Communication key to recognizing signs and symptoms of child abuse

Investigators handling the death of 5-year-old Shaniya Davis say they are not ready file more charges just yet.

Investigators are still trying to determine where the young girl was killed and if the case will be prosecuted in Cumberland County, where she lived, or Lee County where they found her body after a six day search.

Her mother, Antoinette Davis, is charged with human trafficking and prostituting the child.

Shaniya’s father, Bradley Lockhart, had custody of his daughter until Davis ask to be involved in her life. Lockhart says he felt she was sincere and giver her a chance.

But were there signs something might have been wrong? Katy Tomlinson with the local children advocacy center “Tedi Bear” says every case is different but when it comes to children, there are certain signs parents should look for if they suspect something is wrong.

“People seem to deny the fact that child abuse occurs,“ said Tomlinson. “It happens all the time. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys have been sexually abused before their 18th birthday and that’s just sexual abuse.“

She says abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual and 90 percent of the time abusers are somebody children know and trust.

Tomlinson says the key is communication. “You want to make sure that they can tell you, openly, what’s going on.“

Also, look for physical, emotional, or behavioral changes in your child. “Are they becoming withdrawn, are they not wanting to hang out with specific people, are they becoming angry all the sudden, are they becoming too perfect?“

While every situation is different, Tomlinson says any time you suspect something is wrong; it’s okay to ask questions.

She advises, “Talk to that parent or talk to that person that’s going to be taking care of that child and ask them what they’re going to be doing. Ask them of those specific details and if they can’t give you those specific details, then I would be a little bit more concerned.“

Tomlinson admits it difficult to have an eye on your child every second of the day. “The more we talk, the easier it’s going to be to get it out there in the open.“

Tomlinson is holding a training program for adult on December 9. For more information call 252.744.8334.