Child abuse is one of our nation's most serious public health problems. It occurs at every socio-economic level, within all ethnic groups, cultures and religions, and at all levels of education. Each day in the United States, four children die as a result of child abuse, and three out of four of these victims are under the age of four. Scientific studies show a link between child abuse and neglect of children and a wide range of medical, emotional, and behavioral disorders such as depression, alcohol abuse, drug addiction and juvenile delinquency. The Berkshire District Attorney's Office believes that we must raise community awareness of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, and provide parents, children and families with the tools and support they need to report potential abuse, and break the cycle of violence.
What is Child Abuse?
Child abuse is the non-accidental commission of any act by a caretaker upon a child under age 18 which causes, or creates a substantial risk of, physical or emotional injury; or constitutes a sexual offense under the laws of the Commonwealth; or any sexual contact between a parent/guardian/caretaker and a child under 18.
Child abuse can occur both inside and outside the home setting.
- can be committed by a parent or any other person who has contact with the child
- includes witnessing domestic violence
- includes being born addicted to narcotics
- can be physical, sexual and/or emotional
Child Neglect is the failure, by a parent, guardian or caretaker, either deliberately or through negligence or inability, to take actions necessary to provide a child with minimally adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision, emotional stability and growth, or other essential care.
Physical Abuse takes many forms, and the consequences are far-ranging. Physical abuse may create cuts, bruising or swelling, fracture of a bone, internal injuries of the body, organs, or head (subdural hematoma), burns, or the death of the child.
Shaken Baby Syndrome, the act of shaking a baby, is considered serious physical abuse, as spinal, head and neck injuries often result from violently shaking young children. The consequences of shaking a baby can include severe head injury, life-long disability and death.
Sexual Abuse includes the sexual exploitation or victimization of a child by an adult, adolescent, or older child. Sexual abuse includes vaginal, anal, or oral penetration (rape), fondling (indecent assault and battery), exhibitionism, prostitution, and exposure to, or photographing a child for, pornography.
Emotional Abuse is defined as words or behavior on the part of a parent/guardian/caretaker which create an impairment to the emotional well-being, or intellectual or psychological capacity of a child. Emotional abuse can result in low self-esteem in a child, and create a reduction in the child's ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior.
Anyone who is concerned that a child is being abused or is at risk of abuse can file a report with the Department of Children and Families. If you believe a child may be the victim of abuse or neglect, contact the Child-at-Risk Hotline at 800-792-5200 or call the Berkshire County office of the Department of Children and Families at 413-236-1800.
Potential Signs of Abuse
Child abuse is often not a single act but a repeated pattern of behavior. Below are some commonly recognized physical and behavioral warning signs that may indicate a child is being neglected or abused. Please note the signs listed are not the only indicators of child abuse and neglect and if present do not always mean a child is being abused or neglected.
Physical
- Injuries such as bruises, welts, cuts, burns or fractures-either unexplained or where the injury is not consistent with the explanation
- Injury in an area where children don't usually get hurt-the torso, back, neck, buttocks, thighs
- Repeated injury suggesting a pattern of abuse
- Delay in seeking medical treatment
- Attempts by a caretaker to hide an injury or seclude the child
Sexual
- Inappropriate sexual knowledge on the part of the child
- Acting-out sex during play
- Chronic depression/withdrawal
- Poor self-esteem
- Extreme change in weight or appearance
- Difficulties at school or with peers
- Frequent urinary/yeast infections
- Pain or itching in genital or anal area
- Bleeding/bruising in genital or anal area
- Sexually transmitted disease/pregnancy
Emotional
- Apathy
- Depression
- Hostility
- Withdrawn
- Lack of appetite or obesity or other eating disorders
Neglect
Child lacks adequate
- Food, shelter, clothing
- Personal hygiene
- Medical or dental care
- School attendance
- Supervision (i.e., young children left at home with either no caretaker or inappropriate caretaker)
Child is exposed to
- Drug/alcohol abuse
- Domestic violence
- A known sexual predator
Reporting Child Abuse
Who should report child abuse?
Anyone may report cases of suspected child abuse. Under Massachusetts law, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state agency that receives all reports of suspected abuse or neglect of children under the age of 18. DCF depends on reports from professionals and other concerned individuals to learn about children who may need protection.
(Remember - if it is an emergency, please call 911 first and make a report of the problem, then follow up with a call to DCF.)
Some people are required by law to report suspected abuse to DCF. These people are called Mandated Reporters.
Mandated Reporters
State law requires professionals whose work brings them in contact with children to notify DCF if they suspect that a child has been - or is at risk of being - abused or neglected.
- All medical personnel, including dentists
- Mental health/human service providers
- Daycare workers
- School personnel
- Foster parents
- Therapists
- Youth workers
- Coaches
- Police, firefighters, EMTs
- Court personnel
- Clergy members
Mandated reporters who fail to make a report can be charged with a criminal offense and punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.
Anyone who files a report in good faith is protected by law from civil liability.
Anyone who is concerned that a child is being abused or is at risk of abuse can make a report by calling the Department of Children and Families.
Monday-Friday, 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM
Department of Children and Families (Berkshire Office) 413-236-1800
Toll free 800-292-5022
After 5:00 PM and weekends
Child-at-Risk Hotline 800-792-5200
For more information child abuse and neglect, and reporting procedures, call the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families Berkshire Office at 413-236-1800 or toll free at 800-292-5022.
Berkshire County Sexual Assault Intervention Network (SAIN) Team
What is the SAIN Team?
The Berkshire County SAIN Team is a collaboration of local agencies who work together to intervene in and investigate cases of suspected sexual and serious physical abuse of children and provide services for victims and non-offending family members. The goal of the SAIN Team is to keep children safe, prevent further harm, and hold abusers accountable.
Who are the SAIN Team members?
The SAIN Team consists of well-trained personnel from the Department of Children and Families, The Berkshire County Kids' Place, state and local police, the Brien Center, a medical consultant, the Massachusetts Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, and the District Attorney's Office. The SAIN Team Coordinator is employed by the District Attorney and has an office at the Berkshire County Kids' Place.
What are the benefits to the SAIN Team approach?
The SAIN Team follows a model approach to child abuse intervention and investigation. Children are interviewed in a non-leading manner by a trained forensic interviewer in a child-friendly environment. Team members observe via closed-circuit television and can transmit their questions to the interviewer, thus eliminating the need for multiple interviews of the child. Each team member can then use the information obtained to do their job, whether it be intervention, criminal investigation, providing medical or mental health services, or prosecution of the abuser. Specialized medical and mental health services are offered. This comprehensive approach provides a non-threatening environment for children and their families to feel safe and get help.
For more information on the Berkshire County SAIN Team, contact the Coordinator at 413-443-5951.