Addressing the issue of child abuse/neglect through literature By Gary Kinswa

The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), (42 U.S.C.A. §5106g), as amended and reauthorized by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum: Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm (Child Welfare Information Gateway)

1 in 10 children suffer from child maltreatment 1 in 16 children suffer from sexual abuse Nearly 1 in 10 children are witnesses to family violence The youngest children are the most vulnerable to maltreatment Over 25% of abused children are under the age of three while over 45% of abused children are under the age of five. Number of children in the United States who died because of abuse or neglect in 2012: 1,593 Of the number of children who died because of abuse or neglect % were younger than three years of age 44.4% were younger than one year of age While boys and girls are equally as likely to be victims of abuse and neglect (in 2012, 48.5% of abused children were boys while 51.2% of abused children were girls); the rate of child fatality is higher for boys (in 2012, 57.6% of child fatalities due to abuse and neglect were boys). ("Child Abuse Facts”)

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Pay attention Look for the warning signs and ask the questions that need asking If you suspect a child has been abused…. Keep calm. Tell the child you believe them. Show interest and concern. Reassure and support the child And most of all…. Take action – it could save a child’s life o= o= ("Ten Signs of Child Abuse”)

Empower your students Allow them to find their true voices in their writing Writing is a wonderful form of therapy and can be utilized by students as an escape Keep writing prompts open enough to allow students an outlet of self expression Most importantly, keep them writing early and OFTEN (IE free writing, journals, stories, poetry) show them that writing is far more than book reports and essays

Enlighten your students One of the best ways to help children is to do what we do best, educate them Children need to know that they are not alone and that they do not have to keep silent By reading about others who have been abused, students will find strength in other’s experiences and an opportunity to become empowered through the strength of others Allowing students to read about this issue may also open doors to allow them to better communicate with someone that can help 1&theater

It is our responsibility to our students to help educate, empower, support, and observe. Let’s not let them down.

(“Alyssa Lies”) I

"Child Abuse Facts." Safe Horizon. 22 Jan Web. 25 Sept Child Welfare Information Gateway, ChildWelfare.GOV. What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms. July PDF file. ‹ Carroll, John Micheal. “Alyssa Lies” YouTube. YouTube, 19 Jan Web. 26 Sept "Ten Signs of Child Abuse." Safe Horizon. 22 Jan Web. 25 Sept