life, we\u2019re all in this together, and if you see something, say something,\u201d says Susan Lamb, MD<\/a>, board-certified child abuse pediatrician and medical director of Mary Bridge Children\u2019s Child Abuse Intervention Department. \u201cIt\u2019s understandable that people are hesitant to report suspected abuse, but there are robust systems in place that thoroughly vet these reports to ensure legitimacy and help to provide the best possible outcome for all parties, but especially for the children.\u201d<\/p>\n

Recognizing child abuse and neglect<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) defines child abuse and neglect<\/a> as injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, but doesn\u2019t include \u201creasonable and moderate\u201d physical discipline<\/a> of children.<\/p>\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)<\/a>, child abuse in all its forms \u2014 physical, emotional, sexual and neglect \u2014 are adverse childhood experiences that have long-term impacts on children and their health, opportunities, and overall well-being.<\/p>\n

Signs that may indicate child abuse or neglect is happening include:<\/p>\n