
Signs You Need Help
Child abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver takes action that causes injury to the child. This can be an actual physical attack or the deliberate withholding of food.
Child abuse may occur as a result of not understanding normal child development. Abuse can be physical, emotional, intellectual and sexual. Child neglect is an act of omission that causes injury to a child.
Here are some common signs of child abuse or neglect:
- Unexplained bruises
- Welts, burns or fractures
- Lacerations or cuts
- Consistent hunger
- Inappropriate dress
- Abandonment
If you suspect a child is being abused, you are urged to call the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services child abuse hotline at 1-800-252-2872.
You can also contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child ( 1-800-422-4453) to report abuse or get help.
If you think you might abuse your own child, you can also contact C4’s Parenting Education Program at 773.765.0829 or e-mail katharine.bensinger@c4chicago.org.