
Awareness is Key
Amigos’ There’s NO Excuse For Child Abuse® is more than just an overarching theme, it’s a criteria that we live by because, tragically, three children die each day as a result of abuse or neglect. Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by valuing children, strengthening families and educating communities; it truly breaks our hearts to know that national statistics confirm that almost one million children don’t know what it’s like to be safe and sound in their homes.
Did you know?
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4Mcases of abuse and neglect were reported
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4-5CHILDREN DIE EVERY DAY AS A RESULT OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT
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4/5OF FATALITIES WERE CAUSED BY ONE OR MORE PARENTS
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74.8%
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OF CHILD FATALITIES IN 2015 WERE LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD
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OVER 4 MILLION REFERRALS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT WERE 7.2 MILLION CHILDREN. OVER 4 CHILDREN DIE EVERY DAY AS A RESULT OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT. MORE THAN 75 % OF FATALITIES WERE CAUSED BY ONE OR MORE PARENTS.
Statistics on Abuse
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75%Suffered neglect
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17%Suffered physical abuse
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8%Suffered sexual abuse
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6%Suffered physical maltreatment
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2%Suffered medical neglect
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Most children were abused by a parent or caregiver.
A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds.
Prevention
We all have a role to play in building strong communities in which families and children are valued and supported.
It is in these kinds of communities that children are safest from abuse and neglect. Here are some things you can do as a concerned individual.
Ways You Can Help
Promote protective factors for healthy families.
- Promote early bonding and nurturing throughout childhood
- Develop knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development to help children reach their full potential
- Recognize and support parental resiliency (ability to handle stressors and recover from occasional crises)
- Encourage social connections to build a stronger base of parenting support
- Address concerns related to resources for concrete supports for parents
Build a support network by getting involved in your neighborhood.
- Develop friendly relationships with your neighbors and their children. Problems often seem less overwhelming when you have support nearby
- Get involved in your child’s school. Join the parent-teacher organization and attend school events
- Talk to your friends and neighbors about child abuse and how to prevent it
Learn how your community supports children and families
The following programs may be offered through schools, healthcare clinics, social service agencies or community or faith-based organizations:
- Parent education programs teach parents about child development and parenting skills
- Home-visiting programs provide social support, education, and crisis intervention to families at risk for abuse. (See Healthy Families America’s Website)
- Substance abuse treatment programs can help parents overcome problems with alcohol or other drugs
- Well-baby programs provide health and education services to new parents
- Childcare programs offer affordable childcare services. This may allow parents to maintain full-time jobs or stay in school while keeping their children safe.
- Respite care provides relief to families with a child or other family member who is ill or has a disability
- Parent mentor programs match experienced stable parents with parents at risk for abuse. Mentors provide support and model positive parenting skills.
- Family support centers offer an array of preventive support services, including many of those listed above, as well as referral to other community services (See Family Support America’s Website.)
- Parent support groups offer a place for parents to meet and discuss parenting issues, exchange ideas, and offer support. To access and view schedules of our programs and services please go to events in our Web site.
Take part in community prevention efforts
- Help local organizations distribute educational materials on parenting and child abuse prevention
- Encourage local schools or other community organizations to provide parenting education
- Offer to speak to the media and other groups about your own experiences as a parent. Parents Anonymous® Inc. has a resource guide, Media Guide for Parent Leaders, that may be helpful. (See Parents Anonymous® Inc.’s Web site.)
- Organize a fundraiser or a food drive to support an organization that helps families in your community
- Offer to teach a seminar on strengthening marriages. Talk with others at community events (neighborhood fairs, back-to-school nights, holiday festivals) about why it is important to have a healthy marriage and how they can strengthen marriages in their communities
- Provide friendship and guidance to parents and children who need your help by volunteering for programs such as Befriend-a-Child or Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
- Contact your elected officials and ask them to support funding for prevention efforts and policies that support children and families
- Make a donation to an organization that works to prevent child abuse. You can donate money, or give clothing, food, or toys to a social service agency that helps families in your community
- Start or join a community coalition to prevent child abuse and neglect
Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms
Year Published: 2007
Introduction
The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign doesn’t prove child abuse is occurring in a family; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination, you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse.
If you do suspect a child is being harmed, reporting your suspicions may protect the child and get help for the family. Contact your local child protective services agency or police department.
Recognizing Child Abuse
The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.
The Child:
- Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
- Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention
- Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
- Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
- Lacks adult supervision
- Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
- Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home
The Parent:
- Shows little concern for the child
- Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child’s problems in school or at home
- Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves
- Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome
- Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
- Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs
The Parent and Child:
- Rarely touch or look at each other
- Consider their relationship entirely negative
- State that they do not like each other
Types of Abuse
The following are some signs often associated with the four particular types of child abuse and neglect: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. It’s important to note, however, these types of abuse are more typically found in combination than alone. A physically abused child, for example, is often emotionally abused as well, and a sexually abused child also may be neglected.
Signs of Physical Abuse
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:
- Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones or black eyes
- Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
- Seems frightened of the parent or caregiver 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
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child’s injury
- Describes the child as “evil,” or in some other very negative way
- Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
- Has a history of abuse as a child
Signs of Neglect
Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:
- Is frequently absent from school
- Begs or steals food or money.
- Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations or glasses
- Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
- Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
- Abuses alcohol or other drugs
- States that there is no one at home to provide care
- Has unattended physical or medical problems
Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Appears to be indifferent to the child
- Seems apathetic or depressed
- Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
- Is abusing alcohol or other drugs
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:
- Has difficulty walking or sitting due to pain, bleeding, redness or swelling in anal or genital area.
- Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
- Reports nightmares or bedwetting
- Experiences a sudden change in appetite
- Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
- Age-inappropriate sexual play with toys, self or others
- Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if less than 14 years old
- Runs away
- Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child’s contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex
- Is secretive and isolated
- Is jealous or controlling with family members
Signs of Emotional Maltreatment
Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:
- Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity or aggression
- Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example)
- Is delayed in physical or emotional development
- Has attempted suicide.
- Reports a lack of attachment to the parent
Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Constantly blames, belittles or berates the child
- Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child’s problems
- Overtly rejects the child
We all have a role to play in building strong communities in which families and children are valued and supported.
It is in these kinds of communities that children are safest from abuse and neglect. Here are some things you can do as a concerned individual.
SIX PROTECTIVE FACTORS
- Concrete Support
- Families who can meet their own basic needs for food, clothing, housing, and transportation – and who know how to access essential services such as childcare, health care, and mental health services to address family-specific needs and are better able to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.
- Nurturing and Attachment
- Research consistently shows children who receive affection and nurturing from a consistent caregiver have the best chance of growing up to be happy, healthy and productive. Research also shows these children do better academically, behaviorally, and have an increased ability to cope with stress
- Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
- Children thrive when parents provide not only affection, but also respectful communication and listening, consistent rules and expectations, and safe opportunities that promote independence.
- Social Connections
- Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves.
- Resilience
- Parents who can cope with the stresses of everyday life, as well as an occasional crisis, have resilience; they have the flexibility and inner strength necessary to bounce back when things are not going well.
- Social and Emotional Competence
- Children’s early experiences of being nurtured and developing a positive relationship with caring adults affects all aspects of behavior and development.
There's no Excuse for Child Abuse Gallery
Amigos For Kids – There’s NO Excuse For Child Abuse Blue Ribbon poster contest was instituted in 2009 and recognizes the art and messages submitted by Miami Dade County Public Schools’ Students. The 2017 contest is sponsored by Voya Financial.
Elementary School
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Veronica Zayas
Oliver Hoover Elementary
1st
5th Grade
In my poster, the girl is representing the pain that child abuse causes. The abuse may have ended but it still haunts her. This it is important to help children suffering from abuse. There is always hope and it will get better. It’s not your fault, find an adult you trust, and get help.
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Valentina Rodriguez
James H. Bright Elementary
2nd
3rd grade
My posters is about a boy who was abused at home and had to come to school with his arm broken. He wants his friends to know that sometimes when children come to school like this it can be a sign of child abuse. He is sad and wants to protect against child abuse. This child is suffering and feels that children deserve respect too. My border shows children holding hands and represents the support that his friends give him and that he is not alone. The heart represents the love that children should receive.
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Natali Allende
Oliver hoover Elementary
3rd
5th grade
In my poster, all the toys represent children. They come from all types of families. The bear is sad because he is experiencing child abuse. Instead of having a happy childhood like the rest of the toys he is different than the rest. He torn because he’s neglected, he has cuts & bruises because he’s hit, and his heart has stiches because he’s in pain.
Middle School
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Gianna Gutierrez
Lawton Chiles Middle School
1st
7th Grade
My poster is a little girl that is getting abused by her father calling her names, hurting her with a belt. Child abuse is wrong and it hurts me to think that children get hurt bad by their parents. As children, you’re supposed to have fun and be happy, to live your childhood, but, unfortunately that’s not everyone’s childhood. Child abuse is serious and whichever parent abuses their child need to get arrested immediately. We need to put a stop to a child abuse. Why would a grown adult hurt a young child physically and emotionally? Tell, why would a person do that to a child that doesn’t know any better? If I’d ask these questions to a child abuser I would not accept anything they have to say because, there is no excuse for child abuse. Period. I hope my poster brings awareness to children and families about this serious issue. Also, it is nice that the organization of Amigos For Kids is out there to help raise awareness about child abuse and help the children and families in need.
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Lizabella Borrego
Lawton Chiles Middle
2nd
8th Grade
Lana is the girl in my poster. Her mother died of a drug overdose causing her father to become an alcoholic and rape his daughter. After years of this occurring Lana was placed in foster care. Her father’s rights were terminated, placing her up for adoption. What this poster represent is Lana being advertised as a sane child, but when she grows up she would suffer from many mental illnesses’ like depression, anxiety, and P.T.S.D. That why I called her damaged goods. This represents child abuse because she was being inflicted mental and physical abuse by her father, causing mental illnesses that most children that go through abuse have. What I used to create my artwork was pastels and a black sharpie. The artwork is a close depiction of my life and the scary things I have gone through. Survivors of child abuse are made to brave a false emotion, but on the inside, they already have permanent scars that they must live with. Time will tell when these scars will finally heal. NO EXCUSE FOR CHILD ABUSE!!!!!!!!
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Kasandra Suarez
Ruben Dario Middle School
3rd
8th grade
This poster shows a girl, she is crying in the closet which is the only place she feels safe. She is being abused and cannot fight back or stand up for herself. She is stuck in a sad life where no one can protect her. She is mercilessly holds her doll as a sign of fear. She had nowhere else to go, no more places to hide. A small girl like her needs comfort and love. Most likely her dream is to be loved but they shift in her worst nightmare…her reality. It’s truly not her fault; instead it’s the people around her. Child abuse isn’t a game for a kid and should be the number one concern in the world.
High School
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Ana Cortes
South Dade Sr.High/School #7701
1st
Teacher: Dianne Romero
Acrylic and color pencil.
Title: Little Jane Doe
The name Jane Doe is assigned to an unidentified female corpse. The reason why I named her Jane Doe is because when a child is abused a part of them dies and they end up changing themselves physically and emotionally turning into an unidentified version of themselves. Although she is mainly displayed as a child who has been raped each symbol symbolizes another type of abuse.
Jane Doe is appearing to be opening the drawer full of flowers only to signify her obedience to hand over her innocence to her abuser but also her inability to protect herself as well as changing her beautiful personality for society.
The bush of thorns is the indescribable pain felt not only inside but outside raping you in this pain for practically a life time. The eyes of the abuser always seeking a moment to start the abuse.
When I was assigned to do a child abuse awareness poster last year this piece took me a year to finish, my inspiration came from my friend’s experience of her abusive father that would verbally shamed her. My friend burst out in tears as my teacher explained about different types and ways children can be abused
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Katherine Estrada
1st
In Our society, children are amongst one of the most vulnerable beings. The majority depend on their parents for basic necessities like food, water, love and overall care for a long period of their life. This also a period of their life in which they are most moldable and susceptible to changes, good or bad. While most children have good parents or adults than can nurture them enough to become an active and independent member of society, others are not as fortunate. Child abuse is most common occurring from a parent or guardian to the child than from any other stranger. This abuse can either be physical or emotionally. Physical abuse can include beatings and sexual abuses, mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression can develop.
In my art piece, I decided to include a young girl crying on the floor near a corner of her bedroom.
She is covered in bruises and her stuffed animal toys are comforting her. In the background, there is a shattered glass of the frame hanging by one nail of her and her parents. The shattered glass of the frame represents how the once happy family is broken an how due to this there is a lot of conflict in the household. Next to the frame is a chalkboard the girl uses to draw on and on it is written “No Excuse 4 Child Abuse…”. Of course what I put as the emphasis is the girl crying and getting comforted by her toys. Toys or other items can become “safety blankets” for young children and can reduce any anxiety in them. In her house, she has no safety from the parents due to the abuse, therefore the most she can rely on is her toys. To her, they provide the best comfort she can get.
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Sila Do
2nd
12th Grade
Mrs. Romero
Digital Art.
The people that kids grow up and been around with the most is their parent. They feed them, clothed them and nurtured them. Most importantly they give them love. Despite everything kids will be naive and believe everthing their parent do is because their love them. All the more to believe if a parent hurt their children and say “I did it because I love and care about you.”afterward. Kid at a young age will believe
their parent’s words. Because of this they will not seek help or even anything that may damage or ruin their parent and lifestyle. No child wants to lose the most important people in their lives, especially one that gave you life. -
Camila Batista
2nd
This piece contains the message and story of a little child who is representing the emotion most children feel when they encounter child abuse. Fear. This feeling bubbles up in their chest. It petrifies them, it wakes them cry for their life. Children have still-developing brains, and their young minds cannot process the pain and weight being put on their small shoulders. It is true that grownups have more problems and things to worry about than children. However, it is not excused to take the stress out on an innocent child. As a matter of fact, there is no excuse for abusing anyone out of their own pain. With this painting I hope that this message comes across people and they reflect on this important issue, which is sometimes missed by the eyes of people who have not experienced it.
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Alejandra S. Lavado
3rd
When I listen about this contest I felt very connected with the topic, specially because I experience this when I was little, so this idea came to my mind , a idea of showing what a child should feel, a child should be protected by the hands of its parents and no viceversa, a father or mother should guide and protect their child, cover them from all the bad things of the world, all the danger.
I visualized this picture in my mind of a child full of color because this kid is a life and is full of future but this is cover and surrounded by darkness, that is not his fault, but he cannot escape by his own, he needs a guidance, and that were this hands came to protect him, a hand of someone familiar to him, a hand were he can lay down without worries or fears because he knows blindly that those hands will protect him and give him comfort without asking for something in return because thi come from their hearts and that’s what true love is.
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Sasha Thompson
3rd
Child abuse is one of the many things that affect children in today society. What inspires me most is that ive been in similar situations. I used my friends portrait because she portrays an innoscence where no one would think that she have been abused or not. I used the hands pulling her down as different abusing scenarios, the girl is crying as an outword expression of pain.
It is very unfortunate that most children don’t have a voice to speak up for themselves to get out of those harmful situations. And with these programs we can bring about awareness to prevent further cases.
Honorable Mention
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Sophia Alvarez
Oliver Hoover Elementary
1st
5th Grade
My poster shows a girl that is depressed. She is experiencing physical and emotional abuse. She is expressing her emotions in the thought bubbles. No Child should ever feel lonely and worthless. She should grow up feeling safe and loved.
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Mia Valencia
Oliver Hoover Elementary
2nd
4th Grade
This poster represent how even people in your everyday are being abused. This poster shows a girl as a mirror reflection of herself. One side shows the girl looking perfectly normal but she is hiding all her pain of abuse. She put on a fake happiness so others don’t know the truth. However, the other side show the emotional and physical scars that she truly has. Also, she realizes that she doesn’t have to continue living like this. She can get help and stop the abuse
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Bryan Diaz
Ruben Dario Middle School
3rd
7th Grade
For my drawing, I drew a small helpless child named Jimmy, who is abused by his father many times. You can tell by the blood and the big bandages over his head that something is not right. Exactly what the neighbors expected. What’s happening in this drawing is that the neighbors have noticed that Jimmy usually stays indoors a lot and when he comes out he avoids social contact. He is usually hurt or has cuts on his face. The old couple next door made reports to the police that the child is being abused and the cops came and arrested Jimmy’s father. You can see the elderly couple watching from the other house around the street as the aggressive man goes to jail for child abuse. The child watches in relief and yet in tears as his father gets taken away.