Violence Unit : Child Abuse

1. Violence Unit: Child Abuse Today’s Objectives: TSWBAT to identify – Traits of abusive parents Physical and behavioral indicators of physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse How to report child abuse

2. Violence in Families • Violence in families can cause lasting harm • Abuse – the physical, mental, emotional or sexual mistreatment of one person by another • Domestic violence – acts of violence involving family members • Spousal abuse – domestic violence or any other form of abuse directed at a spouse (includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse) • Crime often goes unreported

3. Child Abuse • Domestic abuse directed at a child • Any action that harms or threatens a child’s health and development • Physical, emotional, or sexual • Includes neglect (the failure to provide for a child’s basic needs) • Parents who abuse their children are often victims of child abuse • Alcohol and drug abuse increase the risk of violence in the home

4. Indicators of a Child’s Potential Need for Protection (handout) Physical and behavioral indicators of physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, & emotional abuse

5. The Cycle of Violence • Tension Phase • Battering (violent)Phase • Calming (“honeymoon”)Phase

7. Effects of Abuse • Physical injuries • Permanent injury or death • Emotional scars; feelings of shame and worthlessness, anxiety and depression • Cycle of violence (pattern of repeating violent or abusive behaviors from one generation to the next)

8. The Vicious Cycle Traits of Abusive Parents

9. Stopping Domestic Abuse • The three Rs: RECOGNIZE, RESIST & REPORT • Recognize the problem • Resist the abuser • Report the abuse

10. Reporting Child Abuse • REASONABLE GROUNDS • You suspect a child is being neglected or abused • PROMPTLY REPORT • Trusted adult, Child welfare agency, police, abuse hotline, crisis center, or social services • Person reporting is protected from legal action by the law provided the report is NOT falsely made

11. Where to go for Support Services • PA Dept. of Public Welfare = 1-800-932-0313 • Contact your local: • Child welfare agency • Police department • Social services agency • Hospital / health unit • Mental health center • Sexual assault center • Other community service organization that provides counseling to children & families

12. Two Local Agencies: • Laurel House (shelter) – • Contact Information: http://www.laurel-house.org/about-laurel-house/contact-info • Phone Number: 1.800.642.3150 • Mission Statement: “The mission of Laurel House is to provide safe haven for abused women and their children, to raise public awareness about domestic violence and to advocate for social change against domestic violence.” • Children and Family Youth of Montgomery County • Contact Information: http://mcocy.montcopa.org/mcocy/cwp/view,a,3,Q,16920,mcocyNav,%7C.asp • Phone Number: (610) 278-5800 • Available Services: http://mcocy.montcopa.org/mcocy/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=38277&mcocyNav=|

13. Protective Services Program • Seeks to stabilize family • Enhance family capacity for good child care • Maintain family structure where possible National Site www.childhelpusa.org National Commission of Child Abuse & Family Violence www.nccafv.org The Council for the Prevention of Child Abusewww.thecpca.org Child Welfare Information Gateway www.childwelfare.gov