Child Abuse is defined as the mistreatment of children or minors, resulting in a variety of harmful and damaging results with regard to both the safety and wellbeing of the victim. Child abuse can range in the details and circumstances in which the offense takes place; child abuse can take place in a direct, physical fashion, which includes attacks and sexual assault – however, child abuse can take place verbally and psychologically. Regardless of the nature of the child abuse offense, results of this kind of abuse may result in negative aftereffects, both short-term and long-term in nature; a wide variety of Facts About Child Abuse exist, which state that victims of child abuse are prone to physical injury, bodily harm, the development of mental and psychological disorders, and in certain cases – death.

10 Facts About Child Abuse You Must Know

(CNN) – One of the longest-lasting effects of conflict is one that is all too often hidden away, breaking down social fabric and affecting those it touches for the rest of their lives. Rape and sexual violence are easy to overlook — private tragedies with public stigmas. According to a new report from Save the Children, children bear the brunt of this unseen crisis, enduring the unthinkable when they are most vulnerable. And sexual violence against children is more common than we dare to think. More than half of the victims of sexual violence are children, according to our report. In places of active or past conflict, from Liberia to Colombia to Afghanistan, children — both boys and girls — have been afflicted by this horrendous crime. One study cited in the report shows that in post-conflict Liberia, a staggering 80% of victims of sexual violence were children, and the majority of those had been raped. READ MORE HERE

Most rape victims in war zones are children

Report finds most rape victims in conflict zones are children

Children greatest victims of sexual violence in war zones, new report

G8 nations pledge action to halt sexual violence in war

HAVOCA – Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse

Healing Childhood Abuse and Neglect

Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse - The Healing Place

Recovering from Child Abuse: Help and Healing for Victims – Part 1

Recovering from Child Abuse: Help and Healing for Victims – Part 2

Cyberbully follows Taylor Hillridge (Emily Osment), a teenage girl who falls victim to online bullying, and the cost it nearly takes on her and her family. Taylor is a pretty 17-year-old high school student but a little awkward, and painfully aware of it. When her mom gives her a computer for her birthday, Taylor is excited by the prospect of freedom and the independence of going online without her mother always looking over her shoulder. However, Taylor soon finds herself the victim of betrayal and bullying while visiting a social website, and afraid to face her peers at school, including her best friend (Kay Panabaker), she is pushed to a breaking point. Taylor’s mom, Kris (Kelly Rowan), reels from the incident and takes on the school system and state legislation to help prevent others from going through the same harrowing ordeal as her daughter. READ MORE HERE

WATCH THE FULL MOVIE BELOW:

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CYBERBULLYING TOOLS FOR PARENTS:

Why I Had to Talk to My Kids About Sex Offenders

I have always been fairly frank with my kids. I started the difficult conversations about things like sex, sexuality, drugs, and peer pressure when they were very young. As they grew older, the conversations evolved and I felt confident that they were comfortable talking to me. So, I patted myself on the back, thinking I’d done my job well. Last year, though, I was blindsided when someone in my family was sentenced on charges of possession of sexually explicit material. This was a difficult conversation I never thought to have with my kids — a conversation about child pornography and sexual predators. KEEP READING

How to Talk to Kids about Sexual Offenders

Talking with Kids About a Neighborhood Sex Offender 

Sex Offenders: What Should You Tell Your Children?

APRIL is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize that we each can play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in our communities. Child maltreatment is defined as “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” The four major types of child maltreatment, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse, affect millions of children each year. They often take place in the home and come from a person the child knows well – a parent, relative, babysitter or friend of the family.

29th National Symposium on Child Abuse

HUNTSVILLE, AL – Professionals in child abuse investigation and treatment are meeting this week in Huntsville, Alabama, including some from Arkansas. At the National Symposium on Child Abuse, they’ll get the latest research on such topics as trauma-focused therapy, sex trafficking and online exploitation. Many youngsters in abusive situations are now seen at Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), where they are interviewed by specially-trained investigators and receive medical treatment and counseling. READ MORE HERE

VIEW ITINERARY HERE

America’s Most Wanted Sex Trafficking Resources

The FBI is committed to ensuring that victims receive the rights they are entitled to and the assistance they need to cope with crime. Treating victims with respect and providing them with assistance benefits victims and helps us build better cases. Our resources include an Office for Victim Assistance at FBI Headquarters and victim specialists nationwide. (See Resource Links Below)  READ MORE HERE

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Printable Brochures/Handouts

- Child Pornography Victim Assistance - Children Affected by Crime - Coping After Terrorism for Injured Survivors - Coping After Terrorism for Survivors - Criminal Aviation Investigations - Financial Crime and You - Help for Victims of Bank Robbery  - Help for Victims of Crime - Help for Victims of Human Trafficking

Frustration with a crying infant is the number one trigger for the shaking and abuse of infants. The North American Click for Babies knitting campaign is currently underway to help spread awareness about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking a baby.  SBS/AHT (shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma) is a term used to describe the constellation of signs and symptoms resulting from violent shaking or shaking and impacting of the head of an infant or small child. READ MORE HERE

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Abundant information exists about SBS/AHT that makes it difficult to gather specific information which you seek. The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) has compiled articles and information from the wealth of knowledge and has recorded them in this section of the website. Among the information you’ll find in this section are:

• Signs and Symptoms of SBS/AHT
• Outcomes and Consequences of SBS/AHT
• Science Behind SBS/AHT
• Information on Infant Crying (#1 Trigger for Shaking)
• Specific Information for Medical Professionals, Legal and Investigative Professionals, Educators, and Parents and Caregivers
• Latest News Concerning SBS/AHT
• Glossary and Bibliography Resources

To stop child deaths and abuse, 8 common-sense reforms for DCFS

The Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services has been under much scrutiny lately, following a series of highly publicized child deaths, a disgusting case of child abuse in Palmdale and, more recently, the publication of a scathing internal report, which The Times wrote about in the Feb. 14 article, “Report excoriates L.A. County agency in child deaths, torture.” Contrary to what some people believe, front-line social workers — the men and women who struggle every day to keep children safe and families whole — have long been calling for departmental reforms. Our suggestions, which follow, are common sense. And they could make all the difference in improving the lives of thousands of children. READ THE 8 RECOMMENDED REFORMS HERE

The Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) is an international resource and training center at Alliant International University. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals on local, national and international levels by sharing & disseminating vital information, improving collaborations & networking, conducting research & trainings, assisting with direct professional services, program evaluation, & consulting to promote violence-free living.

The Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT) strives to be a comprehensive resource, training and research center dealing with all aspects of violence, abuse and trauma.  IVAT interfaces with Alliant International University’sacademic schools and centers, which provide resource support and educational training. Through a focus on collaborations with various partnering organizations, IVAT desires to bridge gaps and help improve current systems of care on a local, national, and global level. READ MORE HERE

What do we mean by childhood trauma?

Academics and practitioners often disagree over definitions of childhood trauma, and about how common it is. Nevertheless there is general agreement that childhood trauma is caused by abuse that falls into three categories. These are: emotional abuse; physical abuse; and sexual abuse. Although sexual abuse has traditionally been considered the most damaging, recent research shows that all three types of abuse can have serious consequences and result in difficulties for the subject which may continue into, or arise in, adulthood. READ MORE HERE

Child Trauma Academy

Your Child - Childhood Trauma and Its Effects

Early Childhood Trauma | National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Childhood Trauma Leaves Legacy of Brain Changes

Preventing Child Abuse

Secure and healthy families are the foundation of healthy and safe homes as well as strong communities. Exchange Clubs and Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Centers across the country help build this foundation. At the heart of our efforts is the Exchange Parent Aide program, facilitated through Exchange Club CAP Centers across the country. Parent Aides are trained and professionally supervised individuals who work in the homes of families to provide education and support. Parent Aides are mentors for families. In addition to the Parent Aide program, these centers also provide a variety of other supportive services. Exchange Club members support this effort in a variety of ways—from distributing educational information to volunteering to raising funds for CAP programs. READ MORE HERE

Learn About:

• Child Abuse and Neglect
• Parenting Cheat Sheets
• Parenting Articles
• Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Centers
• Additional Child Abuse Prevention Materials from Exchange

Parent Aide  Study Shows Success!

Special Child Abuse Prevention Kit

supported by a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation

TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Teen Dating Violence (DV) Prevention and Awareness Month is a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in teen and 20-something relationships and promote programs that prevent it during the month of February. The repercussions of teen dating violence are impossible to ignore – they hurt not just the young people victimized but also their families, friends, schools and communities. Throughout February, organizations and individuals nationwide are coming together to highlight the need to educate young people about dating violence, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse. READ MORE HERE

(SEE MORE RESOURCES BELOW)

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MORE RESOURCES:

• Break the Cycle
• National Dating Abuse Helpline
• Casa de Esperanza
• Futures Without Violence (formerly Family Violence Prevention Fund)
• Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community
• Loveisrespect
• Love Is Not Abuse
• Men Can Stop Rape
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• National Network to End Domestic Violence
• National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center
• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
• Start Strong: Building Healthy Teen Relationships
• VAWnet: National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women
• Women of Color Network

ARE SCHOOLS DOING ENOUGH TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN? ~ “BULLYCIDE” RATES ARE CLIMBING

Resolving a complaint about bullying often comes down to whom you believe. Not in the case of Kiefer Allan, a 15-year-old Sunlake High student whose harassment by a schoolmate was captured on a surveillance video, recorded as they rode home on the school bus one day last year. “He’s literally sitting on him,” said state Sen. Mike Fasano, a New Port Richey Republican, who viewed the video. “It’s clear that young man was bullied on that day, and probably other days.” The 22-minute video, obtained by News Channel 8 under Florida’s public records law, shows Kiefer minding his own business as a boy approaches and sits on him. Another boy tries to restrain Kiefer’s legs. They joke about sexually assaulting the much smaller Kiefer. They are surrounded by a rapt audience. The raw video is painful enough to watch, but the back story adds to the outrage for Kiefer’s family and friends. READ MORE HERE

Bully Facts & Statistics

Bullying and Suicide - Bullying Statistics

Student bullying on increase, federal statistics reveal

Foreign pedophile gangs are targeting YOUR children

Vulnerable British children are being targeted by pedophiles overseas who hack into their Facebook and Twitter accounts, a top police officer has warned. Peter Davies, chief executive of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, said foreign predators access children’s social networks then blackmail them into carrying out sexual acts while they watch via webcams. The prevalence of the internet has created the risk of forms of child abuse that did not previously exist, said Mr Davies, who has emphasized the need for parents to be vigilant of their children’s online activity. READ MORE HERE

MI Report: Cases of child abuse, neglect jump 92 percent in Ingham County

LANSING, MI — The rate of confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect in Ingham County jumped 92 percent from 2005-2011, according to a report released Thursday. Kids Count in Michigan, an annual report compiled by the Michigan League for Public Policy, ranks child well-being in each county and in the state as a whole. READ MORE HERE

Related: Statewide trends in Kids Count report show worsening well-being for Michigan’s children

SIOUX FALLS, SD -There have been several child abuse cases in the news recently.  And a child advocacy center in Sioux Falls is seeing more reported cases as well.  Dr. Nancy Free, the medical director at Child’s Voice, and Colleen Brazil, a forensic Interviewer, work hand-and-hand with victims of child abuse. They say child abuse cases are rising. “Every year our volumes increase by about 10 percent a year,” Free said.  ”Some of that might be related to increase numbers in children being abused, but some of that is because of better reporting, better recognition.” READ MORE HERE

How big business is stealing our little girls’ childhoods

What girls really, really want, according to Lego, is their very own version of the popular plastic bricks.So, recently, the company started producing five curvy plastic ‘friends’ who bake, home-make, decorate, style hair and shop. Plus a plastic female ghetto called Heartlake City, which somehow manages to thrive without any fire-fighters or policemen. READ MORE HERE

Parents can learn new strategies for coping with parenting challenges from the many articles and experts on the Web. I’ve tried to organize those Web resources so that you can find the specific information you need. But, when a real change is needed in your parenting approach, you know it. Healthy families seek help when they need it. If you need help changing your parenting approach, a structured parenting program will guide you through the process. Can’t make it to a local parenting class? You’re in luck, because parenting education on the Web is the next best thing. Check these online parenting classes then sign up for the one that appeals to you. READ MORE HERE

Why is it Important to Attend Parenting Classes?

Pupils and parents warned over new social networking website linked to teen abuse

Ways To Stop Sexual Abuse

There are ways to stop sexual abuse, as well as ways to prevent sexual abuse. If you watch certain news magazine shows (like Dateline’s To Catch a Predator), and certain day-time talk shows, you will have a warped view of the current picture of sexual abuse in this nation. Most children who are sexually abused are not attacked by strangers, or by strange men on the Internet, or the creepy guy at the park. Fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, community leaders, cousins, siblings, step-siblings, and church officials are more likely to be the culprits when it comes to sexual abuse. But you are not helpless to stop them.

The first way to stop sexual abuse is to be vigilant. If your child began exhibiting classic signs of sexual abuse-odd or unaccounted for injuries, ripped clothing or underwear, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, hyper-sexuality, withdrawal-then you should investigate immediately. The second way to stop sexual abuse is to listen to your children and remove them from a dangerous situation. The third way to stop sexual abuse is to provide a safe environment for children who are in danger can go to. Children will not tell anybody what is happening to them unless they can find an adult they can trust completely. One who will believe them. One who will not blame the child for the situation. READ  MORE HERE

Child Abuse and Neglect
Recognizing, Preventing, and Reporting Child Abuse

Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, lasting scars. The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle—rather than perpetuating it. By learning about common signs of abuse and what you can do to intervene, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life. READ MORE HERE