Recognizing Child Abuse The Role of a Teacher

School Personnel =MANDATORY REPORTERS ~social workers ~mental health professionals ~child-care providers ~law enforcement officers ~medical examiners

A Teacher Should… • • • Know important information Know your students Know the symptoms Know the parents Know other teachers Know the administrators

Signs of Physical Abuse: • Unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, black eyes • Fading bruises after an absence from school • Frightened of parent and cries when it’s time to go home • Shrinks when adults approach • Reports injury

Signs of Physical Abuse: Parent • • Unconvincing reasons for child injury Describes child as “evil” Uses harsh physical discipline Has a history of abuse

Signs of Sexual Abuse: Child • • Difficulty walking/sitting Sudden refusal to change for gym/participate Nightmares or bed wetting Sudden change in appetite Unusual sexual behavior/knowledge Runs away Reports abuse

Signs of Sexual Abuse: Parent • Protective of child or limits contact w/ others • Secretive and isolated • Jealous or controlling w/ family

As Teachers, WE can make a difference *End a lifetime of suffering or future death of a child*

Our Job is to… • Report suspicions to: -administrations -guidance counselors -Child Protection Services agency