Protecting Children: An Adult’s Responsibility Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org “In order to prevent child abuse and neglect, behaviors that damage children must be stopped before they begin.” Prevent Child Abuse America (2010), “Why Prevention Matters” series, Prevention Creates the Future by Transforming Culture. Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org August 6, 2006 a 911 dispatch call was made where the child said, “My little sister is not breathing. My parents are doing CPR right now. No we can’t figure out why, she just stopped breathing, I have no idea why.” 10 yrs old - Shelby Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org 2013 Statistics 4 children die every day in the U.S. because of child abuse 3,600,000 cases were reported in U.S. 90% of abuse happens by someone the child knows Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org 2013 Utah Cases RIVERDALE -- A 25-year-old woman has been charged after admitting to police that she physically abused her 1-year-old son, at one point telling him she wanted him to die. FARMINGTON -- A 25-year-old man is accused of breaking his 6-month-old son's femur and shoulder blade. LOGAN -- A 28-year-old Trenton man is due back in court this week to face felony child abuse charges in the alleged beating of his infant son. Peggy’s story – click half way through – Who is protecting the children? Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org 2013 Utah Cases SALT LAKE CITY -- Prosecutors have filed charges against a woman they say locked her 4-year-old son in his room while she left for work. OGDEN -- A former school teacher was sentenced to prison for a minimum of 30 years for sexually abusing two children. MIDVALE -- A Midvale man is accused of smothering his girlfriend's 6-month-old baby and has been arrested on assault, domestic violence and attempted child abuse homicide charges. Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Why Child Abuse Is Not Addressed Denial Child abuse is unpleasant to consider We are afraid of falsely accusing anyone of child abuse We place supreme value on respecting the privacy of families. Julie A. Brand, M.S. “A Mother’s Touch” Denial – It is easier to maintain our disbelief if we can distance ourselves from abuse – we try to think it rarely happens and when it does, it happens to other people or people we don’t know. It is unpleasant to consider – We have feelings of helplessness or anger when we think about a child being abused so the easiest way to deal with unpleasant things is to simply not think about it. Afraid of falsely accusing – we feel that we have to have proof before we make a call. Do innocent people get reported? Yes, but I like to think we are more concerned with the safety of the child. When I have a child disclose to me I ask a few key questions, then I report, it’s not my place to decide guilty or innocent, that is the job the state. Privacy – We don’t want to guess what is going on in homes, we don’t want to pry, we don’t want to be seen as rude. but if I suspect that a child is being hurt, my resposibility is to call and protect that child Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that takes place over an extended period of time, where a parent fails to give proper love, direction, encouragement and acceptance. Effects how they feel about themselves Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org Physical Abuse Physical abuse is any physical injury or pattern of injuries inflicted or caused by a parent, guardian, caregiver, or other person that leaves a mark. Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org Neglect Neglect is failure or refusal of a parent, guardian or caregiver to provide the necessary care for the child’s health, safety, or well-being. -Basic Needs Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org Sexual Abuse Any interaction between a child and an adult (or another child) in which the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or an observer. A central characteristic of any abuse is domination of the child. Children, due to their age, cannot give meaningful consent to sexual activity. (American Psychological Association) Touching Non-touching Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Signs and Symptoms of Grooming may be occurring if the adult: Selection Engagement Grooming Assault Concealment Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Preston Jensen’s Story Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Child Abuse To hurt or harm a child (0-17) on purpose

Types of Abuse Physical abuse—leaves a mark Sexual abuse—touching/non touching Neglect—no basic needs Emotional—pattern of behavior that takes place over an extended period of time that damages a child’s healthy emotional development.

How to talk to children about abuse Recognize Resist Report Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org

Carrie Jensen & Suzy Lee Thank You Carrie Jensen & Suzy Lee Prevent Child Abuse Utah 2955 Harrison Blvd, Suite 104 Ogden, Utah 84403 801-393-3366 www.pcautah.org Prevent Child Abuse Utah www.pcautah.org