SENIOR CITIZEN CAREGIVERS

Recognizing the signs of abuse in children you are caring for

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Did you know that approximately 1 in 7 children experience abuse?

Recognize the signs:

In children:

  • Infants: excessive crying or developmental delay
  • Fear, anxiety, clinging
  • Phobias
  • Nightmares, sleeping problems
  • Bedwetting
  • Social withdrawal
  • Hyperactivity
  • Poor concentration/distractibility
  • Poor appearance and hygiene
  • Health and development problems
  • Changes in behavior

In children:

  • Infants: excessive crying or developmental delay
  • Fear, anxiety, clinging
  • Phobias
  • Nightmares, sleeping problems
  • Bedwetting
  • Social withdrawal
  • Hyperactivity
  • Poor concentration/distractibility
  • Poor appearance and hygiene
  • Health and development problems
  • Changes in behavior

In teens:

  • Self–harming behavior, such as cutting or burning self
  • High level of risk-taking behaviors
  • Substance abuse
  • Involvement in criminal activities such as stealing and fighting
  • Social isolation
  • Irrational money spending

In teens:

  • Self–harming behavior, such as cutting or burning self
  • High level of risk-taking behaviors
  • Substance abuse
  • Involvement in criminal activities such as stealing and fighting
  • Social isolation
  • Irrational money spending

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Nurture and compassion
  • Knowledge and awareness
  • Be a role model or mentor
  • Establish social connections
  • Be supportive and listen/observe
  • Social and emotional competence
  • Supportive family environment and social networks
  • Stable family relationships
  • Solid rules in child monitoring
  • Adequate housing
  • Access to healthcare and social services

If you see something, say something

Child Abuse Hotline
(State Central Registry)

1-877-NJ-ABUSE

(1-877-652-2873)

For help please call the

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Sexual Assualt Helpline:

1-800-871-7741

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

1-800-THE-LOST

National Center on Elder Abuse

1-855-500-3537