Today’s Objectives: TSWBAT to identify – Traits of abusive parents Physical and behavioral indicators of physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse How to report child abuse

Violence in families can cause lasting harm Abuse – the physical, mental, emotional or sexual mistreatment of one person by another Domestic violence – acts of violence involving family members Spousal abuse – domestic violence or any other form of abuse directed at a spouse (includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse) Crime often goes unreported

Domestic abuse directed at a child Any action that harms or threatens a child’s health and development Physical, emotional, or sexual Includes neglect (the failure to provide for a child’s basic needs) Parents who abuse their children are often victims of child abuse Alcohol and drug abuse increase the risk of violence in the home

Physical and behavioral indicators of physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, & emotional abuse

Tension Phase Battering (violent) Phase Calming (“honeymoon”) Phase

Physical injuries Permanent injury or death Emotional scars; feelings of shame and worthlessness, anxiety and depression Cycle of violence (pattern of repeating violent or abusive behaviors from one generation to the next)

Traits of Abusive Parents

The three Rs: RECOGNIZE, RESIST & REPORT Recognize the problem Resist the abuser Report the abuse

1. REASONABLE GROUNDS You suspect a child is being neglected or abused 2. PROMPTLY REPORT Trusted adult, Child welfare agency, police, abuse hotline, crisis center, or social services 3. Person reporting is protected from legal action by the law provided the report is NOT falsely made

PA Dept. of Public Welfare = Contact your local: Child welfare agency Police department Social services agency Hospital / health unit Mental health center Sexual assault center Other community service organization that provides counseling to children & families

1. Laurel House (shelter) – 1. Contact Information: house/contact-infohttp:// house/contact-info 2. Phone Number: Mission Statement: “The mission of Laurel House is to provide safe haven for abused women and their children, to raise public awareness about domestic violence and to advocate for social change against domestic violence.” 2. Children and Family Youth of Montgomery County 1. Contact Information: C.asp C.asp 2. Phone Number: (610) Available Services: yNav=| yNav=|

Seeks to stabilize family Enhance family capacity for good child care Maintain family structure where possible National Site National Commission of Child Abuse & Family Violence The Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse Child Welfare Information Gateway