By Breanna McQuirter, MSW [Training Coordinator, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi]

At some point in your life, you may have the opportunity to protect a child in need. Research shows that 1 in 10 children experience child sexual abuse before their 18^th birthday. While I’m sure you would proudly proclaim that you would do whatever necessary to protect a child, do you truly know how to respond in the most effective way? According to Mississippi law, it is the duty of everyone to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect. Therefore, everyone should be aware of the facts, alert to the warning signs, and familiar with how to make a report.

Many times, it is up to observant, trusted adult figures within a child’s life to recognize abuse and neglect. Children often don’t come right out and say what is happening to them. As a matter of fact, data has shown us that 86% of child sexual abuse goes unreported and those who do report, on average, wait until mid-adulthood. There are many complex reasons why a child might never disclose or wait until they are an adult. One that is a common misconception is because 90% of children who experience sexual abuse know their abuser personally. The relationship of trust and support that an abuser builds with children can make it more difficult for a child to disclose. This building of trust is part of the grooming process. For example, an offender might provide attention or buy something for the child in order to fulfill the child’s needs and wants.

Since we know children don’t often tell anyone when abuse is occurring, we need to be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to help prevent abuse and recognize signs. Children respond differently to trauma, so there’s no definitive “checklist” of behaviors or symptoms to look for. However, one indicator that a child might have been abused is drastic changes in behaviors and personality traits. If a boisterous, confident child begins to withdraw or exhibits signs of depressed moods, that should signal a red flag and cause you to pay closer attention. The same goes for a child whose behavior drastically shifts from calm to aggressive and exhibits disruptive behaviors or even problematic sexual behaviors. Some children, especially younger ones, may experience a regression of behaviors such as bed-wetting, talking like a baby, etc. Younger children who cannot describe what has happened may act out or talk about age-inappropriate content. In older kids, especially teenagers, it may look like rebellious and risky behaviors such as using substances, engaging in inappropriate sexual behaviors, running away from home, etc. Another common misconception by the public, is that you will be able to spot these children based on their negative behaviors. In this field, we know that sometimes “perfect” children make the “perfect” victim. A child who has been abused may also appear overly passive and compliant, maybe with perfectionistic tendencies.

So, if abuse can look very different from child to child, how do we know what we are seeing are signs that a child has been abused? In the state of Mississippi, you only need suspicion of abuse to make a report. A report of suspected child abuse/neglect can be made to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) through the child abuse hotline at 1-800-222-800 or online at www.mdcps.ms.gov.

Once a report has been made, the professionals trained to handle these cases will take action to assess the situation and provide the resources needed. The team at Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi™ provides community outreach speaking engagements and community trainings such as Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children® to equip community members to recognize and respond appropriately to child abuse.  Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi is able to provide your community or organization with training upon request. Together, we have the power to identify, respond, and eradicate child abuse in our state. Will you make the choice to protect children?

This awareness campaign is part of a statewide initiative of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi to educate communities on this important issue.