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Last updated: Thursday, April 9, 1998

Early recognition, intervention keys to curbing child abuse

According to recent data provided by the Child Protective Services Agency, child abuse is occurring in the U.S. at a staggering rate. It is estimated that more than a million children each year are victims of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, as well as neglect.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway says the crime of child abuse is not restricted to any age group or geographic region within the state. It also poses major challenges to enforcement agencies because of reporting problems.

"Victims are often too young to realize that what is happening to them is inappropriate," Sheriff Hathaway said. "In these situations, it's up to an adult to notify authorities. Unfortunately, far too many cases go unreported because abuse of any type is a sensitive subject for outsiders to confront -- especially if the abuser is a family member."

Neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment and accounts for more than half of all reported cases. Although this form of abuse is more difficult to detect than others, there are some warning signs that might suggest a child is in need of help.

There are usually two types of clues given by a neglected child. The child's appearance and the presence of bodily injury are the most visible signs. Or, there may be unusual behavioral patterns that emerge. This is most likely the child's method of coping with or trying to hide the neglect.

In attempting to help people recognize a possible child neglecter, Sheriff Hathaway offers the following warning signs:

• Neglecters often have a constant craving for change and excitement that may result in leaving for days at a time.
• Neglecters tend to express dissatisfaction with their lives while expressing a need to be free from the demands of a child.(April 9)
• A lack of interest in the child's activities.
• Little or no parenting skills, as well as a lack of planning and organizational ability.
• Parent shows little or no interest in the child's appearance.
• Parent will seldom discuss the child in a positive manner.
• Expectations for the child are beyond the child's years of ability.
• The parent fails to keep appointments for the child and does not return telephone calls concerning the child.
• Parent seems preoccupied with what is going on in his or her life while expressing little or no interest in the child.

"Child abuse is not just a family problem," Sheriff Hathaway said, "it's a community problem, as well. If you suspect another child is being abused -- a neighborhood child, a student at your child's school or one of your child's playmates -- report your suspicion the your local law enforcement agency or the state Child Protective Services Agency."

NOTE: Reporting numbers are: Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office -- 226-6555 or 677-2170

Shreveport Police Department -- 673-7300

Child Protection Hotline -- 676-7622

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