LISD Flyer: Child Abuse (English)
Last Updated: July 2026
1. Neglect
Neglect is the leaving of a child in a situation where the child would be exposed to a substantial risk of physical or mental harm, without arranging for necessary care for the child, and the demonstration of an intent not to return by a parent, guardian, or managing or possessory conservator of the child;’ and/ or failure to protect for/ provide for a child as a caregiver. Neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment and may include neglectful supervision, medical neglect, physical neglect, and/or abandonment.
2. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is deliberate actions resulting in injuries to a child or genuine threats of such actions, or concerns about physical injuries of an unexplained or suspicious nature.
Physical Abuse is physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child, or the genuine threat of substantial harm from physical injury to the child. The physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) can result from punching, beating, shaking, kicking, biting, throwing, stabbing, hitting, burning, choking, or otherwise harming a child. Such injury is considered abuse regardless of whether the caretaker intended to hurt the child.
3. Sexual Abuse
Sexual Abuse includes fondling a child’s genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or producing pornographic materials.
4. Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is an emotional or mental injury caused by the parent or caregiver that results in an observable effect on the child.
Emotional Abuse is mental or emotional injury that results in an observable and material impairment in a child’s growth, development, or psychological functioning. It includes extreme forms of punishment such as confining a child in a dark closet, habitual scapegoating, belittling, & rejecting treatment for a child.
Warning Signs of Child Maltreatment
Becoming aware of the signs of child abuse is the first step in preventing child abuse:
Signs of neglect: Unusual hunger, lack of medical care, excessive fatigue, lack of sufficient clothing for weather, etc.
Signs of physical abuse: unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes, changes the explanation for injuries, etc.
Signs of sexual abuse: acting out sexually in language, touching themselves openly, knowledge of sexual terms/acts beyond what would be age-appropriate, nightmares/bedwetting, mood swings, etc.
Signs of emotional abuse: avoidance, sudden behavior changes, sudden drop in school performance, negative self-talk, regression, low self-esteem, social isolation, etc.
Risk Factors for Child Abuse
Individual risk factors for victims include:
- Children under 4 years old
- Vulnerable populations such as children with special needs that may increase caregiver burden (e.g., disabilities, mental health issues, and chronic physical illnesses).
Protective Factors Against Child Abuse
- Caregivers who create safe, positive relationships with children, practice nurturing parenting skills and provide emotional support, can meet basic needs of food, shelter, education, and health services, and who have steady employment.
Child Sex Trafficking
Keep your kids safe by:
- Having open, non-judgmental communication at home
- If something doesn't seem right, ask questions and get help
- Know who your child(ren) are spending time with and where, including any adults they may come into contact with at friends' homes
- Monitor, know, and discuss what your children are doing, where they are going, and who they are talking to (in-person and online)
Sexual Abuse Prevention
Education is the best way to prevent your child(ren) from becoming a victim. Teaching your child(ren) not to "talk to strangers" is simply not adequate. When it comes to sexual abuse, most children are molested by someone known to them. Children are susceptible to clever lures such as:
- The offering of gifts, candy, money, bribes
- Appealing to the child's sense of helpfulness such as asking for assistance in finding a lost dog
- Offering a ride on a motocycle or in a sports car
- Telling them that their parents sent them to pick them up
- Telling them their parents were hurt in an accident and the hospital sent them to pick them up
Parents/caregivers should also teach their children about their bodies and about appropriate and inappropriate touching:
- Teach your child that his/her body belongs to them and they have the right to say, "No" to anyone who touches them.
- Tell your child that you want them to come to you if anything happens that makes them feel uncomfortable and that you won't be angry no matter what happened (even if they got in trouble or broke a rule).
- Do not teach your child blind obedience to adults (family members, teachers, coaches, babysitters, etc.) If someone asks them to do something they know or think may be wrong, remind them to get help from another adult.
- Teach your child the correct names of their body parts and that they don't have to be embarrassed to talk to you about their private areas.
LISD.NET
Texas Education Agency
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