Physical Abuse
TRUE or FALSE: One in 14 kids are physically abused.
False, it's almost 1 in 3.
What are some examples of emotional abuse?
Put downs, threatening, humiliating, making jokes at your expense, makes you feel bad about your body, etc.
What is neglect?
When a parent shows a pattern of not providing necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, supervision or medical care. As a result of this, children’s physical, mental or emotional state can become compromised.
What is substance abuse?
Substance abuse is when someone drinks alcohol or smokes or takes drugs in a way that could lead to health, legal, and other problems.
TRUE or FALSE: Domestic violence is only physical.
False. Abusive actions against another person can be verbal, emotional, sexual, and physical.
TRUE or FALSE: Most kids tell when an adult abuses them.
False, most kids do not tell.
Is emotional abuse as serious as physical abuse?
Yes, emotional abuse can be as hurtful as physical abuse.
TRUE or FALSE, neglect is the most common form of abuse.
True. 60% of kids who experienced child maltreatment were neglected.
TRUE or FALSE: Substance abuse doesn't affect the way we treat others or our judgement.
FALSE. Substances impact our judgement and our ability to determine what is right and wrong.
TRUE or FALSE: Alcohol, drug abuse, stress, and mental illness cause domestic violence.
False. Alcohol use, drug abuse, and stress do not cause domestic violence. These things may go along with domestic violence, but they do not cause the violence. Many abusers will use these excuses for their actions.
What are some reasons a kid might not tell about physical abuse?
Fear that their parents will hurt them for telling, fear people won't believe them, shame, etc.
How might emotional abuse make a kid feel?
Worthless, low-self esteem, sad, hurt, angry, unloved, not cared for, guilty, etc.
TRUE or FALSE, abuse only counts if it's violent.
False. Neglect can be just as harmful as physical or emotional abuse.
What are some emotions a kid may have towards their parent who abuse drugs/alcohol?
Love, fear, guilty, worried, embarrassed, hate, confusion, and more
TRUE or FALSE: Children who have witnessed domestic violence may have stomach aches, headaches, trouble sleeping, and lose the ability to concentrate.
Fact. These are all very common physical responses.
Who's responsibility is it to make sure kids are safe and something is done when a child is abused?
An adult. The child is never at fault or responsible.
TRUE or FALSE: It is ok for adults to be angry, but it's not ok for them to abuse children with their words and actions.
True. Adults experience anger, but it is never okay for them to take their anger out on a child.
TRUE or FALSE, child neglect is always done on purpose.
False. Child neglect is not always on purpose. Sometimes, a caregiver becomes physically or mentally unable to care for a child. Other times, alcohol or drug abuse may affect the ability to keep a child safe. However, this is not an excuse for their actions.
TRUE or FALSE, less than 1 million children have at least one parent who abuses illegal drugs or alcohol.
False, more than 8 million children have at least one parent who abuses illegal drugs or alcohol.
TRUE or FALSE: Children often have mixed feelings about the person who is being violent, especially if they are a parent.
True. They might feel confused because they feel anger, love, fear, and respect at the same time for the same person.
What are some examples of physical abuse?
Punching, kicking, leaving bruises or marks, slapping, etc.
Can feelings sometimes make our body hurt?
Yes, sometimes feelings can make our body feel stressed and can sometimes feel like headaches, stomach aches, or other things.
Give an example of a parent's role vs. a kid's role
Possibly: A parent provides kids with basic needs (food/water/shelter), sets healthy boundaries, provides clean clothes, etc.
A kid helps out with reasonable chores, does their homework, goes to school, gets to have fun, etc.
What are some common reactions to trauma?
Crying, anxiety, feeling numb, mood swings, panic attacks, trust issues, self-harm, drug use, sleep issues, flashbacks, unwanted thoughts, trouble remembering what happened, low self-esteem, depression, restlessness, and more.
TRUE or FALSE: Witnessing domestic violence means only seeing it.
False. Witnessing can mean seeing violence, but it can also mean hearing threats or fighting noises from another room. It can also mean that children observe the aftermath of physical abuse, such as blood, bruises, tears, torn clothing, and broken items.