"No body normal ever changed the world."
Child Abuse
Look for the signs
Dial 1-800-96-ABUSE
FOR ANY URGENT EMERGENCIES PLEASE CALL 911
Signs of Physical Abuse
The child may have unexplained:
- bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries
- broken bones
- burns
A child experiencing physical abuse may:
- seem withdrawn or depressed
- seem afraid to go home or may run away
- shy away from physical contact
- be aggressive
- wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries
Signs of Sexual Abuse
The child may have:
- torn, stained or bloody underwear
- trouble walking or sitting
- pain or itching in genital area
- a sexually transmitted disease
A child experiencing sexual abuse may:
- have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively
- fear a particular person
- seem withdrawn or depressed
- gain or lose weight suddenly
- shy away from physical contact
- run away from home
Signs of Neglect
The child may have:
- unattended medical needs
- little or no supervision at home
- poor hygiene
- appear underweight
A child experiencing neglect may:
- be frequently tired or hungry
- steal food
- appear overly needy for adult attention
Look for the Patterns
Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.
If a child tells YOU about abuse:
Be a good listener. Show that you understand and believe what the child tells you. Encourage, but don’t pressure him/her to talk. Ask open ended questions.
Be supportive. Tell the child he/she did the right thing by coming to you. Stress that he/she is not to blame. Let the child know that you want to help.
Don’t overreact. This can frighten the child or prevent him/her from telling you more. Do not talk negatively about the suspected abuser in front of the child.
Document and report it. Document your conversation as soon as you can. If possible, write down the child’s exact words.
Don’t delay. Never assume someone else will report the abuse. The sooner it’s reported, the sooner the child and their family can be helped.
WHO MUST REPORT ABUSE?
Doctors
Nurses
Social Workers
Police Officers
Child Care Workers
Any Witnesses
Any/All School Personnel
Call or Report it online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/
If you see it and don't report it:
- Not reporting child abuse, neglect, or abandonment (or preventing someone else from reporting) is classified as a third degree felony in Florida. Someone convicted of a third degree felony can be required to serve up to five years in prison.
Section 1006.061(1), Florida Statutes, requires each district school, charter school and private school that accepts scholarship students under ss. 220.187 or 1002.39, Florida Statutes, to post in a prominent place a notice that pursuant to chapter 39 all employees and agents of the district school board, charter school or private school have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Section 1006.061(2), Florida Statutes, requires each district school, charter school and private school that accepts scholarship students to post at the school site and on the schools’ internet site (if available) the policies and procedures for reporting alleged misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affects the health, safety or welfare of a student. The notices must include the contact person to whom the report is made and the penalties imposed on those instructional personnel or school administrators who fail to report suspected child abuse or misconduct by other instructional personnel or school administrators. Section 1006.061, Florida Statutes, requires the Department to provide sample notices suitable for posting. The attached posters are provided as samples for district schools, charter schools and private schools that accept scholarship students under ss. 220.187 or 1002.39, Florida Statutes. The sample posters may be printed and used as is, may be used in a modified form, or may be used as inspiration to develop a unique poster. Each school or district may also develop its own poster that suits the needs of the school or district as desired.
Pensacola Learning Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and local programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Our faculty consists of professionals who are passionate about their fields and committed to providing the best possible education to our students. We carefully select our faculty members based on their expertise and dedication to their craft. Our faculty members are not only experts in their fields but also caring mentors who provide personalized guidance to our student body.
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