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Here's what the Massachusetts Department of Social Services says constitutes abuse: From their website at:
"Abuse is any action that creates a substantial injury or a risk of injury to a child. Abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Physical abuse happens when a child is hurt through beating, shaking, kicking, burning or other types of bodily harm. A child can end up suffering from bruises, fractured or broken bones, internal injuries or even death. When children are denied the basic necessities they need to thrive, it is also considered physical abuse as well. Infants born addicted to drugs are physically abused, too."
What you can do:
- Consider speaking with a parent, school counselor, or adjustment counselor You can also speak confidentially with Kevin Lee, Youth Advocate, about this.
- If you have a relationship with the person who appears to have been abused, you could ask them about it.
- If you're in gym class when you see the bruises, tell the teacher or coach.
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