1. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE1 UNIT 7 CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

2. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE2 Four Types of Abuse 1.Physical abuse 2.Emotional abuse 3.Sexual abuse 4.Neglect Keep in Mind: Child abuse is a violation of power.

3. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE3 Physical Abuse Injuries to the:  skin and soft tissue (e.g., bruises, cuts, bites, burns)  head and central nervous system (often from violent shaking, or suffocating)  abdomen (from being thrown, punched, or kicked)  skeletal system (e.g., fractures caused by a blow or being pushed down stairs)

4. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE4 Emotional Abuse The most widespread type of abuse, yet the most difficult to prove. Ongoing rejection of child through behaviour, such as isolating, humiliating, threatening, corrupting, punishing for developmentally appropriate exploration. Child witnessing domestic violence.

5. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE5 Sexual Abuse Generally defined as the involvement of child in sexual activity in which the offender uses his/her power over the child. This includes the entire range of possibilities, such as oral, anal, genital, buttock, or breast contact, the use of any body part or object for penetration, fondling, or sexual stimulation. Exploitation of the child for pornographic purposes, as well as exposure to erotic material to sexually arouse are further forms of sexual abuse.

6. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE6 Neglect The Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (Trocme et al, 2001) outlines 8 forms of neglect: 1.Failure to supervise or protect leading to physical harm. 2.Failure to supervise or protect a child from possible sexual abuse. 3.Physical neglect. 4.Medical neglect. 5.Failure to provide treatment for emotional/developmental problems. 6.Permit maladaptive or criminal behaviour. 7.Abandonment or refusal of custody. 8.Educational neglect.

7. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE7 Consequences of Abuse Psychological Consequences  Extreme and repetitive nightmares  Anxiety, depressive symptoms, long bouts of sadness, social withdrawal  Sudden phobias, such as fear of darkness or water  Psychosomatic complaints such as stomach aches, headaches, excessive blinking Adapted from “The Consequences of Child Maltreatment: A Reference Guide for Health Practitioners” by Jeff Latimer (1998)

8. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE8 Physical Consequences In addition to the obvious physical injuries caused by the abuse  Small body size and low weight  Permanent neurological damage  Stress related symptoms (migraine headaches, gastrointestinal problems, aches pains not easily diagnosed) Adapted from “The Consequences of Child Maltreatment: A Reference Guide for Health Practitioners” by Jeff Latimer (1998)

9. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE9 Interpersonal Consequences  Insecure attachments to parents and educators  Difficulty in trusting others  Relationship problems, such as overly sexualized or overly conflicted relationships Adapted from “The Consequences of Child Maltreatment: A Reference Guide for Health Practitioners” by Jeff Latimer (1998)

10. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE10 Self–Perceptual Consequences  Extremely low levels of self esteem  Inaccurate body images, which often lead to eating disorders  Overwhelming sense of guilt or self- blame for the abuse Adapted from “The Consequences of Child Maltreatment: A Reference Guide for Health Practitioners” by Jeff Latimer (1998)

11. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE11 Remember Don’t assume that 100% of children who are abused behave in any one certain way, but be aware that a statistically significant number of children display similar characteristics. What else might be going on here?

12. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE12 Causes of Abuse Variety of complex reasons Presence of one factor does not necessarily indicate child abuse Stress, caused by poverty, chronic illness/disabilities, or lack of social support a contributing factor

13. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE13 ECE Programs Contribution to Child Abuse Prevention Primary-provide a positive environment Secondary-identify suspected child abuse, document and report Tertiary-support children and families after child abuse has been confirmed

14. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE14 Primary Child Abuse Prevention Educators’ Role: Support each child in developing positive self-esteem Provide a positive role model for parents/families

15. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE15 Support parents in their parenting rights and responsibilities Create a positive ECE environment Network with community resources

16. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE16 Secondary Child Abuse Prevention Educators’ Role: Identify children who may be victims of abuse Document observations and possible indicators Report to child protection agency

17. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE17 Examples of: Physical Abuse Physical Abuse: child is often absent, returning with signs of injury (e.g., healing bruises) Emotional Abuse Emotional Abuse: child sets unreasonably high expectations for self, refuses to try again if unsuccessful the first time Sexual Abuse Sexual Abuse: unusual level of sexual knowledge for his/her age Neglect Neglect: child appears hungry, tired, or dirty all the time  No single behaviour confirms child abuse  Never make assumptions on indicators alone  If cluster of indicators is present, educator must pursue their suspicions Behavioural Indicators of Abuse

18. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE18 Purposes of Documentation A guide for educators and the director in determining their next step. Used by the child protection agency and possibly the police, in their investigation of the alleged abuse.

19. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE19 Reasons to Report Suspected Child Abuse Legal Responsibility: Adults are mandated by provincial/territorial law to report suspicions of abuse to children in their ECE programs. You need to know your provincial/territorial legislation with regard to suspected child abuse.

20. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE20 Ethical Responsibility: Even if the child protection agency is unable to prove abuse now, the offender becomes aware that his/her behaviour is in question, which may lead to change. Having a report on file makes a difference if, in the future, another individual makes a report.

21. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE21 Reporting suspicions makes a crucial statement to the child -- this shouldn’t be happening to you and someone cares enough to try and stop it.

22. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE22 Tertiary Child Abuse Prevention Educators’ Role: Maintain ongoing communication with the child protection agency and other agencies involved with the child and family.

23. JANET STEINMANSAFETY IN CHILD CARE23 Provide a secure and developmentally stimulating environment for the child. Support change in the parent who has been abusive by providing good role-modelling and resources.