There are about
4 million child abuse cases
reported in the United States each year. In 2020,
32,919 cases of suspected abuse were reported in Pennsylvania. Most of these cases involved sexual abuse, but physical abuse and neglect
were also among the more commonly reported reasons.
While the number of child abuse cases in Pennsylvania has
declined steadily
over the last 4 – 5 years, more cases could still be prevented. Let’s take
a moment to consider what we can do.
1. Be Conscious of Stress Levels
Parents’ feelings of
isolation, stress, and frustration
often play a role in child abuse. Independence Blue Cross (Independence)
Medical Director Stephen Higgins, M.D., cautions every parent to be aware
of the triggers of frustration, and to step away from their children in
those situations.
“The pandemic has caused a lot of collateral damage,” Higgins says. “People
are struggling financially. Housing is super expensive. Employment is
improving but there are financial stressors, particularly with inflation.
Everybody is under a significant degree of stress. We might not even
recognize it anymore because it feels like the new normal. But parents may
be getting frustrated faster by things they wouldn’t have before.”
To avoid taking actions you will regret later, Higgins says, “When you feel
yourself getting angry, take a breath. Slow things down. Put the child
down, step away for a few minutes, and gather yourself. When we’re deep in
frustration and anger, that’s when we make impulsive actions. And when we
lose control, it doesn’t take a lot to hurt a small child.” Know that it’s
okay to ask for help.
2. Help Others Calm Down
If you suspect that a friend or family member is stressed, Higgins advises,
try to be a calming influence. Acknowledge their feelings. Offer to visit
or babysit to give them a break. Trusted family and friends can provide
emotional support throughout the many challenges of parenthood.
If you see a parent yelling at their child in a public place, it could be
counter-productive to criticize the parent, Higgins says. Instead, he adds,
“Striking up a casual conversation could help to bring the energy level
down.”
3. Prioritize Parents’ Mental and Behavioral Health
Sometimes parents can neglect their own mental well-being while caring for
children — and this can lead to negative outcomes, says Ryan Connolly,
M.D., M.S., psychiatrist and medical director at Independence.
Untreated mental illness and substance use
can place people at risk for committing acts of child abuse. Many
psychological conditions can increase irritability and worsen things like
sleep, while at the same time reducing a person’s ability to control angry
impulses. It’s important for parents and other caregivers to attend to
self-care, recognize symptoms of behavioral health problems, and ask for
help when they need it.
“Some parents feel afraid or ashamed to ask for help, especially if they’re
struggling with angry feelings or negative thoughts about their kids,”
Connolly says. “This is exactly the wrong approach. Being mentally healthy
is critically important to being a good caregiver.”
4. Support Children in Protecting Themselves
It’s important for children to understand that
they are special and have the right to be safe. Encourage them to advocate for themselves and speak up when they’re
uncomfortable with a person or a situation.
Kids should feel comfortable and empowered to say “no” and set boundaries,
to inform a trusted person if they’ve experienced something upsetting, and
to recognize that they are never, ever to blame if an adult behaves
inappropriately towards them.
5. If You See Something, Say Something
If you suspect that child abuse is taking place, report it so that families
can get the help that they need and the children are protected. You can
report suspected abuse or neglect of children 24 hours a day, seven days a
week in Philadelphia at 215-683-6100 or call the
Pennsylvania state hotline at 1-800-932-0313. Callers may
choose whether or not to give their name when reporting. Call the police
for the fastest response if a child is at immediate risk of injury.
Useful Links
• Report Abuse (PA.gov)
• Abusive Head Trauma: How to Protect Your Baby (HealthyChildren.org)
• Raising the Future
• Center for Effective Parenting
6. Get Help if You Need It
If you or someone you know is in distress and is thinking about hurting
themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or use the Lifeline
Chat on the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
website.
For more information about depression, self-care strategies, and where to
find help, visit
ibx.com/knowyourmind.
This content was originally published on
IBX Insights.
About The IBX Insights Team
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