Today’s Objectives: TSWBAT to identify – • Traits of abusive parents• Physical and behavioral indicators of physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse•How to report child abuse

Violence Unit: Child Abuse

Violence in families can cause lasting harmAbuse – the physical, mental, emotional or

sexual mistreatment of one person by anotherDomestic violence – acts of violence involving

family membersSpousal abuse – domestic violence or any

other form of abuse directed at a spouse (includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse)

Crime often goes unreported

Violence in Families

Domestic abuse directed at a childAny action that harms or threatens a child’s

health and developmentPhysical, emotional, or sexualIncludes neglect (the failure to provide for a

child’s basic needs)Parents who abuse their children are often

victims of child abuseAlcohol and drug abuse increase the risk of

violence in the home

Child Abuse

Physical and behavioral indicators of physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, & emotional

abuse

Indicators of a Child’s Potential Need for Protection (handout)

Tension Phase

Battering (violent) Phase

Calming (“honeymoon”) Phase

The Cycle of Violence

Physical injuriesPermanent injury or deathEmotional scars; feelings of shame and worthlessness, anxiety and depression

Cycle of violence (pattern of repeating violent or abusive behaviors from one generation to the next)

Effects of Abuse

Traits of Abusive Parents

The Vicious Cycle

The three Rs: RECOGNIZE, RESIST & REPORT

Recognize the problemResist the abuserReport the abuse

Stopping Domestic Abuse

1. REASONABLE GROUNDS • You suspect a child is being neglected or

abused

2. PROMPTLY REPORT • Trusted adult, Child welfare agency, police,

abuse hotline, crisis center, or social services

3. Person reporting is protected from legal action by the law provided the report is NOT falsely made

Reporting Child Abuse

PA Dept. of Public Welfare = 1-800-932-0313

Contact your local:Child welfare agencyPolice departmentSocial services agencyHospital / health unitMental health centerSexual assault centerOther community service organization that

provides counseling to children & families

Where to go for Support Services

1. Laurel House (shelter) – 1. Contact Information:

http://www.laurel-house.org/about-laurel-house/contact-info

2. Phone Number: 1.800.642.3150 3. Mission Statement: “The mission of Laurel House is to

provide safe haven for abused women and their children, to raise public awareness about domestic violence and to advocate for social change against domestic violence.”

2. Children and Family Youth of Montgomery County1. Contact Information:

http://mcocy.montcopa.org/mcocy/cwp/view,a,3,Q,16920,mcocyNav,%7C.asp

2. Phone Number: (610) 278-58003. Available Services:

http://mcocy.montcopa.org/mcocy/cwp/view.asp?A=3&Q=38277&mcocyNav=|

Two Local Agencies:

Seeks to stabilize familyEnhance family capacity for good child careMaintain family structure where possible

National Sitewww.childhelpusa.org

National Commission of Child Abuse & Family Violence

www.nccafv.org The Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse

www.thecpca.org Child Welfare Information Gateway

www.childwelfare.gov

Protective Services Program