Recognizing the warning signs of abuse and neglect is crucial in protecting children and ensuring they receive the care and support they need. Abuse can take many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect—and often, the signs are not always obvious.
knowing the warning signs Can Save A Life
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Unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
Fading bruises or other marks
Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
Shrinks at the approach of adults
Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
Abuses animals or pets
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Difficulty walking or sitting
Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
Reports nightmares or bedwetting
Sudden change in appetite
Bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14
Runs away
Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver
Attaches very quickly to strangers or new adults
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Frequent absences from school
Begs or steals food or money
Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses
Is consistently dirty and has bad body odor
Abuses alcohol or other drugs
Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
States that there is no one at home to provide care
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Extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression
Inappropriately adult (e.g. parenting other children) or inappropriately infantile (e.g. frequently rocking or head-banging) behavior
Delayed physical or emotional development
Has attempted suicide
Reports a lack of attachment to the parent
All Maryland citizens should report suspected abuse or neglect to the local department of social services or to a local law enforcement agency. Ensuring the safety of Maryland’s children is an obligation shared by all citizens and organizations. If you are a health care practitioner, educator, human service worker, or law enforcement officer, you are required by law to report both orally and in writing any suspected child abuse or neglect. You should report your suspicion to the local department in the jurisdiction where you believe the abuse or neglect took or is taking place. Oral reports should be made immediately. A mandated reporter must also complete a written report within 48 hours of contact which discloses the suspected abuse or neglect.
Protect. prevent. act
In Maryland, 32,196 children were involved in child abuse and neglect investigations in 2019. While the numbers have fluctuated, 20,647 children were still investigated in 2023, underscoring an ongoing crisis. Many of these children fall within the age range that Camp Opportunity serves, with 2023 data reporting 289 victims at age 8, 295 at age 9, 286 at age 10, and 325 at age 11. At Camp Opportunity, we are dedicated to breaking the cycle of child abuse with a proactive approach: Protect. Prevent. Act. Our mission extends beyond summer camp, with year-round, trauma-informed, programming designed to foster safe environments, educate families and communities, and provide vital resources to reduce the risk of abuse. By working together, we can ensure that every child has the chance to thrive in a secure, nurturing environment, both at camp and beyond.
Protect
Create safe environments: Every place should be a safe one. Establish rules and policies that promote child safety at home, school, and in the community. Know the red flags for un-safe environments.
Teach children personal safety skills: Equip children with knowledge about their bodies, how to speak up, and who they can turn to turn to for help. Did you know? Research suggests that predators are less likely to target children who confidently use proper anatomical terms because they appear more educated and aware of their bodies (Darkness to Light).
Screening and background checks: Ensure that individuals working with children, including volunteers, staff, and caregivers, undergo thorough background checks to prevent known offenders from accessing vulnerable children.
Prevent
Know what resources are available: Parenting support services, mental health resources, and community-based programs like Center for Hope that helps families manage stress, financial challenges, and other risk factors associated with child abuse.
Community engagement: Work alongside your community to change cultural norms that condone or tolerate child abuse, and encourage everyone to take responsibility for child safety.
Early intervention can reduce the risk of future abuse by 75%, and prevention programs have been shown to save communities up to $20 for every $1 invested in child welfare programs.
act
Mandated reporting: Do you know about the legal and ethical responsibilities to report suspected abuse and neglect? You should! Learn more about Mandated reporting in Maryland.
Important things to remember:
Follow the established protocols to report suspected abuse or neglect as soon as possible, ensuring the child’s safety is the top priority. Immediate action is critical to protect the child from further harm.
Maintain confidentiality: Ensure that sensitive information is shared only with authorized personnel to protect the privacy and dignity of the child and their family.
You don’t need proof to report suspected child abuse—only reasonable suspicion. Reporting concerns, even if you’re unsure, can provide a child with the help they need and potentially save a life. It’s better to report and be wrong than to stay silent and risk a child’s safety. If something feels off, trust your instincts and report.
