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Learn about child abuse, sexual misconduct, and how to prevent them. Find out what constitutes child abuse and the types of injuries indicative of physical abuse. Understand the importance of reporting and where to report. Discover the signs of abuse and sexual harassment, and how to address them. Get information on the effects of abuse and sexual misconduct and how to make complaints. Find contact information for safe environment programs.
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Child Abuse • Sexual Misconduct • How to prevent • Safe Environment Programs
WHO IS A CHILD? The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act 18 and under (except sexual abuse, age specified by State) Child Abuse
WHAT CONSTITUTES CHILD ABUSE? Physical abuse Physical neglect Emotional maltreatment Sexual abuse Child Abuse
The law defines child abuse as: "The physical injury or maltreatment of a child under the age of eighteen by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened thereby…” Child Abuse
Child Neglect: “Failure to provide for the child's basic needs. Neglect can be: Physical neglect Educational neglect Emotional neglect etc… ***consideration of cultural values*** Child Abuse
Emotional Abuse: “Acts or omissions by the parents or other caregivers that have caused, or could cause, serious behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental disorders…” Child Abuse
WHAT IS NOT CHILD ABUSE? According to the law Injuries caused by fighting between kids Injuries caused by necessary peace officer Voluntary sexual conduct between minors Pregnancy of a minor Child Abuse
Types of injuries indicative of physical abuse Bruises Burns Bite marks Abrasions Lacerations Head injuries Internal Injuries Fractures Child Abuse
Sign of abuse & sexual harassment: Child’s Appearance Injuries Child’s Behaviors Caretaker’s Behaviors Child Abuse
Behaviors often exhibited by abused children The child is frightened The child is excessively passive The child and/or parent or caretaker attempts to hide injuries Child Abuse
WHAT TO DO? Report. Not investigate. Report ASAP. If not, may be prosecuted by the law. Child Abuse
WHERE TO REPORT? Local law enforcement Safe Environmental Program list http://www.usccb.org/ocyp/helpandhealing.htm Child Abuse
WHAT IS SEXUAL ABUSE? "Contacts or interactions between a child and an adult when the child is being used for sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person when the perpetrator or another person is in a position of power or control over the victim…” Sexual Misconduct
WHAT IS SEXUAL HARASSMENT? “Unwantedsexualconduct/behavior or language between persons…” Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitutes sexual harassment when submission to or rejection of this conduct explicitly or implicitly affects an individual's employment, unreasonably interferes with an individual's work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Sexual Misconduct
EXAMPLES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT? Calling other peer names with sexual connotations Spreading rumors about a person’s sexual behavior Telling sexual jokes Rubbing up against someone in a provocative way Drawing sexually explicit pictures and passing them around Making unsolicited sexual advances and propositions Touching a person’s private parts Sexual Misconduct
WHAT IS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT within MINISTERIAL REPLATIONSHIP? Ministry is never about sexual contact. Sexual misconduct is a general term that includes sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. Sexual Misconduct
WHAT IF THE VICTIM DID NOT STOP? or WHAT IF THE VICTIM INITIATED IT? No excuses for sexual misconduct in ministry works. Must maintain appropriate emotional and sexual boundaries. Sexual Misconduct
Effects of Abuse & Sexual Harassment: Anti-social and self-destructive behaviors Cope with the abuse Distorted thoughts Phobias PTSD Academic difficulties Sexual Misconduct
COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT Against parish employees or volunteers: go to Pastor. Others: Director of Safe Environment Program http://www.usccb.org/ocyp/helpandhealing.htm Sexual Misconduct
Criminal background check A good ratio: 8 youths : 1 adult No alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, videos, or inappropriate reading material Buddy system No sharing bedroom, tent No hug when there’s uncomfortable Meeting in visible and accessible area Left door open Avoid driving alone with young people ID Psych. Assessments How To Prevent
Atlanta: Kathy Stearns: 404-569-7333 Orange: Diane Gomez-Valenzuela: 714-293-9050 Galveston-Houston: Sr. Maureen O'Connell: 713-659-5461 x499 San Jose: Bernard Nojadera: 408-983-0113 Seattle: Jessie Dye: 206-382-4592, 206-328-5927 Washington: Marcia Zvara: 301-853-5328 Safe Environment Contact List
For National contact: Dr. Kathleen McChesney Executive Director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 3211 4th St. N.E. Washington DC 20017 202.541.5413 ocyp@usccb.org www.usccb.org Safe Environment Contact List
Child Abuse: Report. Not investigate Sexual Misconduct: Maintain appropriate emotional and sexual boundaries. Take Home Message
“Jesus spoke to them again, saying ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will…have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)