During April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, let’s go beyond assumptions. The first step to preventing child abuse is to make sure we’re properly informed. Together, we can ensure every child grows up in a safe, stable and nurturing environment. Let’s start with some common misconceptions and what the evidence actually indicates.

Myth: Strangers and men are often the perpetrators of child abuse.

Fact: “Stranger danger” abuse cases are actually very rare. According to the 2023 Child Maltreatment report, 89.0 percent of victims are maltreated by one or both parents. 5.5% of victims were maltreated by a relative other than a parent.

While men are offenders, that doesn’t mean women aren’t also capable of perpetrating abuse. Research has found 51.6% of perpetrators are female and 47.3% of perpetrators are male. 

Myth: Child abuse only happens in “bad” or unsafe families.

Fact: Just because there is a safety risk in the home, it doesn’t mean that it’s permanently unsafe. Trauma often repeats itself through generations, families can go through a crisis and parents lack the support they need to create a healthy environment for their children.

At KVC, we practice trauma-informed care, which looks at the individual and shared trauma of each member of the family. It also identifies the barriers that are standing in the way of being a healthy and successful unit. With learned coping and resiliency skills, necessary substance treatment, counseling or therapy and other support, families can begin healing and break the cycle.

Myth: Child abuse only happens in lower economic classes of society.

Fact: Child abuse doesn’t discriminate. While inadequate housing is a risk factor for maltreatment, abuse can affect all races, socioeconomic classes and communities. Additionally, abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse or neglect.

While it’s important to recognize that these factors can increase the risk of child abuse, it’s important to note that correlation is not causation. Having one or more of these factors in the home does not guarantee an abusive situation. But understanding these factors is important for prevention because it helps us to intervene before a child is harmed.

Myth: Abuse is always physical and leaves visible injuries.

Fact: The largest percentage of children suffered from neglect (64.1%), meaning their caregivers failed to meet their basic needs, including adequate health care, supervision, clothing, nutrition, housing as well as their physical, emotional, social, educational and safety needs. In comparison, 10.6% of youth were physically abused. Even fewer experienced sexual or psychological abuse.

Unexplained injuries are a sign of abuse, but abuse can present in many ways. Community members should also look out for changes in behavior, eating, sleeping or school performance.  Lack of personal hygiene, a fear of going home or risk-taking behaviors can also be signs that a child or family might need help.

Myth: Children are resilient and will just “get over it”.

Fact: Children who experience abuse or neglect often face developmental difficulties and lasting mental, emotional and psychological trauma. These traumatic childhood experiences impact how a child views themself and responds to the world. Trauma impacts important regions of the brain responsible for problem-solving, emotion regulation and memory.

Fortunately, timely intervention and appropriate treatment can help diminish or even reverse the negative impact of neglect. KVC practices trauma-informed care and provides a wide range of compassionate, effective mental and behavioral healthcare services.

Myth: It is easy to identify a victim of child abuse or neglect. 

Fact: Our society is taught to look for common signs of child abuse and neglect, such as unexplained injuries, irrational fears, sudden changes in behavior and more. However, not all victims exhibit obvious signs of abuse. Even if children know they are experiencing a dangerous situation, they may be too afraid or ashamed to speak up. Community members can be safe adults and help identify signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Learn more here.

Myth: Reporting signs of abuse will automatically break up families.

Fact: Studies suggest that children thrive best in their natural environments with their biological parents. Additionally, removing a child from their home can be traumatic and lead to lifelong challenges.

Therefore, child welfare organizations often look to prevention services before considering foster care. Family preservation services assist families through moments of crisis. This might include mental healthcare, financial support, parenting classes, employment support and more. However, depending on the severity, it may be more beneficial (at least temporarily) for the children to stay with a foster family.

How and Where to Report Abuse

Thank you for taking the first step in protecting children. For emergencies, call your local law enforcement agency or 911. We encourage you to report suspected abuse or neglect to your state agency:

• Kansas: Call the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330 or learn more here.
• Missouri: Call the Missouri Department of Social Services’ hotline at 1-800-392-3738 or learn more here.
• Kentucky: Call the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services at (877) 597-2331 or learn more here.
• Nebraska: Call the Nebraska child abuse and neglect hotline at (800) 652-1999 or learn more here.
• West Virginia: Call the West Virginia child abuse hotline at 1-800-352-6513 or learn more here.

Keeping Children Safe is the Heart of KVC’s Work

While child abuse prevention is focused on ensuring children’s safety in homes and communities, we carry forward the same commitment in our services. When families are in crisis due to family challenges or mental health needs, caring KVC professionals step in for the very purpose of safety. Our track record on child safety is why state child welfare agencies across the U.S. trust us to care for tens of thousands of children and families each year. You can support these efforts here.

Everyone has a role to play in preventing child abuse. Please join KVC as a foster or adoptive parent, mentor, volunteer, donor or advocate for children and families. Learn more and get started: Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Nebraska and West Virginia.