Presentation on theme: "Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse"— Presentation transcript:
1 Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse Instructor Michelle Prince
2 Who Potentially Abuses? •Un-bonded caretakers, i.e.. boyfriends/girlfriends•Raised in a non-nurturing or abusive home•Poor self-concept or depression•Poor/absent/violent spousal relationship•Isolated-physically, socially, emotionally•Unrealistic expectations of child•Crisis & stress in family•Substance abuse in family•Young parent
3 Types of AbusePhysicalSexualEmotional or MentalNeglect
4 Types of Physical Abuse BurningShakingBeatingScaldingKickingSuffocatingHittingTying UpThrowingBitingChokingPinching
5 The following are physical indicators of physical abuse: 1. Unexplained bruises/welts on face, mouth, torso, buttock, thighs that are:In various stages of healing, clustered, forming regular patterns, reflecting shape of object (loop, cord, etc.)Regularly appear after absence, weekend or vacation2. Unexplained fractures (skull, nose, facial) in various stages of healing, often spiral fractures3. Unexplained lacerations or abrasions (mouth, lips, eyes, external genitalia)
6 The following are physical indicators of physical abuse: Unable to explain injury or explanations are inconsistent with the injuryFrightened of parent of caretaker, afraid to go homeReports intentional injuryChanges in behavior or school performancePoor self-imageWary of adult contact, guardedBehavioral extremesSuicidal thoughts
7 Sexual abuseDefinition: Sexual abuse occurs when an adult exploits a child for sexual gratification. Sexual abuse is not limited to intercourse. Exposing oneself to a child and fondling a child’s genitals are considered sexual abuse. So is using a child for production of pornographic materials.
8 There may be no physical signs. Possible symptoms include: Pain and/or bleeding in anal or genital areaDifficulty walking, sittingDisplays age-inappropriate play with toys, self or othersInappropriate knowledge about sexChild reports sexual abuseVenereal disease or pregnancy
9 The following are some behavioral indicators of sexual abuse: Unwilling to change clothingPoor peer relationshipsLack of privacy in homeDelinquent or running away behaviorMasturbating excessivelyOverly affectionate with othersSelf-destructive behaviorsPromiscuitySudden, unexplained change of behavior
10 Emotional abuseDefinition: Emotional abuse may occur when a parent/caregiver fails to provide the understanding, warmth, attention, and supervision the child needs for healthy psychological growth. Also, when a parent/caregiver ignores, terrorizes, blames, belittles or otherwise makes a child feel that he’s worthless and incompetent.
11 Physical Indicators Speech disorders Failure to Thrive Motor coordination delaysEmotional delaysSigns of unexplained fear or panic
12 The following are behavioral indicators of emotional abuse: Habit disorders; sucking, biting, rockingConduct disorders; antisocial, destructiveBehavior extremesOverly adaptive behaviorAttempted suicide or self-destructive behaviorsLow self esteemProblems with attention
13 NeglectDefinition: Neglect occurs when the parent fails to provide a child with basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education or proper supervision
14 Physical Indicators Failure to Thrive Dirty/hungry children Medical neglectBody OdorLack of dental careInadequate shelterSafety issues, i.e.. access to guns
15 The following are behavioral indicators of neglect: Lack of parental responseExcessive sleepingBegging for foodAttention seeking behaviorsExcessive absences from schoolChild/caretaker abusing drugs or alcohol
16 Reporting AbuseIn South Carolina, the following individuals are required to report when in the person’s professional capacity, he or she has reason to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect: any physician, nurse, dentist, optometrist, medical examiner, coroner, employee of a county medical examiner’s or coroner’s office; a professional in medicine, emergency medical services, mental health or allied health fields; Christian Science practitioner; religious healer; school teacher; counselor; principal; assistant principal; social or public assistance worker; substance abuse treatment staff; child care worker in any day care center or foster care facility; police or law enforcement officer; judge; undertaker; funeral home director; employee of a funeral home; film processors; and computer technicians. A person mandated by state law to report cannot delegate that responsibility to anyone else. The individual who suspects that a child is being abused must make the report.
17 Reporting Abuse Medical professionals Mental Health professionals Social WorkersDay Care WorkersProfessional Child Care WorkersTeachersLaw EnforcementJudges
18 Reporting Abuse1.Description of suspected abuse, neglect and/or exploitation2.Description of injuries/threats and date of occurrence3.Names of victim, alleged perpetrator and witnesses, including birth dates, addresses, telephone and social security numbers4.Your name and means to contact (required for professional reporters of child abuse and neglect)5.Frequency of suspected abuse and last known incident
19 The following are common concerns and questions about reporting abuse: 1.“I don’t want the family to get in trouble.”2.“Do I have to give my name?”3.“I’m afraid the family will come after me.”4.“I’m afraid the parents will hurt the kids for telling.”5.“Nothing will happen anyway.”6.“I told the child that I would not tell anyone.”
21 What can you do?Do what you can in your community to have a voice for the youngest and most vulnerable of our citizensInvolve your organization, your church, your local schools and your neighborsRaise funds and awareness for fighting child abuse in your communityLet your legislators know you care about child abuse prevention efforts and VOTE
22 Eliminating child abuse depends on all of us! Join us and take action.A child is depending on YOU!