It is a common misconception that child abuse is a phenomenon contained to only people of a certain demographic or status. We stubbornly cling to the presumptuous idea that “something like that couldn’t happen in my neighborhood.” Unfortunately, with over 4.4 million reports received on child maltreatment, we have to face facts: Child abuse is an issue that touches all communities, regardless of socioeconomic group, educational level, religion, and ethnic group.

The month of April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and serves as an important reminder that we must stay informed and stay vigilant of child maltreatment regardless of where we live. Data from the American SPCC shows that approximately 5 children die every day from child abuse and neglect so the need to be watchful is more important than ever. We at Ettie Lee Youth and Family Services believe it is crucial to spread awareness of what child maltreatment looks like and what can be done to advocate for children in these situations.

Child neglect occurs when a parent is consistently unable to provide for their child’s needs. According to the SPCC, this is the most common form of child abuse with approximately 75% of all child abuse cases involving neglect. Signs of neglect can include a lack of hygiene (think matted hair or worse), lack of treatment for illnesses and injuries and lack of appropriately fitted clothes.

Physical abuse occurs when the abuser inflicts bodily harm on a child. Actions such as hitting, spanking, throwing objects at a child, etc. all count as forms of physical abuse. When a child is suffering from physical abuse, they will often present with bruises or other injury marks or try to wear seasonally-inappropriate clothing to hide those marks. Additionally, the feelings of anxiety that come from experiencing this kind of abuse may cause a child to flinch from touch or not want to go home.

Emotional abuse refers to the action of an adult using belittling statements, yelling, threatening, and limiting physical contact with their child. This very real form of abuse can result in lasting psychological impairment. Warning signs of emotional abuse are shown when a child shows consistent nervousness that they’re doing something wrong. Children who are suffering from emotional abuse also do not show a strong attachment and can even show hesitance towards their parents or guardians.

Sexual abuse is defined by The American Psychological Association as “is unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent.” This type of abuse is often the most difficult form of child abuse to spot because of the complex feelings of shame, guilt, and trauma that come with it. Signs of sexual abuse can include actions such as having trouble with sitting or walking or not wanting to participate in physical activities with their friends. Children experiencing sexual abuse will often exhibit an inappropriate amount of knowledge in sexual behaviors and act seductively.

Understanding the differences between the four kinds of child abuse and their respective warning signs provides us with the tools to protect our children in a more informed manner. By noticing the signs quickly and reacting appropriately, we can help children escape abusive environments and give them the support that they need.

                The best way to stop child abuse is to enforce a mandatory reporting policy. When you see the evidence of abuse: take it seriously and contact the state’s child protection services or the local police. Not only could hiding this information put a child’s life and well-being in danger, but it is often unlawful as well.

However, reporting situations alone won’t stop child abuse. Another crucial step in ensuring the prevention of child abuse is through self-education and advocacy. Taking the steps to inform yourself about warning signs, government services, local prevention programs, and even disciplinary methods can help you become a better ally for others. This knowledge can help teach parents, coworkers, and children to know their rights and to be active advocates for the community.

Child abuse is not something to shrug off and disregard. It is more than a rare occurrence one might only see on a television screen. Abuse happens in real life and we at Ettie Lee believe in doing whatever we can to keep our children safe and happy. Our Director of Foster Care and Adoption Karen Cash proves our dedication to this by stating that “(Ettie Lee) provide(s) our staff with training on mandatory reporting laws as well as how to recognize different child abuse. We believe in keeping our staff prepared and our children safe.” By ensuring that all of our staff is trained in recognizing these signs we ensure our commitment to keeping children safe and building hope for a better tomorrow.

When you team up with Ettie Lee to become a foster parent you are ending cycles of abuse and replace it with a cycle of love. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent with Ettie, call us at (626) 859-5002. To learn more information about child abuse prevention, please visit our resource page or visit the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Youth Services.

Healthcare workers are hurting the most this past year. In a survey conducted by The Mental Health of America, approximately 90% of all healthcare workers are experiencing stress, anxiety, and frustration during work while 50% reported changes in appetite and their sleep schedule. Most discouragingly, 39% of all healthcare providers feel as though they are not receiving an adequate level of emotional support. It makes sense with the influx of patients, the social isolation, and the increase of work hours that healthcare workers are unable to get their emotional needs met.

The Rise of Online Therapy

In this current situation, resources like therapy and counseling have become paramount in the maintenance of one’s mental health. The therapy system has begun to adapt to the needs of the pandemic. Virtual therapy and online mental healthcare services have begun to become more commonplace. In a New York Times interview, Mindy Heintskill, the chief growth officer of MDLive, a telehealth provider with more than 62 million members in the United States, has gone on record stating that their online therapy and psychiatric care services have “increased fivefold in 2020 compared with 2019.” Despite online therapy’s rise in popularity, there are still many inequities within the mental healthcare system in regard to issues such as affordability.

Ettie Lee Can Help

Luckily nonprofit organizations and government agencies like Ettie Lee Youth and Family Services have stepped up to provide better help to those in need.

“It contributes to our whole wellbeing,” says Ettie Lee’s Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Tobi Nishikawa. “With the rise in anxiety, depression, and even suicide, (therapy) is more important now than ever before”.

Ettie Lee Youth and Family Services is offering free telehealth services to healthcare workers that are living or working in Los Angeles County and do not have access to health insurance or affordable mental healthcare. This short-term telehealth service allows anyone with the aforementioned qualifications to meet with a licensed therapist absolutely free. Nishikawa states “They’re on the frontlines and being exposed to the trauma... and there are long-term impacts that come with that. In order to help others, (healthcare workers) must be able to get help themselves.”

Additionally, Ettie Lee is also offering free telehealth services to anyone living or working in the Los Angeles area without access to insurance. For more information contact Ettie Lee at (909) 620-2521.