About Child Abuse

Learn about the facts of child abuse in the United States

Join us and play your part in preventing child abuse in Butte County. If you see something, say something. To report any suspected child abuse call 1 800 400-0902.

Reported Cases in Butte County

Reported cases of child abuse and neglect from 2010 to 2018

Types of Abuse

There are many ways that abuse can be expressed. Below are 5 types of abuse along with their definitions and potential indicators that a child could be experiencing mistreatment.

Physical Abuse

Child is purposely physically injured or put at risk of harm

Signs

Unexplained injuries
Injuries that do not match the given explanation

Sexual Abuse

Any sexual activity with a child: fondling, oral-genital contact, intercourse, exposure to child pornography

Signs

Inappropriate knowledge of sexual behavior for the child's age
Pregnancy or STI
Blood in the child's underwear
Statements that sexual abuse occurred

Emotional Abuse

Harm to self-esteem / mental & emotional health: verbal assault, berating or belittling, isolating, ignoring, rejecting

Signs

Delayed emotional development
Inappropriate emotional behavior
Lack of confidence/ self-esteem
Social withdrawal, depression
Avoiding school or other situations
Seeking of affection
Lack of interest or effort in school
Loss of developmental skills

Medical Abuse

Giving false information about health of a child requiring medical attention, putting them at risk of injury or unnecessary treatment

Signs/symptoms:

Giving unnecessary medical treatment to a child
Lack of medical, dental, mental health care

Neglect

Failure to provide basic needs like food, shelter, supervision, education and medical care

Signs/symptoms:

Poor growth, weight gain
Poor hygiene
Lack of basic necessities
Hiding or aking food or money without permission
Poor or declining school attendance

What Factors May Increase Abusive Behavior?

● A history of being abused or neglected as a child
● Physical/mental illness (such as depression or PTSD)
● Family crisis or stress
● Domestic violence & other marital/parental conflict
● A child in the family with physical or developmental disabilities
● Financial stressors
● Social or extended family isolation
● Poor knowledge of child development or parenting skills
● Substance abuse

Parental Behavior

Below are some signs and indicators that a parent is being abusive

● Little concern for child’s well being, physically or emotionally
● Blaming, belittling, scolding the child, using negative language
● Uses harsh disciplinary actions
● Inappropriate level of expectations of child
● Jealousy of family members getting attention from the child
● Limiting the child's contact with others
● Conflicting or unexplained reasons for a child's injuries