Reports of child abuse drop over the summer, but that doesn't mean the abuse does

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — As summer break keeps children out of the classroom, child advocates are reminding the community that protecting vulnerable kids doesn't stop when school lets out.

While students enjoy time away from school, many lose daily contact with the teachers, counselors, and school staff who are often the first to recognize signs of abuse or neglect. According to the Colorado Department of Human Services, reports to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline drop by about 25% during summer and holiday breaks, largely because educators, who account for more than 70% of mandatory reports, are no longer seeing children every day.

That makes community members even more important in identifying children who may need help.

"We do rely on everyone in the community," said Mo Basenberg, executive director of Safe Passage in Colorado Springs. "If you have some concerns, you need to take those forward. What I always like to describe is that you're seeing maybe what is a piece of a puzzle that other people might have seen other pieces, and you help us as the system that's responding put together the whole picture."

Basenberg said anyone can make a report if they suspect a child is being abused or neglected, even if they are unsure whether abuse has occurred. She encourages neighbors, family members, coaches, caregivers and other trusted adults to pay attention to changes in a child's behavior or environment while school is out.

Safe Passage provides coordinated medical, forensic, investigative and advocacy services for children from birth through age 18 who are victims of physical or sexual abuse or who have witnessed homicide or domestic violence. The organization also serves intellectually and developmentally disabled adults who are victims of abuse.

Advocates say summer break should be a time for children to make memories—not a time when abuse goes unnoticed because fewer adults are watching.

People can call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 24/7 at 844-CO-4-Kids.

Symptoms of child abuse from the Mayo Clinic can be read below:

A child who's being abused may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. The child may be afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent, other relative or family friend. That's why it's vital to watch for red flags, such as:

• Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
• Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance
• Depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence
• Sleep problems and nightmares
• An apparent lack of supervision
• Frequent absences from school
• Rebellious or defiant behavior
• Self-harm or attempts at suicide

Specific signs and symptoms depend on the type of abuse and can vary. Keep in mind that warning signs are just that — warning signs. The presence of warning signs doesn't necessarily mean that a child is being abused.

Physical abuse signs and symptoms

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, broken bones (fractures) or burns
• Injuries that don't match the given explanation
• Injuries that aren't compatible with the child's developmental ability

Sexual abuse signs and symptoms

• Sexual behavior or knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age
• Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection
• Genital or anal pain, bleeding, or injury
• Statements by the child that he or she was sexually abused
• Inappropriate sexual behavior with other children

Emotional abuse signs and symptoms

• Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
• Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm
• Depression
• Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus
• Appears to desperately seek affection
• A decrease in school performance or loss of interest in school
• Loss of previously acquired developmental skills

Neglect signs and symptoms

• Poor growth
• Excessive weight with medical complications that are not being adequately addressed
• Poor personal cleanliness
• Lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs
• Hoarding or stealing food
• Poor record of school attendance
• Lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental or psychological problems or lack of necessary follow-up care

Parental behavior

Sometimes a parent's demeanor or behavior sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who:

• Shows little concern for the child
• Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in the child
• Blames the child for the problems
• Consistently belittles or berates the child, and describes the child with negative terms, such as "worthless" or "evil"
• Expects the child to provide attention and care to the parent and seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child
• Uses harsh physical discipline
• Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance
• Severely limits the child's contact with others
• Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries or no explanation at all
• Repeatedly brings the child for medical evaluations or requests medical tests, such as X-rays and lab tests, for concerns not seen during the health care provider's examination

Physical punishment

Child health experts condemn the use of violence in any form, but some people still use physical punishment, such as spanking, to discipline their children. While parents and caregivers often use physical punishment with the intention of helping their children or making their behavior better, research shows that spanking is linked with worse, not better, behavior. It's also linked to mental health problems, difficult relationships with parents, lower self-esteem and lower academic performance.

Any physical punishment may leave emotional scars. Parental behaviors that cause pain, physical injury or emotional trauma — even when done in the name of discipline — could be child abuse.

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