Abuse Abuse-physical, emotional, or mental mistreatment of another person. Abuse-physical, emotional, or mental mistreatment of another person. –Signs of abuse  Bruises  Scratches  Broken bones  Sadness  Fear  anger

Types Of Abuse Emotional abuse-insults, threats, teasing or criticism leading to feelings of worthlessness and helplessness. Emotional abuse-insults, threats, teasing or criticism leading to feelings of worthlessness and helplessness. Sexual abuse-contact that is forced upon another person. Sexual abuse-contact that is forced upon another person. –Usually committed by someone the victim knows and trust. –The abused often feels guilty or responsible.

Types Of Abuse Neglect-failure to meet the basic physical and emotional needs of a person. Neglect-failure to meet the basic physical and emotional needs of a person.

Warning Signs Of Abuse Frequent absences from school. Frequent absences from school. Poor grades or lack of interest in school. Poor grades or lack of interest in school. Dirty or neglected appearance. Dirty or neglected appearance. Extreme shyness, sadness or fear. Extreme shyness, sadness or fear. Aggressive behavior towards others. Aggressive behavior towards others. Inability to communicate. Inability to communicate.

Causes And Effects Of Abuse Causes Causes –History of abuse –Drug and alcohol use –Unemployment –Illness –Divorce –Feelings of worthlessness –Emotional immaturity

Causes And Effects Of Abuse Lack of parenting skills Lack of parenting skills Inability to deal with anger Inability to deal with anger Lack of communication and coping skills Lack of communication and coping skills

Causes And Effects Of Abuse Effects Effects –Run away from home –Life of crime –Low self-esteem –High stress –Become abusers themselves

Why Victims Stay Silent Nobody will believe them. Nobody will believe them. It is a private issue. It is a private issue. Males can’t be victims. Males can’t be victims. Fear of the abusers. Fear of the abusers.

Breaking The Cycle Get help!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get help!!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about it!!!!!!!!!! Talk about it!!!!!!!!!!

Where To Find Help Crisis hot line Crisis hot line Family counseling center Family counseling center Family violence shelter Family violence shelter School councilor School councilor Social worker Social worker Religious leader Religious leader