| Are teachers required by law to report suspected child abuse? What are some of the signs? | Yes. The signs are:
- abrupt change in behavior (e.g. from bright, outgoing, and high-achieving to withdrawn, downcast, and non-responsive).
- change from well-groomed to looking disheveled.
- visual markings such as bruises or welts on the body/face. |
| What are some of the statistics of child abuse in the United States? | In 2011, child protective services received 3.4 million reports of child abuse, and further investigations found more than 681,000 had been victims of abuse or mistreatment (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2013).
However, because abuse and neglect are often hidden or not reported, reliable figures are hard to obtain. |
| What are the main types of abuse suffered by victims? | More than 78% of abuse victims are from neglect, about one fifth experience physical abuse, and 9% were either sexually or psychologically abused.
When sexual abuse occurs, it most commonly involves a family member, relative, or friend. |
| Can abuse occur at any level of society? | Yes, however it tends to be associated with poverty and is often linked to parental substance abuse (Children's Defence Fund, 2012). |
