Preventing child abuse
Raising awareness to protect future generations
IN 2023, KENTUCKY’S rate of child abuse was 14.2 per 1,000 children—almost twice the national rate of 7.4, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Abuse and neglect were reported across all genders, races and ethnicities, with 16,577 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect impacting 14,484 children.
Understanding the prevalence of abuse is one key to preventing it. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, there are steps everyone can take to help stop child abuse and neglect.
Recognize signs of abuse
Children may demonstrate signs of trauma differently than adults.
Intense emotional reactions: Children may exhibit extreme behaviors that are destructive, defiant, and/or aggressive or that are passive and withdrawn.
Fear of going home: Children may express fear, anxiety or worry when faced with going home to caregivers.
Injury: Frequent, unexplained injuries to the head or body may be indicators of physical or sexual abuse. Check out the TEN-4-FACES clinical decision-making tool to help identify signs of abuse at faceitabuse.org/ten4rule.
Problems at school: Children experiencing abuse may have difficulty concentrating or completing work, and may be frequently absent or tardy from school.
Difficulty sleeping: Children may report nightmares, insomnia, bed wetting or other sleep disturbances which may impede their ability to stay awake during the day.
Take action
Everyone plays a part in preventing child abuse and neglect, whether you are a parent, caregiver, neighbor, teacher or community member.
Educate yourself: Understand the risks, signs and symptoms of abuse and how you can report concerns.
Teach children: Help children understand they have a right to their own safety and how to seek help from safe, trusted adults.
Report abuse: If you are concerned for the safety of a child or family, you can call (877) KY-SAFE1 (597-2331) or (800) 4-A-CHILD (422-4453).
Regulate your emotions: Recognize if you’re feeling frustrated or angry, and use calming strategies like deep breathing to calm down and stay focused in the present. Step away from a situation if necessary to regain composure.
Seek help: Reach out to others and seek support if you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed.
