“Child Abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime.” - Herbert Ward We often hear the term child abuse and assume we know exactly what it is. This presentation is designed to increase awareness and explain how to get help if you need it. “Child Abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime.” - Herbert Ward

What is it? Child abuse is any act that endangers a child’s physical or emotional health and development. A child is anyone under the age of 18 READ slide (do not read the title)

Facts A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds in the US. 718 reports per day or 30 per hour in Texas alone. 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made each year 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are abused. * childhelp.org Here are few facts you might find surprising: READ slide

Who Abuses? Parents, caregivers, guardians Family members (siblings, cousins) Friends Boyfriends/Girlfriends Spouses (husbands & wives) Adults in the community Strangers With so many children being abused every day all over the world, one might wonder who is actually doing the abusing. Again, the information may surprise you. Abusers are: READ slide. Most abusers are not strangers to the child. Sadly, they are often loved and trusted adults.

4 Types of Abuse Did you know there are 4 different types of child abuse? We’re going to review all of them in the following slides.

Physical Slapping Shoving Squeezing/Grabbing (typically arms, chin) Hair-pulling Kicking Shaking Choking Detaining Hitting Pinching Hitting with objects Punching The first form of child abuse is Physical abuse. Physical abuse includes: READ Slide

Emotional Name calling, threats, screaming, yelling, ridiculing, emotional blackmailing, stalking, cyber bullying (ridicule, photographs, etc.) and insults/putdowns. Constant belittling, shaming, and humiliating a child. Calling names and making negative comparisons to others. Telling a child he or she is “no good," "worthless," "bad," or "a mistake." Frequent yelling, threatening, or bullying. Ignoring or rejecting a child as punishment, giving him or her the silent treatment. Limited physical contact with the child—no hugs, kisses, or other signs of affection. Exposing the child to violence or the abuse of others, whether it be the abuse of a parent, a sibling, or even a pet. In relationships - can include: jealousy, possessiveness, controlling behaviors, isolation from friends and family, humiliation, and monitoring of other’s communications Emotional abuse is another category of child abuse. It is often overlooked but the damage can be quite severe. There’s a difference between your parents yelling at you in response to isolated events and child abuse. Not all yelling is considered abusive. The words chosen are equally important. Here are a few examples of emotional abuse: read blue items.

Sexual Unwanted contact (kissing or touching). Romantic relationship with someone who is not age appropriate (more than 3 years difference). Contact between an adult and a child involving private parts. Verbal abuse: sexual slurs or attacks on a person’s gender or sexual orientation. Use of threats, force or coercion Asleep, under the influence *only 10% by stranger Sexual abuse is another form of child abuse. It is often the most under-reported form of abuse because victims are too embarrassed or scared to tell someone what is happening to them. Any contact of private parts between an adult and child is illegal. Most abusers are not strangers – they are family, friends or other adults known to the child in some way. Sexual abuse does not always mean physical contact has been made. Saying inappropriate sexual things to children, showing children private parts or asking to see theirs are also illegal behaviors.

Neglect Neglect – medical care dental care clothing shelter food abandonment instability education emotional wellbeing The final category of abuse to review today is Neglect. If guardians fail to provide adequate medical care, food, shelter, dental care or clothing to a child, it is considered abusive. If parents do not enroll their children in school or allow them to skip school, it is also considered abuse. Adults are responsible for providing safety and security to children at all times. Sometimes, what they fail to do is just as bad as what they do.

Warning Signs Type Symptoms Neglect Signs of malnutrition Poor hygiene Unattended physical or medical problems Chronic school truancy Physical Unexplained bruises, burns, welts Child appears frightened of a parent or caregiver Extreme aggressive or withdrawn behavior Sexual Pain, bleeding, redness, or swelling in private parts Age-inappropriate play Age-inappropriate knowledge Emotional Extremes in behavior, ranging from overly aggressive or passive Delayed physical, emotional, or intellectual development Withdrawn, isolated, socially disconnected Here are a few signs that someone may be the victim of child abuse: read random ones

What to do… If you are being abused, are in an abusive relationship or you suspect someone else is being abused – tell an adult. All teachers are mandated reporters 48 hour time limit Telephone report Online report Please do not keep silent if you or someone you know is being abused in any way. It is important that you tell an adult immediately. All teachers are required to report abuse to authorities within a 48 hour time period. Reporting child abuse is NOT OPTIONAL.

Child Protective Services (CPS) State agency responsible for investigating all claims of child, elderly or disabled abuse. Process: prioritize assign investigator interview all parties involved determination service plan In Texas, all reports of child abuse are investigated by Child Protective Services. Once a report is made, an investigation is initiated. All parties are interviewed as part of this process. CPS works with families to make a more positive, healthy environment for everyone.

Relationship Violence The intentional use of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse by a person to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control another person in a dating relationship. Relationship violence is another form of abuse. It usually occurs between kids who are in a dating relationship. Relationship violence is defined as: READ

Did you know? Current statistics indicate that 1 in 3 teenagers will experience physical violence in a dating relationship. 40% of teenage girls between the ages of 14 and 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by their boyfriend. Violent relationships begin at an average age of 15. * Genesis Women’s Shelter Did you know that 1 in 3 teenagers will experience physical violence in a dating relationship? 40% of girls between the ages of 14 and 17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by their boyfriend. The average age for violent relationships to begin is 15. This is our sophomore year of high school…

School Response to Relationship Violence If you are in an abusive relationship with a peer, please notify an adult on campus. Schools are required to take action to protect students. Parents of both parties will be notified and an investigation will be initiated by an AP. A Safety plan may be created and signed by both students and their parents. If substantiated, the perpetrator may be removed from campus & possible criminal charges may be filed. Because this is becoming such a serious and widespread problem, schools have implemented standard procedures to support students. All staff at Crownover are familiar with these procedures and are ready to help you if you need it.

Stop the Abuse You have the right to be safe. Love shouldn’t hurt. Don’t keep secrets. CPS: 1-800-252-5400 Denton County Friends of the Family (940) 382-7273 Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton (972) 317-2818 Please remember that help is only a phone call away. If you or someone you know is being abused, please reach out. It won’t stop until you do. Our local resources are Denton County Friends of the Family and the Children’s Advocasy Center of Denton. The statewide CPS number is 1-800-252-5400.

National Resources www.nationalcac.org www.kempe.org www.childhelp.org www.nationalchildrensalliance.org www.childhood-usa.org www.preventchildabuse.org www.ndacan.cornell.edu More information about local and national resources can be found in the counseling department.