Child Abuse Prevention in New Jersey
Child abuse is unfortunately prevalent in New Jersey, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent it. Active efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate child abuse are ongoing among government entities and private citizens alike. The good news is that there are some steps everyone can take to prevent child abuse.
If you believe your spouse, partner, or other family member may have engaged in child abuse, you have several legal options available to you. In addition to reviewing these steps for child abuse prevention in New Jersey, do not hesitate to seek legal counsel and notify law enforcement. Our experienced child abuse attorneys can help you determine your next steps.
Recognize the Signs
One of the first and most important steps in preventing child abuse is recognizing the physical and social indicators. Sometimes the signs of child abuse are obvious, such as bruises, burns, or other serious injuries. However, there are also subtle signs of abuse that everyone should be aware of. Some examples include:
- Fear and anxiety
- Chronic school absences
- Eating issues
- Destruction of property
- Bedwetting
- Sleeping problems
Recognizing the signs of abuse is a necessary step in preventing it from occurring in the future. Anyone noticing these signs in a child should immediately reach out to an attorney in NJ to go over legal options for preventing abuse.
Do Not Ignore Abuse
Identifying the signs of child abuse is one thing. Acting on those signs is another. It is not unusual for individuals to tell the police that they had a suspicion that abuse was happening but failed to take action. In some cases, it is a matter of convincing themselves that they did not see anything inappropriate. In others, it could be that the witness was afraid of the consequences of coming forward.
When a person witnesses what they believe to be child abuse, it is vital to take immediate steps to notify the authorities. Quick intervention could save a life. Ignoring the signs of abuse will only increase the likelihood of a tragic outcome.
Be Available and Listen
It can be helpful for a person to make themselves available, even if they are unsure if abuse is occurring. Lending an ear to parents or even the children themselves could provide an opportunity to stop the cycle of abuse.
While it is important to listen, it is also vital to ensure that professionals have the opportunity to do their job. It is vital to notify the appropriate agencies so that a child can receive the help they need from a trained professional. A New Jersey attorney can also help connect individuals with the resources and agencies they need to prevent child abuse.
Document all Signs of Abuse
If a person is unsure that what they are witnessing is a sign of abuse, they should attempt to document everything that seems suspicious. Documenting the signs of possible abuse can be helpful for a number of reasons. First, it will ensure that the individual remembers everything that occurred previously. Second, these notes could be useful if there comes a time when contacting the police is necessary. Finally, having these notes can ensure the witness is able to accurately reflect what happened months or even years later.
Discuss Child Abuse Prevention with a New Jersey Attorney
In many situations, child abuse is something that slowly develops over time. Whether that is the case or the abuse occurred suddenly, it is crucial to take the steps necessary to protect your children.
You are not obligated to remain in a relationship with someone that is a danger to your child. Call the compassionate attorneys at Moskowitz Law Group right away to learn more about child abuse prevention in New Jersey.
