The War Department and Family Advocacy Program are committed to promoting the well-being of children and families by addressing child abuse and neglect and working to prevent it.
An estimated one in four children have experienced abuse or neglect at some point in their lives. The abuse most often occurs at home and is typically committed by those who are well known to the child, such as their parents or other relatives, babysitters and family friends.
You can help keep military children safe by learning about child abuse and neglect, recognizing the signs and knowing how to report concerns.
What is child abuse and neglect?
The DOW and each of the military services define child abuse and neglect as:
- Physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect of a child by a parent, guardian or foster caregiver under circumstances indicating harm or a threat to a child’s welfare.
- Such acts by a sibling, other family member or another person will be deemed to be child abuse only when the individual is providing care under an expressed or implied agreement with the parent, guardian or foster parent.
Child abuse generally falls into one of these categories:
- Emotional abuse includes patterns of verbal or nonverbal behaviors that harm a child’s psychological well-being. These include constant criticism, threats, humiliation and rejection. It can also include a parent or caregiver intentionally withholding affection or a child being exposed to domestic abuse.
- Neglect includes the failure to provide for a child’s basic physical, emotional, medical or educational needs. For example, if a parent or caregiver withholds food from a child as a punishment for misbehaving, it is neglect. This can also include a lack of supervision, such as being on a playground unattended.
- Physical abuse includes any behavior that involves the use of force to harm a child, such as punching, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking or burning.
- Sexual abuse involves any contact with a child of a sexual nature. This includes physical touch involving a sexual body part belonging to the child or the caregiver. It also includes forcing a child to look at a caregiver’s sexual body parts or intentionally exposing them to explicitly sexual material. It is important to remember that children cannot legally consent to any sexual activity.
Know the risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect.
Experts have identified common factors that may increase the risk for child abuse or neglect.
- At the individual level, parents who have a history of adverse childhood experiences, including experiencing abuse or neglect themselves, may be more likely to similarly mistreat their own children. This is because abuse is often a learned behavior, and our earliest experiences can have a big impact on our future relationships. Expressions like, “I grew up with it, and I turned out fine” may be a red flag. Other factors that may increase risk include limited knowledge of child development or a lack of support. Children living with a nonbiological parent or a partner of a biological parent may also face increased risk of being abused. Younger parents may need additional support to build healthy relationships with their children. Alcohol and other drug addictions can also increase risk and affect a caregiver’s ability to provide a safe environment.
- At the family level, parents who are under particular stress, such as those dealing with financial trouble or demanding work situations, may be at a higher risk of neglecting their children. Times of uncertainty or crisis can lead to higher risk as well. For example, adults who do not have effective coping skills may take out their anxiety on their children or partner by yelling, screaming or hitting. Parents with a history of relationship violence, with one parent abusing the other, may be at risk for exposing their children to domestic abuse, which can have a long-term impact on their social and emotional development.
- At the community level, the level of risk increases if community members in general are unaware of the signs of abuse or don’t know who to call if they suspect abuse.
Know the signs of child abuse and neglect.
A child who is being abused or neglected may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. They may be afraid to tell someone, especially if the person harming them is a parent, sibling, other relative or a family friend. Learn the indicators of child abuse and neglect and how to teach your child about healthy body boundaries.
Children who are abused or neglected may feel afraid of their parents, older youth, an adult caregiver or a family friend. They may also show other red flags, including when a child:
- Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
- Does not receive care for medical or physical issues after they’ve been reported to a parent
- Has learning difficulties or trouble focusing that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
- Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
- Seems to frequently lack adult supervision
- Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones or black eyes
- Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable following an absence from school
- Seems frightened of their parent or caregiver and protests or cries when it is time to go home from a playdate, school or other activity
- Is abusive toward pets or other animals
How you can help
Reporting child abuse takes courage and helps keep children safe. If you’re concerned about a child or family, but aren’t sure whether abuse is occurring, err on the side of safety.
Reporting provides the opportunity to prevent or stop abuse and enables the family to get the help they need. Everyone has a moral obligation — and sometimes legal — responsibility to act.
Depending on the situation and your state requirements, you may report child abuse or neglect to one or more of the following organizations:
Strong communities strengthen families. Parents, caregivers and community members can help by being informed, attentive and supportive of children. To learn more, read “What is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms.”
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