Child Abuse Objectives: Compare and contrast child abuse vs. child discipline Define and understand different kinds of child abuse To gain awareness of child abuse cases, brainstorm and learn how to prevent child abuse.

Abuse vs. Discipline Definition of discipline: ▫The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.  Training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.

Discipline Compare and contrast when discipline is taken too far and can be perceived as abuse. How can you critique one’s opinion on spanking? ▫What factors come into play when a person decides if they want to spank their child?  Family values  Religion  Culture  What are some others?

Abuse vs. Discipline Definition of abuse: ▫Often physical maltreatment ▫Doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to a child or puts a child at risk/harm.  Physical, sexual or emotional  Neglect

Abuse What first comes to your mind when you think of child abuse? What are some factors that would contribute to an adult, another child or a teenager abusing a child? ▫How can abuse be transmitted through generations?

Physical Abuse vs. Physical Discipline In physical abuse, unlike physical forms of discipline, the following elements are present: ▫Unpredictability ▫Lashing out in anger ▫Using fear to control behavior

Types of Maltreatment Children Suffer Neglect- 62.8% Physical abuse- 16.6% Sexual abuse- 9.3% Emotional/psychological abuse- 7.1% Medical neglect- 2.0% Other-14.3% ▫Other includes abandonment, threats to harm the child, congenital drug addiction and other situations that are not counted as specific categories in CNANDS. (2007)

Physical Child Abuse Any harm or injury to a child May result in a deliberate attempt to hurt the child, but not always. Can result from severe discipline (belt) or physical punishment that is inappropriate to the child’s age or physical condition. When one person uses/threatens to use physical pain to intimidate another person Children can die from injuries

Sexual abuse Unwanted sexual contact (boys & girls) Molestation and incest Usually coupled with physical abuse Doesn’t always involve body contact- Exposing a child to sexual situations or material Usually occurs at the hands of someone the child knows and should be able to trust

Emotional Child Abuse Can severely damage a child’s mental health and social development, leaving psychological scars Constant belittling, shaming and humiliating Calling names and making negative comparisons Telling a child he/she is “not good,” “worthless,” or a “mistake” Frequent yelling, threatening or bullying Ignoring or rejecting a child as punishment, giving him or her the silent treatment Limiting physical contact- no signs of affection whatsoever Exposing the child to violence or the abuse of others, whether it be the abuse of a parent, a sibling, or even a pet.

Neglect Occurs when a person fails to provide for the basic needs (food, shelter, hygiene, supervision) of dependents that he/she is responsible for Usually children or elderly who can’t care for self

Too often children need to be removed from their homes… One of the major reasons children enter foster care is abuse and neglect associated with parental alcohol or drug abuse (USDHHS, 1999). As of 2004, 517,000 children lived in foster homes because they could not safely remain in their own homes. In 2005, 1/5 of victims or 317,000 were removed from their homes as a result of child maltreatment.

Who are the Perpetrators? Perpetrators of child abuse or neglect are most often the child’s own parents (79.4%). ▫Other relatives ▫Unmarried partner of child’s parent ▫Other perpetrators

Many Child Victims are Unknown to CPS Agencies Almost three times as many children are maltreated as are reported to CPS agencies. Let’s think… How can you help to increase the number of victims that CPS is informed about if there are cases of possible maltreatment?

Warning Signs Withdrawn, fearful, anxious of making mistakes Shows extremes in behavior Unattached to parent/caregiver Frequent injuries and unexplained bruises Always watchful or on alert for something bad to happen Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, seems afraid to go home Bad hygiene Untreated illnesses/injuries Runs away from home

Risk Factors for Child Abuse & Neglect Domestic violence Alcohol & drug abuse Untreated mental illness Lack of parenting skills Stress & lack of support

Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect Lack of trust and relationship difficulties Core feelings of being “worthless” or “damaged” Trouble regulating emotions

Recognizing Abusive Behavior in Yourself How do you know when you’ve crossed the line? ▫You can’t stop or control the anger ▫You feel emotionally disconnected with the child ▫Meeting the daily needs of your child seems impossible ▫Other people have expressed concern

Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect If you suspect a child is being abused, if it critical to help them get the help they need and deserve. Many people are reluctant to get involved If you suspect that a child in the elementary schools or childcare centers is being abused, talk with your center supervisor in private and be prepared to share your proof or conclusions about your decisions. You will never have to report the abuse yourself

Songs Identify these things for each song ▫Healthy/Unhealthy relationship, why ▫What type of abuse present? 1. Goodbye, Earl by The Dixie Chicks ▫ ehttp:// e 2. Independence Day by Martina McBride ▫ _mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1http:// _mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1 3. Concrete Angel, by Martina McBride ▫ mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1http:// mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

Breaking the Cycle of Child Abuse Write down your ideas about how to break the cycle of child abuse. What can be done in the family, the legal system, and society in general to help the following four areas? ▫To identify potential abusers ▫To treat abusers and potential abusers ▫To prevent child abuse ▫To treat the victims Find a partner and complete the worksheet

Resources _physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htmhttp:// _physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm