BELL WORK

Why do you think people who are abused are afraid to get help?

VIOLENCE

ABUSE

OBJECTIVES

• explain different forms of abuse.

• describe the effects of abuse on its victims.

ABUSE

Abuse is a problem that affects people of all ages, skin colors, and economic groups.

abuse The physical, emotional, or mental mistreatment of one person by

another

ABUSE

Abuse is a crime and is never the victim’s fault.

KINDS OF ABUSE

PHYSICAL

EMOTIONAL

NEGLECT

SEXUAL

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The most common type of abuse is domestic violence.

domestic violence Physical abuse that occurs in the family

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence is about power.

PHYSICAL ABUSE

When the victim is a small child, the abuser often makes up excuses for the child’s injuries.

Victims may make excuses for the abuser, which is called enabling.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Emotional abuse uses words or gestures to mistreat another person.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Emotional abuse may include yelling, bullying, teasing, or threats of violence.

NEGLECT

Children are the most common targets of neglect, but elderly people and people with disabilities may also suffer neglect.

neglect The failure to meet a person’s basic physical and emotional needs

EFFECTS OF ABUSE

Abuse can leave emotional scars that remain long after physical signs have gone away

EFFECTS OF ABUSE

Many victims of abuse go on to become abusers themselves.

PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES OF ABUSE

Impaired brain development

Impaired physical, mental, and emotional development

A “hyper-arousal” response by certain areas of the brain, which may result in hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances

Poor physical health, including various illnesses

M/E EFFECTS OF ABUSE

Increased risk for emotional problems such as depression, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder

Alcohol and drug abuse

Difficulty with language development and academic achievement

Suicide

SOCIAL EFFECTS OF ABUSE

Difficulty forming secure relationships

Difficulties during adolescence

Criminal and/or violent behavior

Abusive behavior

AFFECTED BY ABUSE

Whenever abuse is present in the family, all family members are affected.

AFFECTED BY ABUSE

Abused spouses are sometimes enablers in domestic violence by concealing the true nature of their injuries.

CYCLE OF ABUSE

Breaking the cycle of abuse can be difficult and often requires outside help.

cycle of abuse The pattern of repeating abuse from one generation to the next

BREAKING THE CYCLE

• If you suspect a friend is being abused, ask your friend and speak to a trusted adult.

• The first step to take if you are a victim of abuse is to confide in a trusted adult.

• Call a crisis hotline.crisis hotline A toll-free telephone service

where abuse victims can get help and provide information

ORGANIZATIONSChildhelp USA Child abuse victims, parents,

concerned individuals

Youth Crisis Hotline Individuals reporting child abuse, youth ages 12 to 18

Stop it Now! Child sexual abuse victims, parents, offenders, concerned individuals

National DomesticViolence Hotline Children, parents, friends, offenders

Girls and Boys Town Abused, abandoned, and neglected girls and boys, parents, and family members

REASONS VICTIMS DON’T REPORT

Victims may feel too ashamed to report the problem.

REASONS VICTIMS DON’T REPORT

Victims may fear that reporting the abuse will break up the family.

REASONS VICTIMS DON’T REPORT

Victims may have fears about getting someone in trouble with the law.

REASONS VICTIMS DON’T REPORT

Victims may have promised the abuser to keep the abuse a secret.

HELP

Most people need professional help to overcome the emotional trauma of abuse.

HELP

Teens who have been abused sometimes find comfort in group counseling sessions.

HELP

In extreme situations or ones where abuse is ongoing, abused family members may be sent to shelters.

HELP

The cycle of abuse will not end until someone reports the problem.