About Child Abuse
Every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and protected. At the Child Advocacy Center of the 3rd Judicial District, we are dedicated to preventing child abuse and helping children heal from trauma. Understanding the different forms of abuse and recognizing the signs can make a life-changing difference.
What is Child Abuse?
Child abuse includes any act — or failure to act — by a caregiver that results in harm, potential harm, or threat of harm to a child. This can be physical, emotional, sexual, or through neglect. Abuse may be a one-time incident or a pattern of behavior that causes serious harm to a child’s well-being.
Physical Abuse & Neglect
Physical abuse happens when a child is intentionally hurt or injured. This can include hitting, shaking, burning, or other forms of physical harm.
Neglect occurs when a child’s basic needs — like food, shelter, supervision, or medical care — are consistently unmet by a parent or caregiver.
Signs may include:
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Unexplained bruises, burns, or broken bones
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Fearfulness or flinching around adults
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Frequent absences from school
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Wearing clothing that may hide injuries
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Extreme behaviors, such as aggression or withdrawal
What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity with a child — whether through force, manipulation, or exploitation — that the child cannot understand or legally consent to. This can range from inappropriate conversations to physical contact, sexual assault, or exploitation through images or trafficking.
Sexual abuse often occurs in secret, and victims may feel confused, ashamed, or afraid to speak out — especially when the abuser is someone they know.
Who are the Abusers?
In most cases, children are abused by someone they know and trust. This may include a parent, relative, teacher, coach, neighbor, or family friend. Offenders can be of any age, gender, or background. Often, they take steps to build trust with both the child and their family.
In fact, 8 out of 10 cases of child sexual abuse involve someone the child is familiar with — and tragically, it is sometimes someone they love.
Recognizing the Signs of Sexual Abuse
Children may not always have the words to express what is happening, but their behavior often tells a story. Watch for:
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Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior
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Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or school performance
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Bedwetting, nightmares, or fear of being alone
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Unexplained physical complaints in the genital area
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Avoidance of certain people or places
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Drawings or language that suggest sexual activity
Preventing Child Abuse
While no one can prevent all abuse, proactive steps can protect children and reduce risks:
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Create safe boundaries by limiting one-on-one adult/child interactions
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Talk openly with your child about body safety, consent, and trusted adults
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Teach them to say "no" to any touch or interaction that feels uncomfortable
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Monitor your child’s online activity and use parental controls
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Stay involved in your child’s daily life and relationships
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Trust your instincts and follow up when something feels “off”
How to Respond if a Child Discloses Abuse
Your response can make a powerful difference. If a child confides in you:
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Stay calm and listen without judgment or shock
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Let them speak in their own words — don’t push for details
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Tell them you believe them and that what happened is not their fault
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Reassure them they did the right thing by telling
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Report the abuse to the proper authorities so trained professionals can help