Do you know a child experiencing the effects of an abusive household?
What is child abuse?
In Tennessee, everyone is a mandatory reporter of child abuse under T.C.A. 37-1-403 and 37-1-412. Abuse can take many forms, frequently occurring at the same time.
To read more about the statutes and rules prohibiting child abuse and neglect in Tennessee, please review T.C.A. 39-15-401, 39-15-402, 39-13-504, 39-13-506, 39-13-522, 39-13-531, 39-13-532, and 37-1-102.
In Tennessee, everyone is a mandatory reporter of child abuse under T.C.A. 37-1-403 and 37-1-412. Abuse can take many forms, frequently occurring at the same time.
- Physical abuse. Physical child abuse occurs when a child is purposely physically injured or put at risk of harm by another person.
- Sexual abuse. Sexual child abuse is any sexual activity with a child, such as fondling, oral-genital contact, intercourse, exploitation, or exposure to child pornography.
- Emotional abuse. Emotional child abuse means injuring a child's self-esteem or emotional well-being. It includes verbal and emotional assault, such as continually belittling or berating a child, as well as isolating, ignoring, or rejecting a child.
- Medical abuse. Medical child abuse occurs when someone gives false information about illness in a child that requires medical attention, putting the child at risk of injury and unnecessary medical care.
- Neglect. Child neglect is failure to provide adequate food, shelter, affection, supervision, education, or dental or medical care.
To read more about the statutes and rules prohibiting child abuse and neglect in Tennessee, please review T.C.A. 39-15-401, 39-15-402, 39-13-504, 39-13-506, 39-13-522, 39-13-531, 39-13-532, and 37-1-102.
General warning signs of abuse
- Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
- Changes in behavior, such as aggression, anger, hostility, or hyperactivity or changes in school performance
- Depression, anxiety, or unusual fears or a sudden loss of self-confidence
- An apparent lack of supervision
- Frequent absences from school
- Reluctance to leave school activities, as if he/she doesn't want to go home
- Attempts at running away
- Rebellious or defiant behavior
- Self-harm or attempts at suicide
Click below to see the warning signs of specific forms of abuse
Physical Abuse
- Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, broken bones, or burns
- Injuries that don't seem to match the given explanation
Sexual Abuse
- Sexual behavior or knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age
- Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection
- Blood in the child's underwear
- Statements that he/she was sexually abused
- Inappropriate sexual contact with other children
Neglect
- Poor growth or weight gain or being overweight
- Poor hygiene
- Lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs
- Taking food or money without permission
- Hiding food for later
- Poor record of school attendance
- Lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental, or psychological problems or lack of necessary follow-up care
Emotional Abuse
- Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
- Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
- Social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm
- Depression
- Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus
- Desperately seeks affection
- A decrease in school performance or loss of interest in school
- Loss of previously acquired developmental skills
Tips for Parents
Don't parent in anger. Everyone gets angry sometimes, so it's important to make a plan when you're NOT angry for how you will handle it.
- Set limits before you get angry.
- Calm yourself down before you take action.
- Take five.
- Listen to your anger, rather than acting on it.
- Remember that “expressing” your anger to another person can reinforce and escalate it.
- WAIT before disciplining.
- Avoid physical force, no matter what.
- Avoid threats.
- Make an emergency contact list for who you will call when you need support.
