Crescent-News.com - Child abuse prevention month begins today

By BECKY MARTINEZ

bmartinez@crescent-news.com

In a proclamation by President Bush in 5, he stated, "During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to preventing child abuse and rededicate ourselves to working together to ensure that all children can have a bright and hopeful future."

This special month kicks off today.

In statistics from the Public Children Services Association of Ohio website, pcsao.org, Fulton County reported the highest number of child abuse cases and Putnam County reported the lowest number in 5, the latest numbers available.

There are four different categories of child abuse: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment.

In 5, the following stats were reported for area counties:

Fulton County had 325 cases: 77 physical abuse, 148 neglect, 70 sexual abuse, and 30 emotional maltreatment.

Defiance County had 283 cases: 86 physical abuse, 116 neglect, 68 sexual abuse, and 13 emotional maltreatment.

Williams County had cases: 69 physical abuse, 97 neglect, 62 sexual abuse, and 4 emotional maltreatment.

Henry County had cases: 51 physical abuse, 59 neglect, and 42 sexual abuse.

Paulding County had 89 cases: 25 physical abuse, 46 neglect, 15 sexual abuse, and 3 emotional maltreatment.

Putnam County had 63 cases: 16 physical abuse, 17 neglect, 29 sexual abuse, and 1 emotional maltreatment.

Michelle Reinhart, interim supervisor for the children"s services unit of the Defiance County Job and Family Services, said each type of abuse has its own signs for people to look out for.

"In physical abuse, the physical indicators include unexplained, chronic and repeated bruising; unexplained burns; unexplained skeletal injuries like breaks; unexplained other repeated injuries such as swelts, human bites, abrasions and broken eardrums.

"Behavior indicators in physical abuse include either extreme withdrawn personality or extreme aggressiveness; inappropriate or excessive fear of a parent or care taker; unusual shyness; weariness of physical contact; anti social behavior especially in teenagers; reluctance to return home; depression/excessive crying; attempting to hide injuries."

With sexual abuse, Reinhart said physical indicators include, "Semantic complaints including pain and irritation of the genital areas; STDs; pregnancy; bruises or bleeding from the externals of the genitalia; discharge; torn, stained, or bloody under clothes; frequent, unexplained sore throats; and yeast or urinary infections.

"Behavior indicators include disclosure of the sexual abuse, they actually tell someone; poor peer relationships; regressive behaviors, like thumb sucking, bed wetting or reattachment to a favorite toy; promiscuity and seductive behavior; aggression and delinquency like substance abuse; preoccupation with their sexual organ or others"; nightmares or disturbed sleep patterns; unusual and age inappropriate interest in sexual matters; and a decline in school performance."

Reinhart continued, "Physical signs of emotional maltreatment are eating disorders like obesity, aneroxia and bulimia; speech disorders; developmental delays; and nervous disorders such as hives, rashes, or hair loss which can occur in little kids.

"Behavioral indicators include picking up habit disorders like biting, rocking and head banging; again regressive behaviors like thumb sucking, baby talk, wetting or soiling of the pants by school age children; poor relations with peers; withdrawn behavior/social isolation. Also, they may exhibit cruel behavior, maybe they get pleasure out of hurting other people and animals; and again, substance abuse."

Indicators for neglect include extremely poor hygiene, chronic diaper rash, lice, and body odor. Untreated illnesses or injuries; unsuitable clothing, "Mayby they are overdressed in warm weather or underdressed in cold weather," said Reinhart. "Prolonged exposure to the elements resulting in excessive sunburn, colds, and insect bites.

"Behavior indicators are unusual school attendance (frequent absences or lateness); chronic hunger, begging or trying to collect leftovers; chronic tiredness; assuming adult responsibilities; reporting that mom and dad are not home often; and delinquency which indicates a supervision issued."

April is a time when awareness of these problems are brought forth for people to take a stand in an effort to help the children in the world.

Child abuse can sometimes be a reaction to how a parent/adult handles stress.

To prevent child abuse, Reinhart suggests, "If you feel like you are getting angry and don"t believe you can handle the situation, get help. Keep yourself from getting angry -- leave the room, bring someone in to help you, call somebody, take a walk. Baby proof your house so you"re not getting stressed constantly trying to keep the child from dangers such as electric outlets.

"Learn your child"s development. Know what is appropriate and not appropriate for their specific ages," said Reinhart.

If you feel you need help, get it before a situation becomes dire. Reinhart said the Ohio State University Extension Office, 419-782-4771, Help Me Grow 419-782-6934, and Four copunty Family Services 800-693-6000, can all help.