Dr LeCrone
05-31-2006, 12:08 PM
Last week I looked at some of the factors in the tragic problem of child abuse.
Most states have laws that require professionals to report suspected cases of physical or psychological abuse or neglect or sexual abuse of any child. The Texas Family Code requires any person who believes a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect must 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. It is estimated that 80 percent to 90 percent of families where child abuse is involved can be rehabilitated with comprehensive and intensive treatment.
Children do tell the truth. But often the child is ashamed and afraid to talk about abusive incidents. They may have been threatened with other punishment if they tell anyone.
Individuals who suspect child abuse should encourage the child to talk about what is happening. The listener should offer encouragement, support and a sympathetic ear, but should not overreact or make the child more fearful.
Abused and neglected children frequently show psychological signs of the problem, such as withdrawal and lack of interest in activities that were previously stimulating. Nightmares and poor sleeping habits may develop suddenly performances may follow a previous record of good performance. Running away from home is sometimes related to abuse.
Parents of abused children often benefit being taught fundamental parenting skills. They may live in a stressful environment. 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. They may need to lean 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 satisfy their need 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 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 treatment may be difficult for both parent and child. Parents and children should be reassured that one of the outcomes of rehabilitation will hopefully be a reunion within the family.
In our community, to report a case of child abuse contact the Children’s Protective Services at 756-5571. The Family Abuse Center helps families where abuse occurs. In the school teachers, nurses and counselors can refer cases of child abuse or answer questions about agencies that will help. The important thing to remember about child abuse is to seek help early.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1989
Most states have laws that require professionals to report suspected cases of physical or psychological abuse or neglect or sexual abuse of any child. The Texas Family Code requires any person who believes a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect must 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. It is estimated that 80 percent to 90 percent of families where child abuse is involved can be rehabilitated with comprehensive and intensive treatment.
Children do tell the truth. But often the child is ashamed and afraid to talk about abusive incidents. They may have been threatened with other punishment if they tell anyone.
Individuals who suspect child abuse should encourage the child to talk about what is happening. The listener should offer encouragement, support and a sympathetic ear, but should not overreact or make the child more fearful.
Abused and neglected children frequently show psychological signs of the problem, such as withdrawal and lack of interest in activities that were previously stimulating. Nightmares and poor sleeping habits may develop suddenly performances may follow a previous record of good performance. Running away from home is sometimes related to abuse.
Parents of abused children often benefit being taught fundamental parenting skills. They may live in a stressful environment. 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. They may need to lean 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 satisfy their need 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 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 treatment may be difficult for both parent and child. Parents and children should be reassured that one of the outcomes of rehabilitation will hopefully be a reunion within the family.
In our community, to report a case of child abuse contact the Children’s Protective Services at 756-5571. The Family Abuse Center helps families where abuse occurs. In the school teachers, nurses and counselors can refer cases of child abuse or answer questions about agencies that will help. The important thing to remember about child abuse is to seek help early.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1989