Recognising Abuse in Families Pam Schultz: VLE March 5 th 2013.

Learned Helplessness Women often have good reasons for staying Fear that they cant support themselves Being Ostracised Disapproval of others. They sometimes separate from perpetrator for a while and then return

Signs of Sexual Abuse Inappropriate knowledge of or interest in sexual acts Unusual or sophisticated sexual behaviours Promiscuity and sexualised behaviour Running away Avoidance or rejection of sexual issues Aggression Dislike of genitals

Physical Abuse Physical abuse is the intentional use of force against a child resulting in injury or causing bodily harm. Physical force or violence that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment including assault, battery, and inappropriate restraint. The infliction of physical harm on a child by a parent or caregiver

Neglect Physical Indicators Young children display abnormal growth patterns, weight loss, sunken cheeks, paleness, lethargy, unresponsive to stimulation. Inappropriate dress for weather. Poor hygiene, dirty or un bathed state. Severe, persistent nappy rash or other skin disorder (unattended). Consistent hunger. Lack of medical routine. Signs of deprivation

Neglect Behavioural Indicators Doesn't meet developmental milestones. Appears lethargic, undemanding, cries very little. Unresponsive to stimulation. Uninterested in surroundings. Demonstrates severe lack of attachment to parent, little fear of strangers. Maybe very demanding of affection or attention from others Shows little separation anxiety May be happy just to go off with strangers.

Emotional Abuse Hard to assess and demonstrate May co-exist with other forms of abuse Has much more longer lasting affects on mental health than either physical or mental abuse.

Emotional Abuse Belittling or Shaming Lack of affection or warmth Habitual Blaming Ignoring or rejecting Extreme forms of punishment Exposure to violence Yelling, screaming, threatening, frightening Humiliation: telling child they are worthless, bad comparing negatively with others. Withdrawing affection, hugs, “cold shoulder” blaming the child for everything, For example shutting in a dark room, threatening punishment Showing violence on films & TV

Some signs of Emotional Abuse Apathy, Depression Withdrawal/Anger Learning Difficulties, problems with concentration Nervous Habits-Pulling Hair, Biting Hands Conduct Disorders (Hostile, Ante-Social) Extremes of Behaviour: compliance, demanding, passive, violent Self-Harm, suicide attempts Detachment from parent NOTE: The above symptoms may alert practitioner to possibility of Abuse. However, there can be other reasons for presentation of these behaviours

Activities Do a simple library search using “Summon” or another preferred approach to explore one or more of the forms of abuse in the slides above If time allows read one or both of the articles on the following slides This afternoon there will be Blogs where you can share some of your learning and discuss ideas.

Journal Articles Research Article 1 (Emotional Abuse & Development. Developmental Psychology) _devpsych.pdf _devpsych.pdf Research Article 2 (Professional Knowledge and Abuse: Journal of Advanced Nursing) x/pdf x/pdf

Some Links The following is not a British site but very good _sexual_neglect.htm _sexual_neglect.htm Kidscape

More useful Links Child Welfare Site NSPCC child/online-advice/online-advice_wdh85524.html child/online-advice/online-advice_wdh85524.html Suffolk Safeguarding Children Board Norfolk Safeguarding Children Board