Family Violence
Most likely to disclose to
1. Close friend 2. Mother 3. Teacher
Neonaticidal mothers
75% fit common profile Not mentally ill No history of arrest Often deny their pregnancy Most deliver the baby on their own, in secret Most recover sufficiently and resume their lives
Neglect of neglect
80s term coined showing neglect is not at the forefront
Factors predisposing to overcome child's resistance
A child may be emotionally insecure, deprived, or lacking in sexual experience or knowledge Victim may feel powerless
Victim's relationship to perpetrator
A close relative makes the victim less likely to disclose
Battered child syndrome
A medicolegal term that describes the diagnosis of a medical expert based on scientific studies that indicate that when a child suffers certain types of continuing injuries, those injuries were not caused by accidental means
Exertion of power or control
Abuse of power to achieve sexual intent
Physical child abuse
Any act that results in a nonaccidental physical injury by a person who has care, custody, or control of a child
Frequency, severity, duration
As severity increases, negative outcome increases
Personalistic theory of child neglect
Attributes child neglect to individual personality characteristics of the caretakers
Non-contact CSA
Behavior that does not involve contact Not typically the first type of CSA that is thought of
Age of children who are physically abused
Birth to 5 years old most commonly
Gender of children who are physically abused
Both but boys are at a slightly greater risk
Pattern burns
Burns caused by holding or pressing a portion of the child's body against a hot object
Transactional theories of CPA
CPA results when aggravating factors out weigh compensatory factors at each ecological level; address risk and protective factors
Response of others
Can determine how a victim will recover
Disability and physical abuse
Characteristics of disability increase their risks
Characteristics of victims
Children that are vulnerable/needy in some way (visible grooming process) Using seduction, enticement Socially isolated or left alone and unsupervised
Characteristics of children who have been emotionally neglected
Clingy and indiscriminate attachment Fearfulness--exaggerated Depressed, withdrawn, apathetic Sleep, speech, or eating disorders Substance abuse Antisocial, destructive, behavior Enuresis and encopresis Habit disorders (biting, rocking, whining, picking at scabs)
Multidimensional approach of incest
Combines a number of the preceding theories to explain the incest taboo
Poverty and substance abuse
Correlates and single-factor variables related to family violence
Post-partum depression
Create problems providing optimal care for child Only a small number of women experience psychosis, few harm their babies Experienced by 11-16% of mothers
Risk factors associated with the parent-child relationship: characteristics of a parent
Deficits in parenting skills Typically a victim as well (polyvictimization) Frequent spanking
Results of neglect
Delayed consequences Vary based on frequency and duration
Four factors that increase child exploitation
Demand for children in the workforce and sex trade makes child exploitation economically successful Growth of the tourist industry feeds the demand for children who are exploited Lack of enforceable laws allows for the kidnapping and continued exploitation of children Growth of the sex industry encourages child exploitation with its need for more and more young children
Trauma symptoms
Development of trauma symptoms increase the likelihood of the abused becoming an abuser
Behavioral indicators of child neglect
Developmental lags Begs or steals food, forages through garbage; always hungry Destructive to self and/or others; extremes in behavior--aggressive and withdrawn; hyperactive Assumes adult responsibilities or acts in pseudomature fashion; exhibits infantile behavior; delinquent behavior Depressed/apathetic Frequent school absences or chronic tardiness; seeks attention and/or affection Hypochondria
Physical indicators
Difficulty walking or sitting Torn, stained, or bloody underwear Genital/anal itching, pain, swelling, or burning Genital/anal bruises or bleeding Frequency urinary tract or yeast infections Pain on urination Poor sphincter control VD Pregnancy Chronic unexplained sore throats Frequent psychosomatic illnesses Loss of appetite
Feminist theory
Dislike gender neutral studies because male data is applied to females IPV is primarily male-female violence Poor explanation for child abuse
Socioeconomical status of children abused
Disproportionately shown among lower SES
Reasons for chronic neglect
Due to: lack of knowledge Lack of skills Lack of resources Multiple treatment intervention Longterm consequences
Reasons for nonchronic neglect
Duress Overwhelming events Problems
Indications of sexual abuse
Early warnings of sexual abuse may take the form of indirect statements made by the child or acted out in play Subtle signals such as a child describing a sexual event without identifying himself as the victim or naming the offender Making odd statements to test the water
Behavioral indicators of child abuse
Easily frightened or fearful of adults and parents, physical contact, or when other children cry Destructive to self and/or others Extremes of behavior: aggressive or withdrawn Poor social relations Learning problems, poor academic performance, short attention span, delayed language development Runaway or delinquent behavior Reporting unbelievable reasons for injuries Complains of soreness or moves awkwardly Accident-prone Wears clothing that is clearly meant to cover the body when not appropriate Seems afraid to go home
Strongest predictors of neglect
Economic disadvantage Single parent, female HoH Neglectful mothers have low levels of positive interactions High levels of family stress (not integrated into the community, poor social support system) Have children at a young age Low levels of achievement
Motivation to abuse sexually
Emotional congruence, sexual arousal, and blockage Arousal occurs when the child becomes the source of sexual gratification
Non-accidental bruises may include:
Eyes-bilateral black eyes Ear lobe-pinch and pull marks Cheek-slap marks, squeeze marks, or gag marks Upper lip-bruises Scalp-bare head and broken hair, bruises Neck-choke marks Upper arms-grab marks Chest-fingertip encirclement marks Inner thighs-pressure marks and fingertip marks Genitals-pinch marks and wrapping of penis Ankles/wrists-Tethering or friction burn marks Feet-pen or razor tattoo marks
Effects of neglect
Failure to thrive (nonorganic)
Most likely offender
Family member as offender (most common) Acquaintances as the offender Strangers as the offender (least common)
Consistent findings for female perpetrators (CSA)
Fondling/Touching is the most frequent type Perpetrator grew up in highly dysfunctional families Suffered sexual abuse during childhood Manifests as inadequate social skills Cognitive distortions
Female
Gender more likely to disclose
Age of adults who physically abuse children
Higher among individuals who have children when they're young
Biological theory of incest
Holds that prohibiting sexual relations between family members is a method of ensuring survival of the human race, and that such activity causes recessive or defective genes to multiply, resulting in deformity.
Psychological theory of incest
Holds that the taboo against incest is a method of preventing family members from engaging in unconscious sexual desire with other family members
Murray Straus
Hypothesized that four standards not only permit, but encourage family violence Patriarchal influence
Nonorganic failure to thrive
If the infant is under the fifth percentile in both height and weight If the infant at one time weighed and was the height of a height within the expected norm
Transition rings
Impromptu gatherings that come together for the purpose of selling photos and trading sex, and victims may be traded among members at this time
Intrafamilial sexual abuse
Incest and reference to any type of exploitative sexual contact occurring between relatives
Child sexual abuse (CSA)
Is multifaceted and complex What behaviors are classified culturally as sexual abuse Intentionality of the perpetrator
Demand factors increasing a child's vulnerability to trafficking
Lack of schools or ability to attend them Family violence Consumerism Gender discrimination Ethnic discrimination
Female perpetrators (CSA)
Less than 10% of perpetrators Vastly underreported
Risk factors associated with situational and societal conditions
Low SES Single parent household Large family size Family disorganization Receives public assistance Power differentials Approval/glorification of violence Use of corporal punishment
Inconsistent findings for female perpetrators (CSA)
Male vs. female victims Whether they are coerced by males or act alone Whether female offenders suffer significant psychopathology Younger versus older children
Murray Straus standards
Men, rightfully, have greater authority Males aggressiveness is a sign of maleness The wife/mother role is the preferred status for women The criminal justice system is male dominated and thus may provide little relief for women
Neglect
Most difficult type of child abuse to define Culturally different
Severity of abuse
Most harmful over long period Contact abuse were more likely to report
4 preconditions model of sexual abuse
Motivation to abuse sexually Overcoming internal inhibitors Factors predisposing to overcome external inhibitors Factors predisposing to overcome child's resistance
Economic theory of child neglect
Neglect is caused by stress as a result of living in poverty
Shaken baby syndrome
Neurological damage caused by shaking a baby violently back and forth
Emotional neglect
Not showing affection Acts or omissions that are judged by community standards and professional expertise to be psychologically damaging of the child
Various types of neglect
Nutritional neglect Personal hygiene neglect Healthcare neglect Household sanitation Inadequate shelter Forcing a child out Abandonment Supervisory neglect Educational neglect Emotional neglect Fostering delinquency
Age
Older children are more likely to report
Overcoming internal inhibitors
Overcome by use of alcohol or drugs Existing psychosis Inability of the offender to identify with the needs of the victim Weak criminal sanctions against offenders Child pornography
Causes of NFTT
Parental depression, stress, marital strife, divorce Parental history of abuse as a child Mental retardation and psychological abnormalities in the parents Young and single mothers without social supports Domestic violence Alcohol or other substance abuse Previous child abuse in the family
Parenting difficulties of adults who physically abuse children
Parenting is stressful Low levels of stimulation and interaction with children Unrealistic expectations Disregard for child's needs Deficits in child management Negative attitudes towards children Poor problem solving skills
Forms of child sexual abuse
Pedophilia Incest Child pornography
Biological factors of adults who physically abuse children
Physical disabilities Sensitivity/tendency to overreact
Physical indicators of child neglect
Poor growth pattern Constant hunger, malnutrition Poor hygiene, body odor, and lice; inappropriate clothing Constant fatigue; listlessness; falls asleep in class Consistent lack of supervision, especially for long periods or in dangerous conditions Unexplained bruises or injuries as a result poor supervision Unattended physical problems or medical needs such as lack of proper immunizations, gross dental problems, needs glasses/hearing aids
Characteristics of perpetrators
Poor impulse control Use of alcohol/drugs Cognitive distortion ANtisocial disregard for others Sexual attraction/fantasies of children Inadequacy/dependency Sensitive about sexual performance
Adverse outcomes of children who are abused
Poor physical health Poor emotional and mental health Social difficulties Cognitive dysfunction High-risk health behaviors Behavioral problems
Child physical abuse
Poor school achievement (decreased cognitive development) Behavioral problems (noncompliance issues, delinquency, criminal offenses) Socioemotional deficits (avoidance of adults, peer rejection, poor interaction skills) Psychiatric disorders (BPD, depression, ODD, ADHD, PTSD) SA problems Socioemotional (suicidal ideation and detachment)
Supply factors increasing a child's vulnerability to trafficking
Poverty Desire for a better life Ignorance by parents and children of the consequences of leaving home to work Demand for cheap migrant labor Size of the tourist industry Lack of the implementation and enforcement of laws Growth of the sex industry
Why males are not likely to report
Pressure not to express homosexuality Feeling of lessened masculinity Boys normally do not have to account for their movements and are given greater degrees of freedom and less protection through supervision Stereotypes lead us to look for abuse with girls, not boys
Regressed offender
Primarily chooses young females as his victims Able to maintain the appearance of a heterosexual relationship with someone his own age
Characteristics of child death from abuse or neglect
Prior or current contact contact with CPS Types of abuse or neglect that led to the child's death Ages of the child victims
Extrafamilial sexual abuse
Refers to exploitative sexual contact with perpetrators who may be known to the child (neighbors, babysitters, live-in partners)
Subtypes of psychological/emotional neglect
Rejecting Degrading/Spurning Terrorizing Isolating Corrupting
Psychological neglect
Repeated pattern of behaviors (flawed, endangered, worthless)
Common fractures in child abuse cases
Rib Humerus Femur Tibia Skull Hand Ulna Radius
Child attribution
Self-blaming can cause greater problems Higher IQ creates less problems Social support: Other parent, teachers, religious figure Family stress: high stress, less support
Incest
Sexual relations between blood relatives
Gender of child and parental type of adults who physically abuse children
Single parents Single parents with live-in partners are 10 times higher
Factors predisposing to overcome external inhibitors
Social situations such as the type and amount of supervision a child receives Lack of a parental figure close to or protective of the victim Unusual sleeping or living arrangements
Family and interpersonal difficulties of adults who physically abuse children
Spousal tension/abuse Isolation Deficits in positive interactions Intergenerational abuse Deficits in family cohesion
Psychopathological model
Stresses the characteristics of the abuser as the primary cause of abuse. The abuser's personality predisposes the abuser to injure the child.
Emotional and behavior difficulties of adults who physically abuse children
Substance abuse/dependency Depression Anxiety Low self-esteem Stress Anger control problems Deficits in empathy Rigid Low frustration tolerance Poor problem solving skills
Solo rings
Typified by an individual who keeps the sexual activity and pornographic material secret and does not inform or involve other adults
Physical indicators of child abuse
Unexplained bruises or welts that may be in various stages of healing, in clusters of unusual patterns, or on several different areas Unexplained burns in the shape of a cigarette, rope, or iron or caused by immersion which may appear socklike or glovelike Unexplained lacerations to mouth, lips, arms, legs, or torso Unexplained skeletal injuries, stiff swollen joints, or multiple or spiral fractures Missing or loosened teeth Human bite marks Bald spots Unexplained abrasions Appearance of injuries after school absence, weekend, or vacation
Explanations to be carefully evaluated by any professional in the field
Unexplained injury Impossible explanation Different versions of the incident Different explanations Delay in seeking medical attention
Fixated offender
Usually attracted to male children Unable to form a heterosexual relationship with someone his own age
Interactional model
Views child abuse as a result of a dysfuctional system
Environmental-sociological-cultural model
Views child abuse as a result of stresses in society
Ecological theory of child neglect
Views family behavior and neglect as a result of social causes
Intergenerational transmission
Violence is learned from one generation to the next
Syndicated rings
Well-organized businesses that recruit and peddle children to customers who desire certain types of sexual activity Very structured and engage in child pornography, prostitution, and other sexual activities
Risk factors associated with the parent-child relationship: characteristics of a child
Young age Physical/mental disability Insufficiently self-protective Difficult child behaviors
Munchhausen by proxy
adult caretakers falsify to medical personnel physical and/or psychological symptoms in a child to meet their own psychological needs
Mediators or moderators of abuse effects
frequency, severity and duration; polyvictimization; prior involvement with CPS; child's attributions; family stress, sociocultural factors; trauma symptoms; social support; child's temperament; child's relationship with abuser
Familial theory of incest
holds that this taboo establishes the father as the authority figure in the family and preconditions women to accept this domination in society
Long-term effects of CPA
injuries, pain, specific illness