Child Abuse Video- The Perfect Crime

The basis of the video was that in many cases it is hard to prove child abuse in court.  It takes the education of children, teachers, community service workers and the communities to protect children, report abusers and then get both the abuser and the victim the help they need so that they won’t continue the cycle of violence. 

Specific Points

• It costs money for prevention
• We are working on rehabilitation and need to focus on prevention
• The public should be educated and alerted
• Public Schools should be educated.
• Child abuse can results in psychological consequences.
• Child abuse can cause major interruptions in the developmental processes.
• Children who are abused typically grow up and become abuser.
• 25% of American homes conceal some type of violence.
• Pure Helpers that care can be more helpful than professionals.
• One figure states that 25% of girls and 10% of boys have been sexually abused by 18.
• The offender is usually an adult known to the child
  • Neighbor, family member, close family friend, etc.
• Many abuses go unreported so the actual numbers are suspected to be higher.
• Usually, the only witness is the child.
• Sexual assault can lead to shame, confusion, and uncertainty about sexual identification.
• It is important to check out daycares and ensure that everyone having access to the children have received a background check.
• There is a national registry of convicted pedophiles. 
• Drugs and Alcohol are contributing factors to abuse. 

3 Kinds of Abusers

1. Inadequates-Those that lack the skills to be a good parent
   1. Rehabilitation is possible and should be considered.
2. Crazies-Those with mental health illnesses.
3. Evil-Those people that enjoy hurting children.
   1. Rehabilitation is not possible, incarceration or institution is recommended.

 It is unclear where substance abusers fall within these three categories; possibly any one.

Definitions

1. Shaken Baby Syndrome:  Violent Shaking can cause bleeding, swelling, sometimes death in babies/Infants.  Retinal hemorrhaging is a common symptom of “Shaken Baby Syndrome”.
2. Battered Child Syndrome:  The term for chronic abuse.
3. Sex Abuse:  is the use of a child for sexual gratification.
4. Emotional Abuse:
5. Neglect:  The failure to protect.
6. Physical Abuse: 
7. Domestic Abuse:

Abuse Vs. Discipline

Abuse is a crime, but what about discipline?  Old fashioned discipline?  Is paddling child abuse?

 Educating Children

Many schools are educating children about child abuse. 

They are teaching children about private parts, who shouldn’t touch them and what to do if someone does; tell an adult, your parents or anyone that will listen.  Keep telling until someone believes you. 

The WHO Program and SAFE CHILD PROGRAM. 

Child Protective Services (CPS)

If abuse is found or is deemed immanently unsafe Law Enforcement can remove a child from the home.  CPS may also remove a child from the home through a series of court actions.  Once a child is remove from the home there are two options.

1.       Foster Care

2.       Other Family

CPS seeks to rehabilitate parents and teach them parenting skills to better assist them in loving and raising their children. 

 Some people feel that parents rights are higher than the safety of the children. 

 There is a difference between criminal and civil laws.  A parent may loose their custody of their children although may not face criminal charges or they may face criminal charges and not lose custody of their children. 

Listen to your children if they talk about abuse.  As a parent, or educator;

1.       Believe the child

2.       Reassure them that it is OK to tell

3.       Daycare-Observe

4.       Trust your feelings

Courts

The courts feel that CPS decides what is best for the kids and the make a ruling on it.  CPS feels that it is the judge’s job to determine what is best for a child.  Ultimately, the courts do decide who has custody, visitation rights, etc.

 At-litem attorneys are appointed to represent the child.  The courts do not appear happy on how the system works.  The At-litem’s bill the courts and they have to pay.  I’m hoping that 15 years later this is different. 

 The mere process of hearing child testimony can be complicated.  Children are traumatized, scared, may have to face their abuser, might not remember the event, are in fear that what they say will break up their family.    Medical evidence can include: bloody underwear, tearing, scaring, sperm, etc.  As you can see, a medical exam is important in securing a conviction against an abuser.

 Usually the only witness is the child and it may be the child’s word against an adult.  Therefore leading juries to disbelieve kids if there is not enough medical evidence present.

 In some states the first admission of abuse called “outcry” is admissible in court so it is important to keep the child talking.  It others states it is not, so you need to know your state laws.