Learn about child abuse—how to recognize it and break the cycle. Over the past ten years our awareness of the existence of family violence, sexual abuse, and neglect has increased dramatically. Before the 1980’s, family violence and sexual abuse was rarely reported to the authorities. Even today, a large number of victims never report the incidents to the authorities. We never seem to notice family violence until it is reported on the evening news. Then we wonder, “How could this happen? Why didn’t someone notice what was going on?” People in our neighborhoods are abused and we never question the bruises. We believe the stories – they fell or ran into a door. Or if we suspect, we justify ourselves by saying, “What if I’m wrong?” or “It’s not my concern.” Yet, approximately three lives a day are claimed by family violence. The family is a place where a child learns about the world. Living in a family where parents are physically or verbally abusive to each other, a child learns that: The world is an unstable and insecure place. Violence is the best way to solve problems. I have to be in control to be okay. It is my fault that my parents fight. People sometimes deserve to be hit Love is painful. Family violence is a broad heading – it can include physical mistreatment, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, and neglect. Every member of a family in which abuse occurs is affected. A husband that abuses his wife may eventually begin to abuse his children. An abused wife may take out her frustrations and anger on her children. Children who are abused or witness abuse may eventually abuse their children or elderly parents when they become adults. At the very least these children grow up to become emotional wastelands. Children growing up in violent homes may be: Angry and explosive Withdrawn Overly Mature Guilt-Ridden Distrusting Anxious Family violence is not caused by substance abuse, but is escalated by it. Substance abuse allows the normally abusive behavior of a person to have an outlet, an excuse to society for his or her behavior. It is a shame that as our society becomes a more addictive one, there will be more cases of abuse reported. Statistics show that 80% of abusers have been physically abused by parents or by spouses. This statistic shows that family violence is a circular chain that can only be broken by education and direct intervention. A violent crime is committed every 28 seconds in the United States. Professionals in human behavior can’t agree whether 30%, 40% or 50% of all abuse occurs in the home. They do all agree however, that substance abuse is involved in many cases. They also agree that the amount of family violence actually occurring is unknown. The victim’s fear of more violence, shame, humiliation, frustration, and personal guilt can be overwhelming. Most victims do not get help. They either don’t know where to get help or are afraid. We all agree that until the abuse stops, there is not a future for the generations to come. There are many factors that contribute to the incidence of abuse. Often, people can’t cope with problems. Here are a few characteristics of an abuser. Characteristics of an Abuser Emotionally immature Isolated from society Emotionally neglected or abused as a child Turns to their child to satisfy emotional needs Abuses child who has traits of someone they dislike Environmental conditions change i.e. finances, employment, and family Indications of Child Abuse Indications of Child Abuse Habitually missing school Unexplainable fears Bruises, welts, burns or other frequent injuries Fear of people or physical contact Loss of appetite Unhealthy, depressed appearance Exhibit learning problems that cannot be diagnosed How does sexual abuse affect children? Children who have been sexually abused learn that: I am powerless I cannot trust anybody People who love me hurt me Sex is the only way that I can get close to another person I am bad I caused the sexual abuse Children who have been sexually abused may often tell themselves that: It’s my fault because I did not say no My body felt good during the abuse I love the person who abused me Adults did not believe me Children who have been sexually abused may feel: Lonely and isolated Anxious Angry Children who have been sexually abused may suffer from: Low self-esteem Nightmares/flashbacks Difficulty drawing sexual boundaries (fear of physical touch or difficulty in saying no Break the deadly chain of abuse. If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, seek help immediately. Call your local police, a guidance counselor, child protective services or the Child Abuse Hotline. Child Abuse is a crime. Child Abuse Hotline (800)422-4453 National Family Violence Hotline (800)222-2000 Parents Anonymous (800)421-0353 Back to Crime Victim Information Copyright Humble Police Department © 2009 All Rights Reserved Location: 310 Bender Avenue Humble TX 77338 Phone: 281.446.7127 - Emergency: 9-1-1