Understanding and Preventing Child Abuse: Resources, signs, and support

According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), child abuse is legally defined as harm or threatened harm to a child’s health and safety by a responsible adult. This can include a parent, legal guardian, foster parent, or any adult residing in the home of the child.

Child abuse can take several forms, including physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse or exploitation, and emotional abuse.

1. Physical Abuse: Non-accidental injury to a child under 18 years old, even if there was no intent to harm.
2. Indicators: Bruises, burns, fractures, extreme aggression, or fear of parents.
3. Neglect: Failure to provide for a child’s basic needs, including food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and supervision.
4. Indicators: Consistent lack of supervision, unattended medical needs, frequent absences from school.
5. Sexual Abuse or Exploitation: Includes rape, incest, lewd acts, and involving a child in pornography or prostitution.
6. Indicators: Torn or bloody underclothing, inappropriate sexual behavior, age-inappropriate understanding of sexual acts.
7. Emotional Abuse: Mental harm caused by rejection, isolation, exploitation, or belittlement.
8. Indicators: Extreme passivity or aggression, developmental delays, blaming or belittling by a caregiver.

The Oklahoma Child Abuse Prevention Act (1984) established a framework for preventing child abuse and neglect in the state. Under this law, the Office of Child Abuse Prevention (OCAP) was created within the Oklahoma State Department of Health to focus on intervention and prevention efforts. The office provides:

1. Statewide awareness campaigns.
2. Community-based family support programs.
3. Professional training to identify and report child abuse.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives formally recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, recently adopting House Resolution 1011, sponsored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay.

In 2024, Oklahoma recorded 13,546 substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect, with 10,525 of those involving first-time victims. HR1011 encourages community-wide efforts to support families and protect children.

"Child abuse can be prevented, and everyone has a role to play," said Rep. Roe. "By working together—neighbors, teachers, faith leaders, businesses, and policymakers—we can create a culture where prevention is the priority."

Recognizing child abuse can be difficult, but the Mayo Clinic highlights several warning signs:

1. Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal, aggression, school performance decline, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
2. Physical Indicators: Unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, or injuries inconsistent with explanations given.
3. Sexual Abuse Indicators: Inappropriate sexual knowledge, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, or genital injuries.
4. Emotional Abuse Indicators: Low self-esteem, extreme dependence or passivity, or avoiding specific people or situations.
5. Neglect Indicators: Poor hygiene, lack of medical care, hoarding food, or frequent absences from school.
6. Parental Warning Signs: Indifference to a child’s well-being, blaming or belittling, excessive harsh discipline, or preventing a child’s contact with others.

1. Oklahoma Department of Human Services: okdhs.org
2. Oklahoma State Department of Health – Office of Child Abuse Prevention: oklahoma.gov
3. The CARE Center: carecenter-okc.org

If you suspect a child is being abused, contact the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511 or call 911 in emergencies.