How to recognize and prevent child abuse
The Hawaii County Police Department is a committed partner in the community working towards reducing child abuse on the island.
Everyone can contribute in creating a positive, nurturing environment for our children by learning and knowing a few simple facts:
- Recognize what child abuse is and what the warning signs are. Child abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual in nature. It can be neglectful behavior when children are deprived of basic needs, such as food, clothing and care. Child abuse can be emotional when children are isolated, rejected, berated or otherwise mistreated. Besides unexplained injuries, children can show symptoms of depression, fear, poor hygiene, difficulty in trusting others, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, hostility and other atypical behaviors. It is only when we recognize the signs of child abuse that we can begin to help the child recover.
- As parents and caregivers, we can learn to discipline our children in thoughtful and caring ways. First of all, never discipline your child when you are upset. You need to give yourself time to calm down. Words and actions can inflict deep and lasting wounds. Use this opportunity to show children and other adults that conflicts can be settled without hitting, hurting or yelling.
- Get children involved in outside activities. Children learn and grow when they play or busy themselves with other positive activities. Sports, hobbies, school activities and play time offer constructive stimulation and learning opportunities for children of all ages. Create playgroups with younger children and provide encouraging support for older children to nurture this learning process.
- Get involved to help others. There is always a need in our community to become directly involved in helping children learn and grow. Become a foster parent or volunteer your time with local social service agencies or youth sports leagues. Use your skills to improve the lives of others in your community.
- Report incidents of child abuse and neglect to authorities. If you see a child being harmed or if you see evidence of abuse or neglect, report this to Child Protective Services or to the police. If a child tells you about abuse, listen to him or her carefully and assure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling an adult. Remind the child that he or she is not responsible for what happened to them.
Locally, police investigate more than 150 complaints of child abuse in Hawaii County every year. Sadly, many more incidents of child abuse go unreported in our community. If you would like more information on how you can help to prevent child abuse, or if you would like to learn more about child abuse in our community, please call the Juvenile Aid Section of the Hawaii County Police Department at 961-2254 in Hilo, or 326-4646, Ext. 230, in Kona.