Physical abuse takes place when a child is hit, punched, slapped, whipped, beaten, or burned, and injuries such as abrasions, bruises, lacerations, bleeding, burns, or fractures occur. The physical injury is not accidental, and it causes or creates a substantial risk of death, or serious or protracted disfigurement, or protracted impairment of physical or emotional health, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.

• Injuries to eyes or both sides of the head or body. Accidental injuries typically only affect one side of the body.
• Frequently appearing injuries such as bruises, cuts, or burns. These may appear as grab marks, human bite marks, or cigarette burns
• Destructive, aggressive, or disruptive behavior
• Fear of going home

Sexual abuse takes place when a child is touched by a parent or caretaker for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire; when the child is encouraged or forced to touch the parent or caretaker for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire; when a child is engaged or attempted to be engaged in sexual intercourse; forced or encouraged to engage in sexual activity with other children or adults; exposed to sexual activity or exhibitionism for the purpose of sexual stimulation or gratification of another; permitted to engage in sexual activity which is not developmentally appropriate and results in the emotional impairment of the child; or used in a sexual performance such as a photograph or video tape.

• Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases
• Injury to the genital area
• Difficulty or pain when sitting or walking
• Sexually suggestive, inappropriate behavior or verbalization
• Sexual victimization of other children.

Learn more facts about sexual abuse and some of the common feelings of sexually abused children, as well as how to recognize the signs of abuse.

Neglect takes place when a parent who is financially able, or offered financial means or other means to meet a child’s health and safety needs, does not provide basic care such as food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care, medication, or adequate supervision.

• Obvious malnourishment, listlessness, or fatigue
• Stealing or begging for food
• Poor personal hygiene, torn and/or dirty clothes
• Need for glasses, dental care, or other medical attention
• Frequent absence from or tardiness to school
• Child inappropriately left unattended or without supervision

Emotional abuse takes place when a parent or caretaker’s pattern of behavior has a harmful effect on the child’s emotional health or well-being. The effect can be observed in the child’s abnormal performance or behavior, and there is substantial impairment to the child’s ability to function normally due to the parent or caretaker’s conduct.

For example, a child who is repeatedly isolated, frightened, embarrassed, belittled, or threatened manifests symptoms of impact such as aggressive or self-destructive behavior, inability to think and reason, inability to speak and use language appropriately, extreme passive behavior, extreme social withdrawal, psychosomatic symptoms, or severe anxiety.

A mental health professional should assess the child to determine whether the child’s impairment is causally linked to the acts or omissions of the parent or caretaker.

The investigation of a report is a fact-finding process that includes interviewing, observing, and information gathering.

Its purpose is to protect the child, determine the validity of the allegations, evaluate any condition of abuse or maltreatment that was not reported, and determine the services necessary to ensure the protection of the child and reduce the degree of future risk to the child.

Allegations fall into the four categories described below, which illustrate examples but are not all inclusive. The investigation includes an evaluation of all children in the home, whether or not they are actually named in the report. The final step in an investigation is the determination of whether the report is "indicated" or "unfounded".

If some credible evidence of abuse or maltreatment exists, the report is indicated and the family is offered appropriate services. If no credible evidence of abuse or maltreatment is found, the report is unfounded and sealed. The final decision must be made within 60 days.

Westchester County has created a unit called MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) to handle all sexual abuse cases called into the New York State Child Abuse Registry. This team is comprised of experienced child protective workers who work collaboratively with local law enforcement who jointly respond to each child sexual abuse case. MDT utilizes the Child Advocacy Center, located at the Westchester Institute for Human Development in Valhalla, for complete forensic examination of the children and detailed interviewing. This multi-disciplined response to allegations of child sexual abuse has been very successful in the effort to protect children and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Many people don't know where to report suspected child abuse, and some are afraid of reporting child abuse because of possible repercussions to the children or to themselves.

If you report child abuse, it is unlikely that the abused child will be removed from their home immediately.

Also, you do not have to give your name when you report child abuse, and the abuser cannot find out who reported them.

Remember that suspected abuse is sufficient reason to make a report to authorities. You do not need proof. Your call may make the difference in the very life of a child. It's important that you understand how to respond to a child who has reported abuse.

The Child Advocacy Program is a collaborative effort of the Westchester County Department of Social Services, the District Attorney's Office, the County Attorney's Office, the Westchester Institute for Human Development, and local Police Departments.

The creation of the Advocacy Center was vital because it resolved the long-standing problem of having children who have been physically or sexually abused go through numerous, separate interviews, often at different locations, causing unnecessary emotional trauma to the child. It provided a way to help minimize the trauma for the child while providing the agencies charged with protecting the child with the information they need.