April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

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Currituck County joins communities across the nation to recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Social Services (DSS) hopes all county residents take a vested interest in ensuring the welfare of Currituck County children.

The DSS staff can provide useful information on recognizing signs of abuse and neglect, as well as proper methods of reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

Every North Carolina citizen is legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Child Maltreatment includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.

Signs of possible Physical Maltreatment

• Unexplained bruises in various states of healing.
• Self-destructive behaviors such as hitting or biting oneself.
• Welts, bite marks or bald spots.
• Unexplained fractures, abrasions, burns or wounds.
• Expression of unusual fear of parent/caregiver.

• Engagement in or knowledge of sexual behaviors beyond a child's expected development.
• Regression to behaviors such as thumb-sucking or limited speech.
• Pain, itching, bruising or bleeding in the genital area.
• Delinquent or aggressive behavior, depression or suicide attempts.
• Substance abuse, self-mutilation, promiscuity or running away.

• Speech disorders, developmental delays.
• Ulcers, asthma, severe allergies.
• Habit disorders including thumb-sucking or rocking.
• Extreme passive or aggressive behavior.
• Very low self-esteem, antisocial or destructive actions.

• Reported abandonment by parent/caregiver.
• Unattended medical needs, lack of supervision.
• Consistent hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene.
• Lice, distended stomach, poor social skills, begging or stealing food.
• Frequent absences or tardiness at school, extreme fatique or falling asleep in class.