This document discusses physical child abuse, including its definition, signs, statistics, and resources available. Physical child abuse is defined as physical injury inflicted on a child by other than accidental means. Signs of physical abuse include bruises, burns, fractures, and cuts. Nearly 700,000 children are abused in the US annually, with over 1,600 dying from abuse or neglect. Symptoms exhibited by abused children include injuries that don't match stories, untreated medical issues, nightmares, anxiety, and reluctance to go home. The document provides local and national resources for reporting abuse and getting help. Teachers can help abused students by maintaining their normal status, respecting privacy, and developing a sense of belonging.

1. Assess Issues that Influence
Youths’ Behavior –
Physical Child Abuse
BY: TAYLOR SHUDA
JUNE 7, 2017

2. What is Physical Child Abuse
Definition: “Physical injury inflicted on a child by other than accidental means.” [Ref. s. 48.02(1)(a),
Wis. Stats.]
Signs of Physical Abuse:
 Bruises, welts on face, neck, chest, back
 Injuries in the shape of objects (belt, cord)
 Burn marks on arms and legs
 Fractures that do not fit the story of how an injury occurred
 Unexplained lacerations or cuts
 Internal injuries

3. Ask yourself…
Who would want to
hurt a child?
You would think
one.”

4. Statistics Related to Prevalence of Physical Child
Abuse
 Nearly 700,000 children are abused in the United States annually. U.S. Administration for Children &
Families, Child Maltreatment 2015. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/child-maltreatment-2015
 In 2015, an estimated 683,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect AND nearly 1,670 children
died from abuse or neglect in the United States. U.S. Administration for Children & Families, Child
Maltreatment 2015. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/child-maltreatment-2015
 In 2015, in Wisconsin there were:
 42,455 reports of child abuse involving 35,402 children
 871 substantiated cases of physical abuse
http://www.chw.org/~/media/Files/Childrens%20And%20Community/PCAW/Prevalence%20of%20Child%2
0Abuse.pdf

5. Victims by Age The youngest children were the most vulnerable to
maltreatment. Children in their first year of life had
the highest rate of victimization of 24.2 per 1,000
children in an national population of the same age.

6. Symptomatic Behaviors
 Injuries that don’t match the child's story
 Untreated medical care/dental problems
 Wears long sleeves out of season
 Nightmares or insomnia
 Depression, anxiety, withdrawal from friends
 Expresses a reluctance to go home
 Frightened of parents and other adults

7. Resources/Supports
Local Resources:
 La Crosse County Human Services Department
 New Horizons Children’s Program, Children’s Advocate
 La Crosse County Crisis Line: 1-888-231-0066
Regional/State Resources:
Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin
http://www.preventchildabusewi.org
National Resources:
National Center for Children Exposed to Violence
http://www.nccev.gov

8. Who Can Report Child Physical Abuse?
Any person who thinks child abuse and/or neglect has happened or might
happen can make a report to Child Protective Services (CPS) agency or law
enforcement.
How can I make a report?
 Any local Child Protective Services (CPS) can take your report. If the abuse is
happening now or is violent in nature, call 911.
 Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/reportabuse and select an agency where the child’s
family lives:
 La Crosse County Human Services Department
Report 24 hours a day/7 days a week: 608-784-4357 or 608-784-HELP

9. Strategies to Help a Student in the
Classroom
The classroom can be the main environment that offers safety, security and stability for a student
who has been abused. Paraeducators through their day-to-day contact with students have an
opportunity to make a significant contribution to student(s) who are victims of child abuse. Here are
some ways paraeducators can help:
1. Maintain the student's normal status within the class.
2. Do not treat them differently from the rest of the class or do things that will set them apart
from their peers.
3. Respect and maintain the student's privacy. A fear of abused students is that their abuse will
become common knowledge within the school.
4. Develop a sense of belonging in the classroom where students can feel included and accepted.
Seat the abused student with friends or other caring and supportive students.
5. Respect students' personal space. Show you care by refraining from touching. Instead, use
other forms of encouragement such as smiles or nods.

10. Cited Sources
 https://www.healthyplace.com/abuse/child-physical-abuse/what-is-child-physical-
abuse-physical-abuse-of-children/
 http://americanspcc.org/child-abuse-statistics/
 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/child-
abuse/basics/symptoms/con-20033789
 https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/cps/reportabuse

11. Video
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngGzH4BE0dE