We see all kinds of horrible crimes here at America’s Most Wanted, but the hardest stories to tell are the ones that involve abused children. Child abuse is more than sexual abuse of children. Take a monster like Greisy Valencia whose crimes were so horrible she’s a member of John Walsh’s Dirty Dozen. Valencia abused and tortured her daughter so severely that investigators are surprised that she lived to tell her story. You might even remember the story of the disgusting fugitive couple Robin Robinson who actually watched her boyfriend, Bill Balser inflict absolutely mortifying torture everyday on her daughters, making their lives a living hell.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that many people are unfamiliar with. Child abuse and neglect comes in many forms and hurts many children regardless of their community. A child may be beaten, starved or left home alone all day. The best way to make a difference for abused and neglected kids is to get educated.
Here is some information from the Child Welfare Information Gateway to help you recognize and protect abused kids:
The Child:
- Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.
- Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention.
- Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes.
- Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.
- Lacks adult supervision.
- Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.
- Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.
The Parent:
- Shows little concern for the child.
- Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child’s problems in school or at home.
- Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves.
- Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome.
- Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve.
- Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs.
The Parent and Child:
- Rarely touch or look at each other.
- Consider their relationship entirely negative.
- State that they do not like each other.
Types of Abuse
The following are some signs often associated with particular types of child abuse and neglect: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. It is important to note, however, these types of abuse are more typically found in combination than alone. A physically abused child, for example, is often emotionally abused as well, and a sexually abused child also may be neglected.
Signs of Physical Abuse
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:
- Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes.
- Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school.
- Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home.
- Shrinks at the approach of adults.
- Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child’s injury.
- Describes the child as “evil,” or in some other very negative way.
- Uses harsh physical discipline with the child.
- Has a history of abuse as a child.
Signs of Neglect
Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:
- Is frequently absent from school.
- Begs or steals food or money.
- Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses.
- Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor.
- Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather.
- Abuses alcohol or other drugs.
- States that there is no one at home to provide care.
Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Appears to be indifferent to the child.
- Seems apathetic or depressed.
- Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner.
- Is abusing alcohol or other drugs.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:
- Has difficulty walking or sitting.
- Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities.
- Reports nightmares or bed wetting.
- Experiences a sudden change in appetite.
- Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior.
- Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14.
- Runs away.
- Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver.
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child’s contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex.
- Is secretive and isolated.
- Is jealous or controlling with family members.
Signs of Emotional Maltreatment
Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:
- Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression.
- Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example).
- Is delayed in physical or emotional development.
- Has attempted suicide.
- Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.
Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child.
- Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child’s problems.
- Overtly rejects the child.
You can make a difference for the children in your life by checking out these resources:
Identifying Child Abuse and Neglect
Resources and information from the Child Welfare Information Gateway website about signs and symptoms of child maltreatment, including training resources.
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
Resources and information from the Child Welfare Information Gateway website.
33 Comments on "Make A Difference For Abused Kids"
Sharon Cox
john, I came from an abused family.But I had an aunt that raised me to be a smart person.If everyone had love in your heart there is no abused kids.They also should believe in God because they are Gods children. We only raised them to be good people.So they can be secure in what they do & learn all they can in school.Be what you want to be. And thanks John for my input on things,snd let me say what was needed to say. This is from the bottom of my heart.& thoughts.
Valerie
I find the program very informative and am thankful that I can help my daughter (who sent the previous e-mail to you) in understanding the importance of being aware of your surroundings, locking doors and ensuring her safety in everything she does. She has learned tons from your program and has read of one such incident imparticular in a magazine while waiting at the doctor’s office. I cannot thank you enough for your focus of justice for the victims and their families as well as the informative format in which it is presented..Thank you very much again for helping others..
Sincerely,
V.Kofman
Darla W
I think this is the greatest thing to do is put signs out there. Because I also was abused as a child.There was no one there to help me. The one person who came forward was my Grandpa.Keep up the good work.
Valerie
John I just want to start off by saying thank you for your show I’m a watcher from day one….as for the article I’m one of eleven children and we all were abused coming up in some of the worst ways…..so I’ve got my eyes open and my ears open for anything strange with the children In my area, and elsewhere…….scouts honor. Thanks again God Bless
tny
What about the hidden abuse? Parents neglecting their children by partying every weekend of the year, especially young single women. Sending their children to different homes to be cared for, unaware of what may be happening to the child, especially one who cannot talk or express themselves, and is often very young. Child not obtaining proper sleep and/or nutrition. Lack of attention. There are so many children neglected in this fashion, and it is still abuse. I think emotional abuse is among the worst type of abuse. Physical is number 1, but parents are getting away with the emotional side of child abuse, which affects the child in so many ways. The signs you have presented is wonderful. But I wish there was a way to catch these other type of abusers, abusers of the very young, those who cannot speak for themselves. Any suggestions, I knew quite a few of these type of parents.
cheryl brown
I find this report on child abuse to be very informative. If parents are unable to care for their children find someone who will. I do not come from an abuseive family, and I do not have children of my own. I’ve always have had and still do love children and want to offer a place for children who have lived an abuseive situtation a home but not being able to afford a home of my own I’m unable to provide a place of love and understanding for a child.
Thomas Colella III
Thank you for making a difference.People need to know about the horrible practices of the sex trade industry,and how the practice of raping and brutillizing children ,in this land of the FREE.Should be unacceptable to any one with any moral values.Be very careful you young ladies when your invited to a party.You’ll never know how your life will be changed forever!You’ll never see the monster in these people till its to late!And your theirs forever
Seleucia A. Grady
Dear John; I believe in reporting abuse, but when my daughter was abused by the neighbor boys and I reported it my children were taken by dfs for 17 months. my husband was accused of so many things which all were lies due to the fact the town I live in DID not want to prosecute these boys because they were a name here and we were new to the community. my daughter at the time was 4! please help me to understand how a service that is for unity, tried to break our family apart because I did what I believed to be right. Thanks, Sincerely Seleucia A. Grady
Ed
My abuser knew I lived in a disfunctional home and preyed on me so fast. He bought me all kinds of things and the alcohol started right away. He got me so drunk so many times. I worked part time for him. It was all a con.
Ed
I forgot… I was 14
cascade
Also many men who are or were molested and or abused in any way ..DO NOT ABUSE OTHERS! They just want to heal and do better to all others because they went through h-ell. How much help is there for men? shelters? safe places? Advocacyfor court orders of protection against their abusers? Is there such help. Please let us know.
Annette
I’ve been a fan since day one. i don’t miss a episode ever!!! first thank you for doing what you do!!! i’m a seasonal worker for parks&recreation we get lots a kids in the summer. this year i’ll be alert more. will be mailing this to my friends & family. god bless you keep doing this wonderful work!!!
Robert
I been waching since it first aired Im glad to the bad& the pairsights off the streets ect Boy after reading all the comments posted here makes Mewounder what goes through peple,s minds Im a unckle of (3 ) My self the oldest one is 14&soon to 15 yrs old THE other one is 6 yrs old the other 12 IT sure is a scary thought of what is lurking around out there I work around peple daily Ive seen how some can show there true colors Im for ever glad for AMW JONH KEEP UP THE OUTSTANDING work AS well for rest of the crew
Robert
OH by the way I have a friend Of mine WHO has a brother that works as county PROCUTER Ive seen him in action he is one of those type that can &will put away the bad& the pairsight,s I live in the same county as he does the county I live in is not like some other countys they are by the book no ands if ,s or but,s about it they are very strict He works in the criminal divsion part of it just the thought of is a enough to make anyone cringe anyone thinking you might get by with a crime forget its not happening here
Tina Quinton
Hey John, I watch AMW as much as possible. I think about your little boy alot. I can sort of relate. When I was a kid my uncle would strangle us. He’d grab us by our neck and hold us up against the wall. He sqeezed so hard we couldn’t breath. It only took one hand because we were only nine. When we got to big too hold against the wall then he’d just strangle us on the ground. John I don’t think people realize the long term affects of abuse. I have several problems Physical and with my mind because of what my uncle did to me. I’v had bad headaches and neck pain for as long as I could remember. I’ve taught myself how to handle the problems I got from being strangled. I try to do my best to make myself feel better. Thanks for lisening. tina
T.King
Love Ur Show I know the feeling of losing a child
as to the sex abuse i was a victim for 3 years of my life when reported nothing happen to the abuser
something has got to change,the sings are easy to see if you open your eyes and ears to the children Thank you so much
Keep Up The Great Work
vanessa
I SEE MYSELF ONE DAY HAVING KIDS OF MY OWN. BUT TO THINK OF ALL THE SICK DOMENTED FREAKS OUT THERE WHO ARE PREYING ON THE DEFENSLESS WORRIES ME A WHOLE LOT.IT ONLY TAKES A SECOND FOR A CHILD TO BE ABDUCTED. YOU CANT TRUST ANY BODY!!! NOT EVEN FAMILY! ITS A SICK WORLD OUT THERE!
cascade
October is domestic violence awarness month… the color is purple! We make copies of all different forms of abuse against adults..and Chlidren, and leave them all over the city. 1 way:) to make a difference.:)
Joel Gibson
I think that child abuse is the number one thing that hurts children not only in the United States but around the world and I think that somebody needs to wake up and smell the coffee and get out and help some of these kids and try to find a safe enviroment for them.
Dani Galens
im just a kid….well 13….but i really want to help and so does my cousin……but we dont know how kids can help the world even though some really want to……if anyone has ideas please leave a comment…..or something…..
Charlotte R.
I am an incest surviver. I am 56. I wish the people I tried to tell in my school and family when I was younger could have seen these signs and believed me. I am one of the lucky ones in that I eventually found help and hope. Please when you see these signs of an abused child (sexual, emotional or verbal abuse), report them. You can save a child.
Thank you.
CHARLENE SHANNON
I AM A SURVIVOR OF PHYSICAL MENTAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE, AND REALLY WANT TO COMMEND AMW AND JOHN WALSH FOR ALL OF THE WORK THAT YALL DO FOR THE CHILDREN. I KNOW WHEN I WAS GROWING UP THINGS SUCH AS ABUSE WERE REALLY SWEPT UNDER RUGS AND IGNORED, BUT THINK GOD NOW OTHER CHILDREN SUCH AS MY OWN TWO HAVE A BETTER CHANCE. YOUR WEBSITE IS VERY INFORMATIVE AND CAN HELP PARENTS BETTER SEE THE SIGNS OF ABUSE. I KNOW I HAVE OPEN DISCUSSION WITH MY CHILDREN AND WATCH FOR ANY AND ALL SIGNS. AND I WANT TO JUST INCOURAGE THAT IF ANYONE OUT THERE EVEN JUST HAS A THOUGHT THAT A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED –SPEAK OUT — REGARDLESS OF WHO IT IS. STAND OF FOR THAT CHILD THAT CANT STAND FOR THEMSELVES. GOD BLESS YOU JOHN WALSH AND AMW.
Aoinn
Charlene, I wish there was an end NOW to the suffering of children as well. I want to help. Do you have a suggestion for me?
Lynda Howard
Tina, you are a very brave person. I hope that you will consider presssing charges against your uncle. What he did was NOT YOUR FAULT!!! I hope that you undrestand that and will consider pressing charges against the person that harmed you.
Lynda Howard
We all need ti work together to stop child abuse. We all need to work harder than ever and never give up!
Lynda Howard
I am also a survivor of child abuse, and know all to well what it can do to your soul. I am a pre-law student that pledges to give 110% to STOPPING child abuse!!! I will NOT TOLERATE CHILD ABUSE OF ANY KIND!!!! I will fight thoase demons to my grave until I awaken to a beautiful city, where no sin will enter, and see all of the smiling happy faces of those precious children that have been abused or murdered. I swear that I will do my very best to STOP all child abuse!!!
Lynda Howard
I just have one more comment…. If the Department of Human Services would STOP sending these children back to the environment in which the abuse took place in the first place and sent the children to a safe environment and kept them there, that would help a great deal in stopping a great percentage of child abuse, as a future attorney I have some say so in those cases, Thank Goodness!!!!
Josalyn Allen
I feel really bad for abused kids. I am only 13 yrs old. If u have been abused ask yourself why that person is abusing u. please send me any questions on abused kids cuz I work with them. thank you for your time.
Margaret De Vido
John, I am a sexual abuse victim/survivor…(For many years)…I wrote to AMW several years ago,seeking advice on how to “find Justice”…My particular case was not chosen,as one to air on AMW,but I realize that there are many in the world,such as myself…I will try to help in the Crusade to end this horrific crime,in any way possible…Rest In Peace…Dear Caylee Marie….
Jennifer H
I think that everybody needs to do what they can to help keep children safe. I believe that all children and adults need to be educated to be aware that you never truely know anyone. Also we need to look at the fact that even foster homes abuse children and we need more people looking out for these children. It is great to see AMW and John Welsh for trying to help children. Thank you all
kinda
First John Walsh I want to commend you and your staff for all you do. I am a survivor too. I am in the process of writing my story hoping to be published real soon. I presently volunteer with a woman’s shelter and do numerous fundraises to raise money. What I have learned in my own experience and doing research for this book is NOT to trust even the closest people to us. I’ve had my children victimized just by playing with older neighbor kids. We should always be aware at all times. I understand about some of the weekend parents children talk about. I was the adult where they left their kids when they couldn’t afford anything but went to the bars.
Charlene
I live upstairs from this place that has 37 sex offenders around the neighborhood I see my littel friend playing with her dog in the middel of the Afternoon I see her playing @ midnight while mom has one two and many more men. I hear her uncle screeming @ her telling me she can stay home alone! I do not leave my 16yr old Daughter alone what would she know what to do in case of a fire. I am in fear were the only neighbors, They would know It was Me. I am a single Mother of three? Help I want to help my friend needs me but, CPS will eventually let them know it was me. See The Fear of getting involved this people are Drug Addics they ain’t playing they will hurt my Family.
Charlene
This is why Millions of americans do not report Child Abuse/The System eventually states who Reported them. There has to be a better Avenue?
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