Child Abuse Prevention

1. Child Abuse Prevention Creating an Awareness; Working Toward Healthy Parenting and Happy Children

2. What is Child Abuse? • Within your pair or group, discuss the following: • What defines child abuse? • What are the different types of child abuse? • Create a list of indicators for each type of abuse. Write your responses on the card provided and be prepared to discuss with the class.

3. Child Abuse is… The physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child (a person under 18) or except in the case of sexual abuse, the age specified by the child protection law of the state. • From the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect • .

4. Child Abuse in America • Children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect. Every year 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving nearly 6 million children (a report can include multiple children). • The United States has the worst record in the industrialized nation – losing five children every day due to abuse-related deaths.

5. Sexual Abuse • When a parent or caretaker commits a sexual offense against a child or allows a sexual offense to be committed, such as rape, sodomy, engaging a child in sexual activity, engaging a child in -- or promoting a child’s — sexual performance. • My Content | Discovery Education • Blue - an introduction - child abuse - YouTube

6. Physical abuse • Non-accidental physical injury of a child inflicted by a parent or caretaker that ranges from superficial bruises and welts to broken bones, burns, serious internal injuries and in some cases, death. Includes actions that create a substantial risk of physical injury to the child. • McKynzee's Story: A Victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome – YouTube • Living with Shaken Baby Syndrome// Evelynn Marie - YouTube

7. Neglect/Maltreatment • Withholding, or failing to provide, adequate food, shelter, clothing, hygiene, medical care, education or supervision, such that the child’s physical, mental or emotional condition is impaired or at imminent risk of being impaired.

8. Mental/Emotional Abuse • Parents’ or caretakers’ acts or omissions that cause or could cause serious conduct, cognitive, affective, or other mental disorder such as torture, close confinement or the constant use of verbally abusive language. • You may see a parent who verbally terrorizes the child, who continually and severely criticizes the child, or who fails to express any affection or nurturing.

9. What may put a family at risk? • Within your group, create a list of 5 circumstances or character traits that could be factors in triggering abuse. • Write your responses on your card and be ready to share with the class.

10. Risk Factors of Abuse • Income level (poverty) • Job loss • Maturity level of parent/caregiver • Role reversal • Isolation • Lack of parenting skills/ not understanding child developmental stages • Substance abuse • Marriage problems • Abusive background • Single parenthood • Low self-esteem • New baby • “Families at Risk” reinforcement sheet

11. WHAT IS POSITIVE GUIDANCE? • Non-destructive to self-esteem. • Allows child to remain valued as a person. • Encourages cooperation. • Allows child to learn gradually the skills needed in taking responsibility for what happens. • Teaches child not to blame others. • Allows child to relate successfully. • Helps child to problem solve. • Role-play positive guidance techniques

12. WALKING THE LINE… • Within your group or pair, brainstorm a list of 3 discipline techniques under each category: • Positive Guidance • Walking the Line (BORDERLINE – not appropriate) • Child Abuse Once you have your lists, NEATLY write each behavior on a white sheet of paper provided to you. (Please write large enough to see from all angles of the room).