Information you need about child abuse..
The primary role of the Columbus Police Juvenile Bureau is the investigation of
abuse against children. We investigate most allegations of neglect, physical and
sexual abuse. It should be noted that some allegations of sexual abuse are
investigated by the Sexual Abuse Squad in the Detective Bureau.
In the state of Ohio, an abused child is any child under the age of 18 that is:
- The victim of sexual activity as defined by Chapter
2907 of the O.R.C.
- Rape
- Sexual Battery
- Unlawful Sexual Conduct With a Minor
- Gross Sexual Imposition
- Sexual Imposition
- The victim is endangered as defined in section 2919.22
of the O.R.C. (Endangering Children).
- The victim exhibits evidence of any physical or mental injury or death
inflicted by other than accidental means, or an injury or death that is not
consistent with the history given.
Anyone who suspects a child has been abused should report
abuse. Reports of abuse can be made to the local law enforcement agency or child
services. In Columbus, reports should be made to Columbus Police Juvenile Bureau
at 645-4670 or Franklin County Children’s Services 229-7000. Both are operated 24 hours a day.
Certain professionals are required to report suspected abuse. These mandated reporters include:
- Attorney
- Doctor
- Podiatrist
- Nurse
- Psychologist
- Dentist
- Speech pathologist
- Coroner
- Day care provider
- Teacher
- School employee
- Social worker
- Minister or other person rendering spiritual
treatment
Child abuse reporting and investigation is confidential. After the report is made, a
determination will be made to remove the child from his/her environment. If the
child is removed, the child will be placed in a safe environment and Children’s
Services and law enforcement will conduct a thorough investigation of the
allegations. Both agencies would prefer to talk with the referral source, but it
is not necessary.
Physical Indicators of Abuse (Neglect)
- Failure to thrive (physically or emotionally)
- Positive indicator of toxicology in the child’s system
- Lags in physical development
- Consistent hunger, poor hygiene
- Inappropriate dress for season
- Speech disorders
- Consistent lack of supervision
- Unattended physical problems or medical needs
- Chronic truancy
- Abandonment
Behavioral Indicators of Abuse (Neglect)
- Begging, stealing food
- Extended stays at school
- Constant fatigue, listlessness, falling asleep in
class
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Delinquency
- States there is no caretaker
- Runaway behavior
- Habit disorder
- Conduct disorder
- Neurotic traits
- Psychoneurotic reactions (hysteria, obsession)
- Behavior extremes
- Overly adaptive behavior; adult-like or infantile
- Lags in mental/emotional development
- Attempted suicide
Physical Indicators of Abuse (Physical)
- Bruises, welts and belt marks
- On face, lips, mouth, neck, wrists, or ankles
- On torso, back, buttocks, thighs
- Injuries to both eyes/cheeks (accidents usually
injure one side)
- Clustered, forming patterns
- In shape of the article (i.e. belt, cord, wire
hanger)
- On several different surface areas
- Various stages of healing (indicates ongoing abuse)
- Lacerations or abrasions
- To mouth , lips, gums, eyes
- To external genitalia, on back of arms, legs, torso
- Burns
- Cigar, cigarette, cigarette lighter especially on
soles of the feet, palms of the hand, back, buttocks
- Scalding water immersions (burns look like sock,
glove, doughnut shaped on buttocks or genitalia)
- Patterned
- Rope burn on arms, legs, neck, torso
Behavioral Indicators of Abuse (Physical)
- Wary of contacts with parents or other adults
- Apprehensive when other children cry
- Behavior extremes
- Aggressiveness, withdrawal, or extreme mood changes
- Afraid to go home, repeated incidents of running away
- Reports injury by parents
- Habit disorders
- Self-injurious behaviors
- Psychoneurotic reactions (phobias, compulsions,
obsessions, hypochondria)
- Wears clothing inappropriate for weather
- Manifestations of low self-esteem
- Attempts suicide
Physical Indicators of Abuse (Sexual)
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
- Pain or itching in genital area
- Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia, vaginal, or
anal area
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Pregnancy
- Painful discharge of urine and/or repeated urinary
tract infections
- Foreign objects in vagina or rectum
- Bruises or broken ribs
Behavioral Indicators of Abuse (Sexual)
- Unwilling to change for gym or participate in physical
education classes
- Withdrawal, fantasy or infantile behavior
- Bizarre, sophisticated or unusual knowledge of sex
- Seductive or promiscuous behavior
- Poor peer relationships
- Delinquent or runaway; truancy
- Reports sexual abuse
- Engages in prostitution
- Forces sexual activity on other children
- Extreme fear of being touched; fear of physical
examination
- Self-injurious behavior
- Attempts suicide
- Low self-esteem