How to Recognize and Report Child and Elder Abuse

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Child and elder abuse is a serious problem that affects people from all walks of life. One of the most important ways to protect victims from abuse is by making sure they get the help they need and by reporting cases to the authorities.

Here’s how to recognize the different types of abuse and what to do in case you know someone who is a victim.

Children who are victims of physical or emotional abuse often display mental and social development problems. In most cases, the abuse comes from their own parents or caretakers. Below are some of the signs of abuse:

Physical abuse: A child who suffers from physical abuse might have bruises, burn marks, fractures and scars. They are often fearful of adults or certain people.Sexual abuse: Victims of sexual abuse are forced to have sexual relations or engage in inappropriate physical contact with adults. One sign of sexual abuse is feeling uncomfortable when changing clothes.Emotional abuse: Children who experience emotional abuse are often victims of private or public humiliation and neglect. A child who is a victim might show sudden changes in behavior and act violently.Neglect: Children who are physically neglected show signs of lack of personal hygiene and bad health due to malnutrition, among other things.

If you know or suspect that a child is a victim of abuse and is in immediate danger, call 911. To report a case of child abuse, call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. ChildWelfare.gov also has information on how to report suspected child maltreatment as well as other resources for victims.

Elder abuse can occur in the victim’s home or at places like assisted living facilities. People who abuse the elderly are usually people who know or take care of the victims. There are several types of abuse and all of them can have a profound negative impact on a person’s physical and mental health.

Physical abuse: As with child abuse, elders who suffer from physical abuse also might show bruises or other signs of injury on their bodies. They might often act fearful or look intimidated.Sexual abuse: Elders who suffer from sexual abuse might become withdrawn.Emotional abuse: This occurs when the victim is humiliated and treated with disrespect. The victim might feel useless or inferior and might suffer from depression.Neglect: Elders show signs of physical neglect when caretakers fail to help them with their personal hygiene, food, clothing and medications.Financial abuse: Elders are often targets of financial fraud. This usually happens when people who take care of elders steal their retirement or Social Security money.

If you know or suspect an elder is a victim of abuse and is in immediate danger, call 911. To report a case of elder abuse, call 1-800-677-1116 or visit the National Center on Elder Abuse Abuse where you can find more information on how to help victims.

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More Patients With Irregular Heartbeat Recognize Stroke Risk: Survey

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FRIDAY, Sept. 7 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with atrial fibrillation -- a heart rhythm disorder -- are increasingly aware of the link between their condition and the increased risk of stroke, according to a recent survey.

Atrial fibrillation is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that affects about 2.7 million people in the United States.

A 2011 survey of more than 500 people with atrial fibrillation found that half of them were unaware they had a fivefold increased risk of suffering a stroke. But the more recent American Heart Association/American Stroke Association 2012 poll of 500 people with atrial fibrillation found that 64 percent knew about this level of increased stroke risk.

The improved awareness "is a great step in the right direction," association spokesperson Dr. Patrick Ellinor, associate professor at Harvard Medical School and a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, said in an AHA/ASA news release.

"The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association works to provide health care providers, patients and caregivers the educational tools and resources they need on this very important topic," Ellinor added. "We hope to report a higher percentage annually until we reach 100 percent."

The 2012 survey also found that 82 percent of respondents believe having atrial fibrillation increases their stroke risk, compared with 75 percent in the 2011 survey.

Many atrial fibrillation patients rely on their health care providers for information about their condition and education about its health risks, the release noted. The recent survey found that two-thirds of patients have discussed their risk for stroke with their health care provider, but only about one-third were told they are at high risk for stroke.

-- Robert Preidt Copyright © 2012 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SOURCE: American Heart Association, news release, Sept. 5, 2012

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