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Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention
- 1. Child Abuse Recognition and Prevention Guidance For Students
- 2. Agenda Introductions Self-Care What is Child Abuse? How do I recognize Child Abuse and Neglect? What are the effects of Child Abuse and Neglect? What is my role in recognition and prevention? 2
- 3. Introductions 3 Alyssa Acton Community Education alyssaa@childabuseqc.org www.childabuseqc.org
- 4. Self-Care Take a break Get the rest and reflection you need Invest in stress management 4
- 5. What is Child Abuse? 5
- 6. What is child abuse? • A bit of history… • No Child Abuse/Neglect laws until early 1900s • First Mandatory Reporting laws - 1963 • CAPTA – 1974 6
- 7. What is child abuse? Federal Minimum Statutes "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." 7
- 8. What is child abuse? Physical Emotional/Mental Neglect Sexual 8
- 9. Physical abuse What it is • Inflicted injury that is non-accidental • Deliberately inflicting cruel or unusual treatment • Excessive corporal punishment • Gives/allows controlled substances • Violating court order prohibiting perpetrator from access • Shaken Baby Syndrome What it looks like • Bruises, bites, bone fractures, cuts, welts, burns • Pattern burns – cigarette, iron, donut, rope • Head injuries, lip tears, broken teeth, black eyes, bleeding eyelids • Unexplained marks • Marks hidden on body • Bruises or welts in various stages of healing 9
- 10. Physical abuse – Behavioral indicators • Clothing inappropriate for weather • Excessive absences from school, activities • Child fearful of parents or other adults • Apprehensive when other children cry • Cognitive impairment • Speech and language deficits • Hyperactivity, impulsivity • Swings in behavior • Extreme vigilance • Poor social interaction • Extreme fears • Harming animals • Depression, suicidal tendencies • Constantly tired or unable to stay awake 10
- 11. Emotional/mental abuse What it is • A pattern of behavior that attacks a child’s emotional development and sense of self-worth What it looks like • Constant criticizing, belittling, insulting, rejecting • Providing no love, support, guidance • Terrorizing • Isolating • Corrupting • Ignoring • Blaming • Exploiting 11
- 12. Emotional abuse - indicators • Very low self-esteem • Destructive or violent behavior • Runaways • Emotional instability • Depression • Withdrawal • Inability to form trusting relationships with adults • Fearful and/or detached from others • Suicidal thoughts/behaviors 12
- 13. Neglect What it is Continued failure to provide a child with necessary care and protection, including adequate shelter, food, clothing and medical care What it looks like • No supervision • Failure to thrive • Inappropriate dress for weather • Inadequate nutrition • Inadequate hygiene • Lack of a safe environment • Child not enrolled in school • Abandonment • Lack of medical treatment 13
- 14. Neglect Indicators • Poor hygiene • Evidence of little supervision • Underweight /poor growth • Erratic school attendance • Child is often hungry (especially in morning or after spending long period of time with specific caregiver) • Inadequate clothing • Lack of heating in cold weather • Unsanitary home conditions • Caregiver disregard for special needs or medical conditions 14
- 15. Sexual abuse • Occurs when a caregiver commits any of the following acts: • Sexual penetration • Sexual molestation • Sexual exploitation 15
- 16. Sexual abuse • Nationally, 400,000 children are sexually abused each year. • 1 in 7 girls, 1 in 25 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18, • Children ages 7 - 13 are the most at risk • Less than 30% of child victims disclose their abuse and, even then, only 5-10% disclose in a way that adults understand • Nationally, fewer than 30% of cases result in arrest • Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults, including assaults on adults, occur to children aged 17 and under 16
- 17. Sexual abuse Possible symptoms: Change in modesty Genital pain, itching, discharge, bleeding Stomach aches, headaches Sleep disturbances, bed wetting Unexplained fears – refusal to go to places or with people School problems, peers, excessive crying/depression Clinginess, aggressiveness “Escape” behaviors Age-inappropriate sexual understanding Overly sexualized behaviors Abuse of animals 17
- 18. Abuse – What to Do If Someone Discloses Recovery If a child/friend discloses he or she was abused, believe it. Tell a trusted adult Call the DHS Hotline (Iowa) – 1-800-362-2178 Call the DCFS Hotline (Illinois) – 1-800-25-ABUSE Most children can recover – event, not diagnosis When we can intervene and support, children can heal Prior education, support, and treatment make a difference 18 Thank you for telling me. I believe you. It’s not your fault.
- 20. Recognizing abuse and neglect • Who abuses? • Child abuse cuts across all economic, race, ethnicity, and religious boundaries • There is no “profile” of a child abuser or a sex offender • Many cases of child abuse are unintentional – discipline techniques gone too far or neglect due to lack of knowledge/resources • Sex offenders – problems with motors and brakes, attracted to children or control, no healthy sexual guidance 20
- 21. Recognizing child abuse and neglect • What are the major risk factors? (CDC, 2015) • Age • Special needs • Domestic violence • Other risk factors • Isolation • Stress • Inadequate parenting knowledge 21
- 22. Recognizing child abuse and neglect What are unique sexual abuse risk factors? Having relatives, family friends or neighbors who are offenders Prior history of abuse Substance abuse in the home Disability Lack of supervision Children looking for someone to trust and care for them 22
- 23. Recognizing abuse and neglect • Look for… • Behavioral indicators • Physical indicators • Adult red flags (particularly with sexual abuse) 23
- 24. Recognizing child abuse and neglect Simplified Behavioral Indicators of Trauma S Sudden changes in sleep habits C Crying or whining frequently A Afraid of things he or she never feared R Refuses activities once enjoyed E Easily startled D Displays disruptive behavior 24
- 25. Effects of Child Abuse Personal and social consequences
- 26. Effects of abuse and neglect “If 20 million people were infected by a virus that caused anxiety, impulsivity, aggression, sleep problems, depression, respiratory and heart problems, vulnerability to substance abuse, antisocial and criminal behavior, retardation and school failure, we would consider it an urgent public health crisis. Yet, in the United States alone, there are more than 20 million abused, neglected and traumatized children vulnerable to these problems. Our society has yet to recognize this epidemic, let alone develop an immunization strategy" -Bruce Perry 26
- 27. Effects of abuse and neglect • Chronic Trauma • Complex Trauma • Interpersonal Trauma is among the most traumatic (International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, 2009) • At least 40% of American children will have one potentially traumatizing experience by age 18 (Bruce Perry, 2007) 27
- 28. Effects of abuse and neglect • 90% of prisoners report abuse • 50 to 90% of public mental health clients with severe mental illness have been exposed to childhood physical or sexual abuse. (Goodman et al., 1999) • 75% of women and men in substance abuse treatment report history o f abuse • 93% of psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents have history of physical, sexual, or emotional trauma • ACES – Childhood trauma is single biggest predictor of health, attendance, and behavior in school. • ACES are most powerful determinants of public health (Felitti and Anda, 1997) 28
- 29. Effects of abuse and neglect 29
- 30. Effects of abuse and neglect 30
- 31. Effects of abuse and neglect 31
- 32. Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect – What You Can Do to Help!
- 33. Prevention • Stopping an individual occurrence of abuse or neglect before it happens • Stopping repeated occurrences of abuse and neglect from happening • Development of healthy, thriving children 33
- 34. Prevention • Connect with others • Nurture relationships • Support one another • Building protective factors • Prediction – be aware of your surroundings • Model appropriate behavior • Be brave 34
- 35. Prevention • Mandatory reporters are required to report suspicion of child abuse to state hotline • If child is in immediate danger, call law enforcement first • Do not leave child alone with suspected abuser • Do not confront suspected abuser • Every state imposes penalties on mandatory reporters who fail to report • No penalties on those who report in good faith 35
- 36. Prevention • Immediate Danger? Call 911! • Illinois Hotline - 1-800-25-ABUSE • Iowa Hotline - 1-800-362-2178 • ChildHelp National Hotline - 1-800-4-A-CHILD • Staffed 24/7 • Crisis intervention, counseling, information, referrals 36
- 37. In conclusion… • Child abuse is prevalent but preventable! • Your daily prevention roles are prevention and advocacy • Be Kind, Compassionate, and Aware • Kids can recover from abuse, but they need treatment and support. • Communities benefit when we support families and decrease trauma impact. 37 “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.” - Rita F. Pierson
- 38. References and Resources Child Abuse Council , 2015– www.childabuseqc.org Child Welfare Information Gateway , 2015– www.childwelfare.org Iowa Department of Human Services – dhs.iowa.gov Prevent Child Abuse America, 2015 – www.preventchildabuse.org Protect Our Children: Advice from Child Molesters , 2014– Cory Jewell Jenson, curriculum by Child Abuse Council, Scott County DHS, Scott County Attorney, SafePath Survivor Resources, Scott County Sherriff, Davenport Police Department, Bettendorf Police Department Trauma and Violence Exposure – curriculum developed by Eastern Iowa- Western Illinois Trauma Informed Care Consortium, 2014 Understanding Children’s Sexual Behaviors - Toni Cavanaugh Johnson, 2015 38
Editor's Notes
- What is child abuse? Effects Recognition – where/how/why is child abuse occurring? What does it look like?
- Introduction to Brooke – Prior to coming to the Child Abuse Council. I worked for eleven years at the Rock Island County Health Department - Family Case Management - Medical Tracking of Children in Foster Care - Numerous DV Groups/Advisory Boards Introduction to Child Abuse Council -Prevention from three different paradigms – primary, secondary, tertiary -Community ed – Primary -Healthy Families – secondary -Safe from the Start/CPC – tertiary -Trauma-Informed Care Consortium -Visit website for more information and resources
- This is an intense topic! Just speaking statistically, several of you have experienced abuse yourself. It is NOT your fault. Please reach out for help if you need it – I can connect you with resources after class and give your teacher information. My goal is not to retraumatize you – if you need to step away for a few minutes PLEASE do so. Additionally, this is a difficult topic for most people. It is important to talk about, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to talk about. Know yourself and recognize your limits – if it becomes too intense, again take a break. Please feel free to ask questions or send me questions later for discussion. You are a unique group – you are still technically kids and therefore could have experienced abuse, you are old enough that you could be a perpetrator of abuse, and, most importantly, you are all in a position to help make your community a better place. This is important information to take to your parents (and children when it’s developmentally appropriate) but take time to process it yourself before you talk to others.
- *Transition Statement: Let’s Begin by detailing what child abuse is and some of its causes. History of child abuse… The first legal response to child abuse: 1874 New York NY Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Fought to remove 8 year old girl named Mary Ellen from abusive and neglectful environment No child abuse laws existed then so Ms. Wheeler who was a missionary who worked in the area tried to help; argued that child should be protected under animal abuse prevention laws Argued that as a human she was indeed an animal Late 1800s societies started to form to protect children from abuse and neglect and in early 1900s state laws started to form. 1974 was first piece of federal legislation (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act-CAPTA) The first mandatory reporting laws started to come out around 1963 in the US …think about that, we protected animals before we protected children. And we just started protecting children about 50 years ago…
- Federal minimum statutes as prescribed by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
- The failure on the part of a person responsible for the care of a child to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical or mental health treatment, supervision, or other care necessary for the child's health and welfare when financially able to do so or when offered financial or other reasonable means to do so The presence of an illegal drug in a child's body as a direct and foreseeable consequence of the acts or omissions of the person responsible for the care of the child That the person responsible for the care of a child has, in the presence of the child, manufactured a dangerous substance or possesses a product containing ephedrine, its salts, optical isomers, salts of optical isomers, or pseudoephedrine, its salts, optical isomers, or salts of optical isomers, with the intent to use the product as a precursor or an intermediary to a dangerous substance Knowingly allowing a person to have custody of, control of, or unsupervised access to a child after knowing the person is required to register or is on the sex offender registry
- Shaken Baby Syndrome is more common than we think – causes everything from extreme irritability to permanent brain damage to blindness to death. It ONLY OCCURS when babies won’t stop crying. Happens across the board – all demographics. Parents and caregivers need resources and information, they need a support system.
- Many people think Physical Abuse is most common type of child abuse and are looking for physical indicators. While this is important, it is actually NOT the most common type – but it is easier to catch than other types of abuse because it often has physical indicators. Obvious/Outward Signs: Unexplained marks Bruises or welts in various stages of healing Pattern burns Cigarette, iron, donut burns, rope burns Marks hidden on body Subtle indicators: Extreme vigilance or watchfulness Bullying smaller children Poor social interactions with peers Extreme fear of parents or caregivers Harming animals Physical Child Abuse Behavioral Indicators Child wears clothing inappropriate for the weather Excessive absences Child is fearful of parents or other adults Child is apprehensive when other children cry Cognitive and intellectual impairment Deficits in speech and language Hyperactivity, impulsivity, low frustration tolerance Depression, low self-esteem, suicidal tendencies Constantly tired or unable to stay awake
- Emotional/mental abuse are called different things in different states. Check your state statutes for more information. What it is: Key is a pattern! Emotional abuse is typically happening repeatedly – this is not a parent or caregiver losing their cool once. This is treatment of a child in such a way that they are given the message that they aren’t safe, they aren’t loved or lovable, they aren’t worthwhile, or they are not able to successfully do things. Examples: Johnny Cash Cash said his father never even spanked him • After Cash‟s dog had a litter of puppies, his father made him watch while he put the puppies in a bag with a rock and drowned them…then he shot the dog. • After his brother Jack‟s death, Johnny‟s father blamed him for going fishing and bluntly said Johnny should have died instead (Show Clip) • “It‟s impossible to imagine what these accusations did to Cash‟s tender psyche. To lose a brother he idealized and loved, only then to be blamed for the death, had to be…too much to bear.” Ex - treating child as an extension of self (female sex predators), father who made children watch texas chainsaw massacre and then kept chainsaw in the house as a “reminder” Often, emotional abuse symptoms appear in adulthood No physical signs – incredibly difficult to prove
- These are all consequences of emotional abuse that can also be indicators of emotional abuse. These symptoms may show up as abuse is occurring or many years later – even into adulthood.
- Having a dirty home, lice, etc. is not necessarily neglect, it must pose substantial risk to the child. This doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t call. In many places, CPS can provide resources and assistance to parents who need it rather than removing a child. Neglect/denial of critical care is often very subjective. In Iowa, neglect is defined as when a caregiver does not provide for health and welfare WHEN financially able to do so or when offered reasonable means to do so. It’s not your job to determine weather a parent CAN take care of the child, it’s whether or not they are. When in doubt, call. Thresholds are pretty high.
- Sexual penetration: any contact between the sex organ of one person and the sex organ, mouth or anus of another person Typical acts include vaginal, oral and anal sex Sexual molestation: contact between the perpetrator and child for sexual gratification or arousal of perpetrator or child Examples include fondling a child or having the child touch the perpetrator sexually Sexual exploitation: sexual use of a child for sexual arousal, gratification, advantage or profit (child porn, exposing genitals, forcing child to watch sex acts) Include such acts as explicit verbal enticements, child pornography, self masturbation in the child’s presence and forcing a child to watch sex acts. DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A CAREGIVER – many times it is Rape is a form of sexual abuse
- VERY HARD to prove sexual abuse - one of the reasons why most are not caught and put away/sent to treatment Young people, especially children, are not going to just come out and tell us, we aren’t going to be able to see it. We can look for signs and symptoms (next slide), but the best bet we have is to educate ourselves and look for adult behaviors toward a child. It has to be our job to protect children from any type of abuse, but sexual abuse in particular requires us to keep our eyes open and be willing to accept that abuse is occurring in our own neighborhoods. With statistics like 1 in 5 or 1 in 10 kids, we know we need to do better at recognizing the signs when it’s happening, or in best case scenario – before it happens.
- If a friend discloses…use your words carefully
- In most cases, you can’t simply look at a family from the outside and know if there is potential for abuse or if abuse is occurring. Just like you can’t look at a family and know if they are going to be a great neighbors – every family is different. It’s important to remember compassion for the entire family – most parents do not have children thinking that they are going to harm them. It’s NOT okay, but it’s also not always intentional. We can help prevent child abuse in our own communities by supporting parents with resources and referrals, which we will talk about later. It’s also important to remember that if it gets to the point that a parent is harming his or her child, that parent needs help, too. It’s not enough to remove a child from a home – that parent needs support, treatment, and professional assistance to be a better and safer community member. (In some cases, the court may decide that parent needs to spend time in prison for this to happen.) There are some parents who are psychopathic, sociopathic, or incapable of parenting without harming their children – these are not representative of most of our communities.
- Who abuses? Caution: It’s important to remember compassion for the abusive parent. Anyone is capable of abusing. Child abuse cuts across all economic, race, ethnic, and religious boundaries. Likelihood of abuse increases when these factors are present: Isolation: families are socially and emotionally isolated. Lack of support system (friends, relatives, co-workers) to deal with life’s ups and downs. Stress: families under stress, chronic, day after day stresses from: marital problems, unemployment, housing challenges, and financial difficulties. Inadequate parenting knowledge and skills: parents not aware of basic physical and emotional needs of children (e.g. regular meals and bed times, cuddling, kind words.) Want to be careful talking about risk factors – we can look for them, but that doesn’t mean they are always present. Many risk factors are invisible (stress, knowledge) Don’t think that because a family doesn’t seem to have risk factors means they’re healthy and their kids are safe. Also, remember that risk factors are just that – risk. I’m not saying that stressed out parents are always going to abuse their children. I’m saying that there is a correlation between children who are abused and parents who are stressed. Many times it is a combination of factors and circumstances that contributes to abuse.
- Who abuses? Caution: It’s important to remember compassion for the abusive parent. Anyone is capable of abusing. Child abuse cuts across all economic, race, ethnic, and religious boundaries. Likelihood of abuse increases when these factors are present: Isolation: families are socially and emotionally isolated. Lack of support system (friends, relatives, co-workers) to deal with life’s ups and downs. Stress: families under stress, chronic, day after day stresses from: marital problems, unemployment, housing challenges, and financial difficulties. Inadequate parenting knowledge and skills: parents not aware of basic physical and emotional needs of children (e.g. regular meals and bed times, cuddling, kind words.) Want to be careful talking about risk factors – we can look for them, but that doesn’t mean they are always present. Many risk factors are invisible (stress, knowledge) Don’t think that because a family doesn’t seem to have risk factors means they’re healthy and their kids are safe. Also, remember that risk factors are just that – risk. I’m not saying that stressed out parents are always going to abuse their children. I’m saying that there is a correlation between children who are abused and parents who are stressed. Many times it is a combination of factors and circumstances that contributes to abuse.
- While we can look for these things, they will not always be present – particularly in cases of sexual abuse. Often, there are no signs and symptoms of sexual abuse and we have to look to adult behaviors and/or have open discussion with children about touching safety.
- Bear Anecdote…
- Child abuse and neglect are often not “one time” instances – they often include multiple traumatic experiences over a period of time. This contributes to what is called “chronic trauma.” - Bear Analogy When abusive experiences begin at a young age and are perpetrated by adults who should have been caring for and protecting the child, they contribute to a very specific type of interpersonal trauma with unique effects. This is called “complex trauma” Research shows that interpersonal trauma tends to be more traumatic than natural disasters. This is partially because we experience interpersonal trauma as intentional rather than as an accident. Interpersonal trauma is more disruptive to our sense of trust and attachment to others At least 40% of children will experience a potentially traumatic event – this could be death of a parent, messy divorce, or abuse, or neglect More than 90% of those incarcerated in the US right now
- The more categories of trauma experienced in childhood the greater the likelihood of experiencing: Alcoholism or alcohol abuse COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Depression Fetal Death Poor health-related quality of life Illicit drug use Ischemic Heart Disease Liver Disease Risk for intimate partner violence Multiple (over 50) sex partners Sexually Transmitted Disease Smoking Obesity Suicide Attempts Unintended Pregnancies 3 or more marriages Emergency Room Use Broken Bones Significant Financial Problems 1 in 5 people have had first-hand experience with abuse Abuse and neglect does not only harm children – it harms the entire family and community, robbing the community of the potential that children have. When we lose children to abuse, we lose valuable assets to a VERY preventable tragedy.
- Example: Sexual abuse leads to depression, leads to overeating, leads to diabetes, leads to early death.
- Example: Sexual abuse leads to depression, leads to overeating, leads to diabetes, leads to early death.
- Here is another example of how abuse and neglect can impact a child’s development and ultimately, his or her life. Brain on the left – healthy. Brain on the right – child raised in a Romanian orphanage who experienced severe neglect. Notice how much less active portions of this child’s brain are. There is a LOT on how trauma impacts development and what it does to the brain of a child! Happy to provide resources if interested.
- What is child abuse prevention? Definitions: Stopping an individual occurrence of abuse/neglect before it happens. Stopping repeated occurrences of abuse/neglect from happening again and again. Prevention goal is the development of healthy, thriving children; not just children who are not abused or neglected.
- “Prevention is not this big, scary concept. It can honestly be boiled down to some very practical steps to helping keep the kids you are around safe as well as the children in your community. I think you will find as we go through this list that many, if not all, of you are contributing to prevention work every day. Hopefully this can help you become more aware of how you are doing prevention work and identify some strategic ways to increase your impact” 1. Connection: incorporate a lot of things! The best thing Bruce Perry has found is increasing the quality and number of relationships a child has – this decreases the risk for trauma as well as increases child’s ability to cope with trauma when it occurs. - Being KIND – not NICE – Kind. Sit by the kid that always sits alone at lunch. Sit quietly or talk – whatever. - Be a friend – ask questions if you have concerns -simple as saying hello to the neighborhood child who doesn’t seem to have many supportive adults around -investing in relationship-based community organizations (big brothers big sisters, girl scouts, boy scouts..) -connect with community leaders to develop/strengthen services that meet needs of families 2. Nurture – children need to know that they are safe, loved, and capable. Ensure that your interactions with them support this. Model these ideas for your peers. If you babysit – interact with the children, become another trusted adult. As a teenager – respect one another’s boundaries and don’t be afraid to share your own boundaries. 3. Provide support – child abuse happens often when caregivers feel stressed and unable to cope. You have the opportunity to make a family stronger by knowing and providing resources – offer to baby-sit, help out at home 3. Seek support – Give yourself the breaks you need and recognize when you are overwhelmed. Very few people think they are capable of hurting a child – but we know that hundreds of thousands of people do. Monitor your own emotional and mental health and have a support system outside of work! 4. Build protective factors – one of the best ways to build resiliency and prevent trauma is to build protective factors in families and children. Protective factors contribute to healthy families and assist parents with coping with stress. This information comes from the Child Welfare Information Gateway -Nurturing and attachment – A close bond with a caring adult improves your development and behavior. -Knowledge of parenting and child development – Understanding child development helps you set limits and create an environment where kids can reach their potential. -Parental resilience – Emotional resilience allows you to accept help when facing a challenge and solve problems creatively. -Social connections – An encouraging support network can help with the daily challenges of raising a family. -Concrete supports – Having access to basic resources and social services reduces a family’s stress and the risk of maltreatment. -Social and emotional competence of children – When children have healthy emotional expression, parents better understand how to meet their needs. 6. Prediction: “If we can predict it, we can prevent it” – keep your eye open for risk factors. In a unique position that you can see inside families and recognize dynamics and risks that may be more subtle than those on the outside can see. Look for grooming tactics of sex offenders. Stay educated and know what you are looking for. Get to know neighbors, coaches, friends’ parents, and those you spend a lot of time with. Remember that sexual abuse is occurring nearly exclusively with people our kiddos know and trust. Be vigilant. Model: Model healthy relationships and boundaries for peers. One of the greatest risk factors is a lack of knowledge – seeing healthy interactions is a great way to learn. When you model safety, particularly body and touching safety, you help others gain a sense of mastery over appropriate boundaries. Telling a friend you feel more like a high five than a hug are great ways to take control of your own boundaries and help others see their boundaries and choices. Be Brave -Remember… -You may be the only voice for your friend -You don’t have to KNOW, you only have to suspect -The people on the other end of the phone are trained professionals in the area of child abuse and neglect. Your job is to care for yourself and your peers, and as part of that job you are responsible to ensure that everyone is safe. If you recognize or suspect that they are not safe, you should turn it over to the professionals who -Many people are afraid to call – afraid of the repercussions or afraid they are wrong and nothing is really happening. -If you saw smoke coming out the windows of a house where children reside, you probably wouldn’t hang out for a while and see if you saw flames to make sure there was actually a fire. Nor would you sit down for a bit and see if it gets better. You would hopefully call the fire department and let them come determine if there is a fire and put it out. You might then offer support to the people who live there. -Similarly, if you know a child or a home environment with symptoms of abuse, you shouldn’t spend weeks or months determining if there really is abuse. You also shouldn’t hang out and hope things get better. You can ABSOLUTELY provide support to the family. However, that child deserves someone who will be brave for them and call the people whose job it is to protect them. Yes, it might be rough for that family. But ultimately, those children deserve to live in a safe and healthy environment. You are a “fire alarm” as a professional caregiver – you have eyes and ears and access on the inside that many people do not. Make sure that you are doing your job and giving children a chance to thrive.
- No secrets – secrets are dangerous. Surprises are fun. If a friend or child discloses that they’ve been abused, don’t promise to keep it a secret, promise to keep them safe. You keep them safe by telling a trusted adult so that a report can be made. Teachers are mandatory reporters.
- Be the eyes and ears on the ground!