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Discussion on Identification and prevention

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Educate ourselves about child abuse Discover ways of being pro- active Be a strong support system for children

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A. Child abuse - types and symptoms B. Identifying abusers and the abused C. Effects of Abuse on children

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D. Pro-active parenting and behaviour modification E. Indian Law and School Policy F. Q & A

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..all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the childs (under 18 years) health, development or dignity. -World Health Organization

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1. Physical Abuse 2. Emotional Abuse 3. Sexual Abuse 4. Neglect

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Two types of symptoms can be found 1. Physical symptoms- Visually apparent 2. Behavioural symptoms- Change in the way child is interacting with people around him

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The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment. E.g.: Hitting, poisoning, shaking, drowning, suffocating, throwing objects, burning etc.

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Physical symptoms Unexplained injuries Untreated wounds Has injuries where children normally dont (face, legs, bottoms, torso) Has bruises in the shape of an object (belt, stick, shoe) Linear bruising especially noticeable on back, arms, legs, buttocks

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Behavioural symptoms Wears clothes to over up scars/injuries Withdrawn, self-destructive Angry Shows signs of fear of a particular individual or group Avoids going to home/school/place where abuse takes place

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A pattern of behaviours inflicted on a child that can seriously interfere with a childs cognitive, emotional, psychological or social development. E.g.: Verbal assaulting, Rejecting, Isolating, Terrorising etc.

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Physical symptoms Speech delays Reports lack of attachment to parents, or teacher Health complaints (stomach ache, anxiety, headaches, ulcers)

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Behavioural symptoms Excessively withdrawn Speaks negatively about self Delayed emotional development (crying, whining, temper tantrums) Inappropriate adult behaviour(parenting a child) Displays extreme behaviour (happy one minute and angry the next) Doesnt play as other children do Fearful/anxious about doing something wrong

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Forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. Two types: 1. Physical contact 2. Non-contact E.g: kissing, rape, forcing children to watch or be part of production of sexual images, videos etc.

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Physical symptoms Difficulty in walking or sitting, expression of pain Sudden weight change Bed-wetting, improper sleep Frequent urinary tract infections without any medical explanations Runs away Unusual refusal to undress/change in front of someone

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Behavioural symptoms Sudden change in behaviour and school performance Inappropriately seductive Sophisticated knowledge or interest in sexual activity and behaviour abnormal for age Overly protective of siblings and friends Always watchful and alert Wants to avoid school, or going home, or any particular venue Avoids specific person without an obvious reason

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The persistent failure to meet a childs basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the childs health or development. E.g: Provision of inadequate food and clothing, not protecting child from emotional and/or physical harm/danger, inadequate supervision etc.

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Physical symptoms Not received attention for medical or physical problems Consistently poor hygiene Receives little or no support in homework/class work Poor attendance at school Accidently hit, or abused by others due to poor supervision Clothes are too large, or small or inappropriate for weather Reports of no caretaker or inconsistent caretakers at home

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Behavioural symptoms Frequently absent or late to school Allowed to play in unsafe environments Displays excessive need for affection and attention Exhibits self-soothing behaviours (thump sucking, emotional eating, rocking) Has difficulty making and keeping friends Begs or steals Self-destructive, indulges in delinquent behaviour

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1. Can be of any age 2. Male or female 3. From any social class, culture or faith 4. Nice people e.g. neighbours, Auto driver, Kirana owner, etc. 5. Relatives 6. Professionals: teachers, home tutors, doctors, religious leaders, etc. 7. Other children

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1. From any background 2. Male or female 3. Any age (including infants) 4. From respectable home/affluent/poor 5. Physically disabled/disabled in any way 6. Any academic ability 7. Challenging in their behaviour 8. Missing from home or school 9. Detached from family

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Two main effects: 1. Short term2. Long term Not all abused or neglected children will experience long- term consequences.

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1. Age and developmental status of the child when the abuse took place 2. Type of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual or neglect) 3. Regularity and duration of the abuse 4. The childs relationship with the abuser

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1. Can be minor (cuts, bruises) or severe (broken bones, hemorrhage) 2. Important regions of the brain fail to form or grow properly 3. Lifelong physical problems 4. Shaken baby syndrome (blindness, learning disabilities, mental retardation, cerebral palsy etc.)

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1. Immediate effects: Isolation, fear, inability to trust 2. Life-long consequences: Depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties

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1. Delinquency 2. Low academic achievement 3. Drug use 4. Mental health problems

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1. Be in tune with yourself (manage mood)

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2. Use authoritative style of parenting i.e. child-centered approach holding value on maturity level of child.

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3. Communicate with your child regularly and spend time as a family

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1. Positive reinforcements for improving good behaviour

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2. Avoid arguing for decreasing adamancy in children

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3. Technique of extinction, time out and token economy to reduce problem behaviours

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NCPCR- National commission for protection of child rights CRC- Convention on the Rights of Child 1992 1. Right to Survival - to life, health, nutrition, name, nationality 2. Right to Development - to education, care, leisure, recreation, cultural activities 3. Right to Protection - from exploitation, abuse, neglect 4. Right to Participation - to expression, information, thought, religion

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POCSO - Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (2012) All persons under the age of 18 years have rights to be protected from sexual abuse It also to intends to protect the child through all stages of judicial process and gives paramount importance to the principle of best interest of the child.

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The school will not ignore reports of child abuse Parents will be contacted and full cooperation is mandatory Counseling services at school for students and parents are available Student empowerment (child rights, helpline 1098 (CIF), group counseling etc.) School blog blogfhs.wordpress.com Parenting seminars, PTM, SEN meetings and workshops for parents

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All images in the presentation are courtesy of Google.com

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counselor@focushighschool.org