V ICTIMIZATION The Secret Seldom Discussed

V ICTIMIZATION An act that exploits or victimizes someone (threats them unfairly). Primary Victimization Secondary Victimization Definition:Types:

C HILD V ICTIMIZATION

P HYSICAL A BUSE C HARACTERISTICS : Unexplained or repeated injuries Injuries that are shaped like other objects Injuries that are not likely to happen to a child at a certain age Different explanation of an injury between the child and the parent Unreasonable explanation of the injury Obvious neglect of the child Fearful behavior

E MOTIONAL A BUSE C HARACTERISTICS : Aggressive or withdrawn behavior Shying away from physical contact with parents or adults Afraid to go home Child tells you he/she was sexually mistreated Child has physical signs Child has behavioral and emotional signs SEXUAL ABUSE CHARACTERISTICS:

C HARACTERISTICS OF F AMILIES IN WHICH A BUSE MAY BE MORE LIKELY : Families who are isolated Parents who tell you they were abused as children Families who are often in crisis Parents who have problems with drugs or alcohol Parents who are very critical of their child Parents who are very rigid in disciplining their child Parents who show too much or too little concern for their child Parents who feel they have a difficult child Parents who are under a lot of stress Parents tend to have self-centered personalities

C HARACTERISTICS OF THE C HILD A BUSER : Most often the biological father Controlling Has difficulty controlling impulses Alcohol/drug abuse Denies any accusations Places the blame on the victim

S TRUGGLES : C HILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN VICTIMIZED LIVE IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY. Emotionally Behaviorally Socially Physically Aggression Anxiety Depression Self Esteem Academically It can affect the child:Associated Problems:

G ENDER M AKES A D IFFERENCE More likely to display anxious and depressive behaviors Socially withdrawn More likely to display anger and aggressive behaviors More like to have lower academic performance Females tend to internalize: Males tend to externalize:

R ELATIONSHIPS WITH THE C AREGIVER Conflicting Emotions Occur: Love Fear Trust Hatred Feel it is their fault Difficulty respecting the caregiver Difficulty trusting adults Think violence is the answer to all problems

R ESOURCES : W HAT THE CHILD CAN DO … For Children experiencing child abuse: Talk to parents, guardian, relatives, or older siblings that could help Teachers, doctors, counselors, or any trusted adult **Important for the child to know that it is safe to tell someone if they are being abused!

R ESOURCES : W HAT YOU CAN DO … Report abuse with the following numbers: Missouri Department of Social Service: Cape Girardeau County Children's Division: (573) Contact Local Police National Abuse Hotline: A-CHILD Visit

I NFO TO HAVE WHEN CALLING A HOTLINE : Name of child Name of parents Name of alleged abuser (if known) Where the child can be located Is it life threatening? Are there any witnesses other than yourself to the abuse?

A DULT V ICTIMIZATION YouTube - Help Stop the Violence (Warning: some disturbing images)

S IGNS OF A BUSE : Bruising, swelling on the body Emotional detachment from others Stands up for abuser Venerable to all stress Has a family that fails at problem solving

T YPES OF A BUSE : Battering Parent Elderly Abuse Intimate Partner (Domestic Violence) Sexual Abuse

T HE B ATTERING C YCLE Honeymoon Phase Tension-building Phase Explosive Phase Honeymoon Phase again

C HARACTERISTICS /S TRUGGLES : SEXUAL ABUSE & DOMESTIC ABUSE VICTIMS Some may act out sexually May initiate further abuse on others Sexual abuse as a child is often deeply repressed Psychiatric disorders are very common Violence: -Physical, emotional, partner/domestic violence are highly characteristic of adult victims Denial

R ESOURCES /H OW TO DEAL WITH VICTIMIZATION: Places in Missouri: 1)MoVA -National Domestic Hotline: 799-SAFE -Jackson County: ~Rosebrooks Center ~Hope House

F URTHER R ESOURCES FOR VICTIMS : -counseling services -hotlines -support groups -legal resources -shelters

H OW TO D EAL WITH D OMESTIC V IOLENCE AS A S OCIAL W ORKER Interventions Treatments for the abused and abuser Counseling sessions with both the abused and abuser

I NTERVENTIONS FOR D OMESTIC V IOLENCE therapeutic interventions getting to the bottom of the reason for abuse

BIBLIOGRAPHY "Adult Manifestations of Child Sexual Abuse." American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. 5 Mar Apr ar?q=characteristics+of+adult+victims&page=1&qsrc=2 A Guide To Crisis Intervention. E ed. Vol. 3. Belmont: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning, Missouri Victim Assistance Network Apr "National Child Abuse Statistics." Childhelp Apr "Victimization." Dictionary.com Apr "What is Primary Victimization?" WikiAnswers. 11 Apr "What is secondary victimization?" WikiAnswers. 11 Apr