Dr LeCrone
05-21-2006, 09:50 PM
Last week we looked at some of the factors in the tragic problem of child abuse.
Physical and psychological abuse or neglect, along with sexual abuse, are areas that professional counselors look for in suspected abused children. Most states have laws which require professional people to report suspected neglect or abuse of any child. The Texas Family Code requires any person having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect shall report this to the Department of Human Resources.
If detected early, child abuse is a treatable problem. Abused children generally show dramatic improvement when they are removed from the abusive environment. Authorities in the field estimate that 80 to 90 percent of families where child abuse is going on can be rehabilitated with comprehensive and intensive treatment.
Children must be able to tell the truth. But often children are ashamed and afraid to talk about abusive incidents. At times they have been threatened with punishment if they tell anyone.
Individuals who suspect child abuse should encourage the child to talk about what is happening to them. The listener should offer encouragement, support, and a quiet sympathetic ear, but should not overreact or make the child more fearful. Sometimes it is necessary to talk to the child on several occasions before the full story evolves.
Abused and neglected children frequently show psychological signs of problems, such as withdrawal and lack of interest in activities that were previously stimulating. Nightmares and poor sleeping habits may develop suddenly and become chronic in nature.
They may show fear of new situations which were previously not associated with negative feelings or fear. They may refuse to go certain places where they enjoyed going before. Poor school performance may follow a previous record of good performance. Running away from home sometimes is related to abuse.
Parents of abused children often benefit from such fundamental and basic things as parenting skills. They may live in an environment of stress and pressure. Since many child abusers were once abused children, individual therapy and counseling sessions help them gain insight into the reasons behind child abuse and why they have repeated this cycle of abuse on their own children. They may need to learn new ways of coping with frustration and anger, unrealistic expectations and unmet emotional needs. Parents who can’t relate to other adults may expect a child to take care of their needs – satisfy their yearning for love, protection and self-esteem.
When confronted with child abuse, the abuser often becomes defensive and guarded. Providing this individual with understanding, support and reassurance is the first big step toward rehabilitation.
Since it is frequently necessary to remove the child, at least temporarily, from the environment in which the abuse occurred, the first phase of the treatment may be very difficult fro both parent and child. Parents and children should be reassured that one of the outcomes of rehabilitation will hopefully be reuniting the family. Parent education programs may also help give a better understanding of how to raise a child.
To report a case of child abuse, contact the Children’s Protective Services at 756-5571. The Family Abuse Center helps families in which abuse occurs. In the schools, teachers, nurses and counselors will help refer cases of child abuse or answer questions about agencies which will help. The important thing to remember about child abuse is to seek help and seek help early.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1984
Physical and psychological abuse or neglect, along with sexual abuse, are areas that professional counselors look for in suspected abused children. Most states have laws which require professional people to report suspected neglect or abuse of any child. The Texas Family Code requires any person having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect shall report this to the Department of Human Resources.
If detected early, child abuse is a treatable problem. Abused children generally show dramatic improvement when they are removed from the abusive environment. Authorities in the field estimate that 80 to 90 percent of families where child abuse is going on can be rehabilitated with comprehensive and intensive treatment.
Children must be able to tell the truth. But often children are ashamed and afraid to talk about abusive incidents. At times they have been threatened with punishment if they tell anyone.
Individuals who suspect child abuse should encourage the child to talk about what is happening to them. The listener should offer encouragement, support, and a quiet sympathetic ear, but should not overreact or make the child more fearful. Sometimes it is necessary to talk to the child on several occasions before the full story evolves.
Abused and neglected children frequently show psychological signs of problems, such as withdrawal and lack of interest in activities that were previously stimulating. Nightmares and poor sleeping habits may develop suddenly and become chronic in nature.
They may show fear of new situations which were previously not associated with negative feelings or fear. They may refuse to go certain places where they enjoyed going before. Poor school performance may follow a previous record of good performance. Running away from home sometimes is related to abuse.
Parents of abused children often benefit from such fundamental and basic things as parenting skills. They may live in an environment of stress and pressure. Since many child abusers were once abused children, individual therapy and counseling sessions help them gain insight into the reasons behind child abuse and why they have repeated this cycle of abuse on their own children. They may need to learn new ways of coping with frustration and anger, unrealistic expectations and unmet emotional needs. Parents who can’t relate to other adults may expect a child to take care of their needs – satisfy their yearning for love, protection and self-esteem.
When confronted with child abuse, the abuser often becomes defensive and guarded. Providing this individual with understanding, support and reassurance is the first big step toward rehabilitation.
Since it is frequently necessary to remove the child, at least temporarily, from the environment in which the abuse occurred, the first phase of the treatment may be very difficult fro both parent and child. Parents and children should be reassured that one of the outcomes of rehabilitation will hopefully be reuniting the family. Parent education programs may also help give a better understanding of how to raise a child.
To report a case of child abuse, contact the Children’s Protective Services at 756-5571. The Family Abuse Center helps families in which abuse occurs. In the schools, teachers, nurses and counselors will help refer cases of child abuse or answer questions about agencies which will help. The important thing to remember about child abuse is to seek help and seek help early.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1984