Child Abuse it happens more often than you think...children need help!

Every day all across Hillsborough County children face frightening hurtful situations. Far too often parents and caregivers cope with everyday stressors by numbing their minds and leaving the children with no one to turn for the support and love they so desperately need. Child abuse is often the symptom, and issues like mental health, substance, and economic insecurity are the diseases that ravage families from the inside out. Children are at risk physically, emotionally and sexually.  You may wonder…

When do I know if it is abuse?

Neglect When a caregiver fails to provide needed food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision it can put the child’s health, safety, and well-being at risk. 

Emotional/Psychological Abuse When a caregiver tells a child that he or she is worthless, flawed, unloved, unwanted, endangered, or valued only in meeting another’s needs. Psychologically abusive behaviors include: blaming, belittling, degrading, intimidating, terrorizing, isolating, restraining, confining, corrupting, exploiting, and spurring.

Physical Abuse When a caregiver uses physical force against a child that results in or has the potential to result in, physical injury. Physical acts can include: hitting, kicking, punching, beating, stabbing, biting, pushing, shoving, throwing, pulling, dragging, dropping, shaking, strangling/choking, smothering, burning, scalding, and poisoning.

Sexual Abuse When a caregiver attempts to have sexual contact with or exploits a child. There are many ways an adult can attempt sexual contact with a child, some ways include but are not limited to, intentional touching either directly or through the clothing of the child’s private parts or breast area, acts that expose the child to sexual activity, filming of the child in a sexual nature, sexual harassment of a child, and child sex trafficking.

How do I make a report?  CALL 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)

Don't wait, if you think there is a problem, help is available, act now.  You are loved! Safety Bears 4 Kids.