Facts
True or False:
Child abuse is rare
False.
There are over a 100,000 cases of child physical abuse a year
What is child physical abuse?
When someone physically injures a child, even if the injury was unintentional. Examples of injuries can be red marks, cuts, bruises, sprains, or broken bones.
What are some common feelings that kids experience when they have been physically abused?
Each child who is physically abused responds to it in his or her own different way. But there are some common feelings that kids may experience, like: confused, sad, angry, embarrassed, and scared. Many kids feel guilty because they think the physical abuse was their fault. Lots of kids who are physically abused feel like they did something bad. Therapy is a place to talk about feelings and learn ways to feel better.
When you are feeling depressed or any other type of negative emotion, is it healthier to keep it in and not say anything or let a trustworthy adult know how you are feeling?
Let a trusted adult know. They may have resources or ideas that you haven't thought of or heard of to help you cope with what you're feeling.
True or False:
1 in 7 kids experienced child abuse in the last year
True
What is a physical abuser?
The person who physically abuses a child is called a physical abuser. Kids may be scared or angry at the abuser, or they may still like or love the abuser. Whatever the child feels towards the abuser is normal and okay.
What are some problems that kids might have when they have been physically abused?
Kids who have been physically abused often have nightmares or scary memories of the physical abuse that pop into their head. They may feel very nervous and jumpy. Some kids feel so angry that they lose their temper a lot. Some kids feel so scared or worried that they get frequent stomach aches or headaches. Children who go to therapy get help for these problems and learn ways to feel better.
True or False:
Individuals who are physically abused are messed up forever.
FALSE: Children who receive therapy can heal from physical abuse. Many children may become emotionally stronger and better able to cope with problems and life's challenges.
True or False:
Children ages 4-7 and 12-15 are at the greatest risk of being physically abused.
True.
Child physical abuse can happen at any age, though children 4-7 and 12-15 at the greatest risk.
What is trauma?
A trauma is when something really bad happens and it makes you feel very scared. Physical abuse is a trauma.
What might children worry about if they have been physically abused?
Children who have been physically abused might worry that the physical abuse will happen again or that something else bad will happen. They may worry that the abuser is angry at them for telling. Or they may have other worries. Therapy is a place where kids can talk about their worries and learn ways to cope with their worries.
What are three ways to appropriately relieve stress? For every additional coping skill you name your team earns 5 extra points. You may list up to 10 total.
Music; Walk; Read; Garden; Get a massage; Exercise; Cook; Do yoga; Deep Breathe; Write/Journal your feelings; Talk to a licensed therapist; Watch TV
True or False:
It's only physical abuse if they meant to hurt their child.
False:
Even accidental injuries of a child are considered physical abuse if the act that injured the child was done intentionally as a form of punishment
What is a trauma trigger?
A trauma trigger is something that reminds you of the trauma and it makes you feel very scared. The trauma trigger might be a person or place or even a smell or sound or anything else that reminds you of what happened. Therapy helps kids learn ways to deal with trauma triggers.
How come kids might feel like the physical abuse was their fault?
Kids may feel like the physical abuse was their fault because the abuser said it was punishment. They may feel like they made the abuser mad enough to hurt them. It is important for kids to understand that they are not in control of other's choices. Abuse is ALWAYS the abuser's fault no matter what.
Are children who are physically abused weird or bad?
Children who are physically abused are not weird or bad. There is nothing weird, wrong, or bad about you and there is nothing weird, wrong, or bad about your body.
True or False:
Good parents don’t get frustrated or angry with their children’s behavior.
False.
All parents get angry at their children sometimes. It is okay to be angry, but it is not okay to hurt a children in anger. Being angry is not an excuse for physical abuse.
Why do people physically abuse children?
We may never understand why people hurt kids. Some people may want control and will use violence to try to get it. Some people may not have the skills to parent children. Some may have been abused themselves and are just repeating they cycle. Whatever the reason people may have, abuse is never ok.
What are some reasons why it's hard for kids to stop the abuse from happening?
They may feel scared or confused. The abuser may be bigger and stronger than the kid. Children are taught to obey adults. It's hard for kids to stop the abuse from happening.
How can talking about the abuse help kids feel better?
Talking about the abuse a little at a time can help the really scared feelings go away. One of the things that we will do in therapy is tell your story of what happened. Don't worry, we will do it when you are ready and we will talk about the details a little at a time to make it easier. Telling your story about the physical abuse will help you feel better.