I am S.A.

M FOUNDATION Toolkit for Child Abuse/ Child Prevention and Strategies Protocol
DEFINITION:
Child Abuse refers to the harm, or risk of harm, that a child or youth may experience while in the care of a person they trust or depend on, including a parent, sibling, other relative, teacher, caregiver or guardian. Harm may occur through direct actions by the person (acts of commission) or through the persons neglect to provide a component of care necessary for healthy child growth and development (acts of omission). While abuse is more active in the way it is inflicted, it is abuse when something is actually done to harm the child. In the case of neglect, harm comes to the child because something is not done which should have been. One similarity between abuse and neglect is that both if carried far enough, can be fatal. The I am S.A.M. Foundations objective and mission adheres to making the children of the 21st century aware of the forms of abuse, address when abuse is present and anchor on validation and selfworth of children as empowered human beings.

International Conventions and Declarations Three important International Instruments for the protection of Child Rights are:

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989, is the widely accepted UN instrument ratified by most of the developed as well as developing countries, including India. The Convention prescribes standards to be adhered to by all State parties in securing the best interest of the child and outlines the fundamental rights of children, including the right to be protected from economic exploitation and harmful work, from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and from physical or mental violence, as well as ensuring that children will not be separated from their families against their will. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is also applicable to girls under 18 years of age. Article 16.2 of the Convention lays special emphasis on the prevention of child marriages and states that the betrothal and marriage of a child shall have no legal effect and that legislative action shall be taken by States to specify a minimum age for marriage. SAARC Convention on Prevention and Combating Trafficking in Women and Children for Prostitution emphasizes that the evil of trafficking in women and children for the purpose of prostitution is incompatible with the dignity and honour of human beings and is a violation of basic human rights of women and children.

Childrens Rights to Protection from Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation and Violence Key child protection articles in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are Articles 9(family separation), 10 (family reunification across borders), 11 (illicit transfer of children), 16(right to privacy, honor and reputation), 19 (protection from violence, injury, abuse, neglect, maltreatment or exploitation), 20 (alternative care), 21 (adoption), 22 (refugee children), 23(disabled children), 24 (harmful practices), 25 (periodic review of alternative care), 32(economic exploitation), 34 (sexual abuse and exploitation), 35 (abduction, sale or trafficking of children) , 36 (other forms of exploitation), 37 (juvenile justice and protection from torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment), 38 (protection in armed conflict),39 (recovery and reintegration) and 40 (children in conflict with the law). Articles that are not protection rights but represent important approaches to securing childrens protection rights include Articles 5 (support for the parent, extended family and community); 7 (birth registration and protection of identity), 18 (parental responsibility), 26 (social security), 27 (adequate standard of living and social protection), 28 & 29 (education), and 31 (play and leisure). In addition, Articles 2 (non-discrimination), 3 (the best interests of the child), 4 (accountability), 6 (survival and development) and 12 (childrens right to be heard) are all essential complements to the above articles.

TYPES OF ABUSE There are four basic types of child abuse. Each one has its own definition, examples, and signs. Parents and educators need to know what to look for to be able to address the abuse. It is a good opportunity for educators and others who work with children to take some time to become familiar with the different types of child abuse that exist, so that they may recognize when problems occur and assist in getting students the help they need. A familiarization with the four types of child abuse will help educators and youth workers stay alert for signs that children may need their help. Four types of Child Abuse according to the UK Government guidance Working Together to

Safeguard Children 2010:

1. Physical Abuse Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.It may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates symptoms of, or induces illness in a child.
The physical signs of abuse may include: unexplained bruising, marks or injuries on any part of the body multiple bruises- in clusters, often on the upper arm, outside of the thigh cigarette burns human bite marks broken bones scalds, with upward splash marks multiple burns with a clearly demarcated edge. Changes in behavior that can also indicate physical abuse: fear of parents being approached for an explanation aggressive behavior or severe temper outbursts flinching when approached or touched reluctance to get changed, for example in hot weather depression withdrawn behavior running away from home.

2. Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional ill treatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent effects on the childs emotional development, and may involve:
Conveying to a child that s/he is worthless, unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as s/he meets the needs of another person Imposing developmentally inappropriate expectations e.g. interactions beyond the childs developmental capability, overprotection, limitation of exploration and learning, preventing the child from participation in normal social interaction Causing a child to feel frightened or in danger e.g. witnessing domestic violence, seeing or hearing the ill treatment of another

Some level of emotional abuse is involved in most types of ill treatment of children, though emotional abuse may occur alone. Just as all types of child abuse have an emotional component; all affect the emotions of the victims leading to:

Low self-esteem Depression and anxiety Aggressive behavior/anger issues Relationship difficulties Alienation and withdrawal Personality disorders Clinginess, neediness Flashbacks and nightmares

Many adults who were abused as children find it difficult to trust other people, endure physical closeness, and establish intimate relationships. There are six well-known types of emotional abuse. a) Rejecting Parents or caregivers who display rejecting behavior toward a child will often [purposefully or unconsciously] let a child know, in a variety of ways, that he or she is unwanted. Putting down a child's worth or belittling their needs is one form these types of emotional abuse may take. Other examples can include telling a child to leave or worse, to get out of your face, calling him names or telling the child that he is worthless, making a child the family scapegoat or blaming him for family/sibling problems. Refusing to talk to or holding a young child as he or she grows can also be considered abuse. constant criticism name-calling telling child he/she is ugly yelling or swearing at the child frequent belittling and use of labels such as "stupid" or "idiot" constant demeaning jokes verbal humiliation constant teasing about child's body type and/or weight expressing regret the child wasn't born the opposite sex refusing hugs and loving gestures physical abandonment excluding child from family activities treating an adolescent like he is a child expelling the child from the family not allowing a child to make his own reasonable choices

b) Ignoring Adults who have had few of their emotional needs met are often unable to respond to the needs of their children. They may not show attachment to the child or provide positive nurturing. They may show no interest in the child, or withhold affection or even fail to recognize the child's presence. Many times the parent is physically there but emotionally unavailable. Failing to

respond to or interact with your child, consistently, constitutes emotional and psychological abuse. no response to infant's spontaneous social behaviors failure to pay attention to significant events in child's life lack of attention to schooling, peers, etc. refusing to discuss your child's activities and interests planning activities/vacations without including your child not accepting the child as an offspring denying required health care denying required dental care failure to engage child in day to day activities failure to protect child c) Terrorizing Parents who use threats, yelling and cursing are doing serious psychological damage to their children. Singling out one child to criticize and punish or ridiculing her for displaying normal emotions is abusive. Threatening a child with harsh words, physical harm, abandonment or in extreme cases death is unacceptable. Even in jest, causing a child to be terrified by the use of threats and/or intimidating behavior is some of the worst emotional abuse. This includes witnessing, hearing or knowing that violence is taking place in the home. excessive teasing yelling, cursing and scaring unpredictable and extreme responses to a child's behavior extreme verbal threats raging, alternating with periods of warmth threatening abandonment berating family members in front of or in ear range of a child threatening to destroy a favorite object threatening to harm a beloved pet forcing child to watch inhumane acts inconsistent demands on the child displaying inconsistent emotions changing the "rules of the game" threatening that the child is adopted or doesn't belong ridiculing a child in public threatening to reveal intensely embarrassing traits to peers threatening to kick an adolescent out of the house

d) Isolating A parent who abuses a child through isolation may not allow the child to engage in appropriate activities with his or her peers; may keep a baby in his or her room, not exposed to stimulation or may prevent teenagers from participating in extracurricular activities. Requiring a child to stay in his or her room from the time school lets out until the next morning, restricting eating, or forcing a child to isolation or seclusion by keeping her away from family and friends can be destructive and considered emotional abuse depending on the circumstances and severity.

leaving a child unattended for long periods keeping a child away from family not allowing a child to have friends not permitting a child to interact with other children rewarding a child for withdrawing from social contact ensuring that a child looks and acts differently than peers isolating a child from peers or social groups insisting on excessive studying and/or chores preventing a child from participating in activities outside the home punishing a child for engaging in normal social experiences

e) Corrupting Parents who corrupt may permit children to use drugs or alcohol, watch cruel behavior toward animals, watch or look at inappropriate sexual content or to witness or participate in criminal activities such as stealing, assault, prostitution, gambling, etc. Encouraging an underage child to do things that are illegal or harmful is abusive and should be reported. rewarding child for bullying and/or harassing behavior teaching racism and ethnic biases or bigotry encouraging violence in sporting activities inappropriate reinforcement of sexual activity rewarding a child for lying and stealing rewarding a child for substance abuse or sexual activity supplying child with drugs, alcohol and other illegal substances promoting illegal activities such as selling drugs f) Exploiting Exploitation can be considered manipulation or forced activity without regard for a child's need for development. For instance, repeatedly asking an eight-year-old to be responsible for the family's dinner is inappropriate. Giving child responsibilities that are far greater than a child of that age can handle or using a child for profit is abusive. infants and young children expected not to cry anger when infant fails to meet a developmental stage a child expected to be 'caregiver' to the parent a child expected to take care of younger siblings blaming a child for misbehavior of siblings unreasonable responsibilities around the house expecting a child to support family financially encouraging participation in pornography sexually abusing child or youth

FACT: Children and youth who witness family violence experience all six types of emotional abuse.

3. Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse involves 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. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

4. Neglect Neglect involves the persistent failure to meet a childs basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the childs health and development. It can be a difficult form of abuse to recognize, yet have some of the most lasting and damaging effects on children. The physical signs of neglect may include: constant hunger, sometimes stealing food from other children constantly dirty or smelly loss of weight, or being constantly underweight inappropriate clothing for the conditions. Changes in behavior which can also indicate neglect may include: complaining of being tired all the time not requesting medical assistance and/or failing to attend appointments having few friends mentioning being left alone or unsupervised. Neglect can be classified into three types:

a. Physical Neglect

Failure to provide adequate food, clothing, or hygiene Not paying attention to childs safety, both at home and outside, such as drunk driving with kids in the car, leaving a baby unattended etc Indifference or refusal to provide children the necessary health care Abandoning children without providing for their care or driving them out of home without arranging for their care

b. Educational Neglect

Not enrolling a child in school Permitting or creating reasons whereby a child misses too many days of school Not paying attention to a childs special educational needs

c. Emotional Neglect

Inadequate nurturing or display of affection Permitting or turning a blind eye to spousal abuse Permitting a child to drink alcohol or use recreational drugs Failure to intervene and prevent a child's antisocial behavior Refusal of or delay in providing necessary psychological care

***Bullying Bullying is not defined as a form of abuse in Working Together but there is clear evidence that it is abusive and will include at least one, if not two, three or all four, of the defined categories of abuse. Bullying is not always easy to recognize as it can take a number of forms. A child may encounter bullying attacks that are: physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, pinching and other forms of violence or threats verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, persistent teasing emotional: excluding (sending to Coventry), tormenting, ridiculing, humiliating. Persistent bullying can result in: depression low self-esteem shyness poor academic achievement isolation threatened or attempted suicide Signs that a child may be being bullied can be: coming home with cuts and bruises torn clothes asking for stolen possessions to be replaced losing dinner money falling out with previously good friends being moody and bad tempered wanting to avoid leaving their home aggression with younger brothers and sisters doing less well at school sleep problems

anxiety becoming quiet and withdrawn

~ The only reason why child abuse is alive today, is because we as adults fail our children when we fail to listen to them. Listen to a child today! ~ Heather McClane

**The definitions used are not meant to be definitive, but only serves as a guide to assist educators. It should also be noted that children may exhibit some of the signs and symptoms of abuse at some time due to other but non-specific environmental factors. I am S.A.M Foundation releases this prevention protocol in an effort to address the concerns on child abuse and to shatter the silence experienced by the abused children.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS? Some factors can increase the risk for abuse or neglect. The presence of these factors does not always mean that maltreatment will occur. Children are never to blame for the harm others do to them. Age. Children under 4 years of age are at greatest risk for severe injury and death from abuse. Family environment. Abuse and neglect can occur in families where there is a great deal of stress. The stress can result from a family history of violence, drug or alcohol abuse, poverty, and chronic health problems. Families that do not have nearby friends, relatives, and other social support are also at risk. Community. On-going violence in the community may create an environment where child abuse is accepted

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CHILD ABUSE? Child ABUSE has a negative effect on health. Abused children often suffer physical injuries including cuts, bruises, burns, and broken bones. In addition, maltreatment causes stress that can disrupt early brain development.2 Extreme stress can harm the development of the nervous and immune systems. As a result, children who are abused or neglected are at higher risk for health problems as adults. These problems include alcoholism, depression, drug abuse, eating disorders, obesity, high-risk sexual behaviors, smoking, suicide, and certain chronic diseases. Children who have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused not only suffer a wide range of effects from their victimization, but are at greater risk to be abused again.

Even those who seem to be handling their abuses are concerned that:

it might happen again they did something wrong future relationships might be abusive

Just as all types of child abuse have an emotional component, all affect the emotions of the victims. These effects include

Low self-esteem Depression and anxiety

Aggressive behavior/anger issues Relationship difficulties Alienation and withdrawal Personality disorders Clinginess, neediness Flashbacks and nightmares Many adults who were abused as children find it difficult to trust other people, endure physical closeness, and establish intimate relationships. Child abuse can play itself out not only in how its victims feel but in what they do years later. Children who suffer abuse have much greater chances of being arrested later as juveniles and as adults. One of every three abused or neglected children will grow up to become an abusive parent. Other behavioral effects include Problems in school and work Prostitution Teen pregnancy Suicide attempts Criminal or antisocial behavior Alcohol and drug abuse Eating disorders