Beyond cases reported to authorities, little knowledge exists on the types, amount, and effects of childhood victimization. Through a national survey of adolescents, researchers examined the prevalence of sexual assault, physical assault, physically abusive punishment, and witnessing an act of violence and subsequent effects on mental health, substance use, and delinquent behavior problems. Gender and racial/ethnic specific findings are translated into national estimates.
Research findings include (from the U.S. Department of Justice):
1. Rates of interpersonal violence and victimization of 12 to 17 year-olds in the United States were extremely high, and witnessing violence is considerably more common.
2. Black and native American adolescents were victimized more than whites, Hispanics, and Asians in each type of victimization. Much of the violence experienced by youths is perpetrated by peers or someone the victim knows well. Most sexual assaults (86 percent) and physical assaults (65 percent) went unreported.
3. A clear relationship exists between youth victimization and mental health problems and delinquent behavior. For example:
~ Negative outcomes in victims of sexual assault were three to five times the rate observed in non victims.
~ Girls who witnessed violence were nearly twice as likely as boys to experience post traumatic stress disorder.
This nationally representative sample does not include adolescents from homes without telephones and certain high-risk adolescents (i.e., those who were homeless or housed in jails, juvenile correctional facilities, or inpatient mental health treatment facilities).
These are disturbing statistics and are supported by the well known syndrome that rape cases go largely unreported. Many times, children are embarrassed to report abuse, especially sexual abuse, which allows the perpetrator more time to continue with the child (and others). The National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect estimates that there are almost one million children in the US that suffer life threatening physical violence each year.
Some parents believe that physical violence is a way of changing the child's behavior. They do not realize how much damage can be done to the child both physically and emotionally. Acting from "innocence," such parents can do irreparable harm to their own progeny.
It is essential that parents and family friends become aware of the abuse schemes that exist. That they observe any changes in the child's behavior. And, most importantly, is is absolutely necessary that parents be open with children and that children know they can be open with parents!
This and much more, abstracted from the book "Empowering Children." If you want to read more, see:
http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?isbn=0-7414-2331-6< /p>
Dr. Malkin holds a B.Sc. in Business and a Masters and Ph.D. in Religion. He has made hundreds of visits to schools with a moving and effective motivational presentation, urging teens to do their personal best. His mentoring programs have empowered many, many children. His quest for years has been to teach the power of Right Action, working towards the goal of a better world.
green cleaning service Park Ridge ..Levels of SafetyBy teaching our children there are different levels... Read More
One of the most important aspects of parenting, is ensuring... Read More
Remember when cash was a tangible commodity in all of... Read More
In speaking with parents a comment I frequently hear is... Read More
Once upon a time there was a beautiful bird whose... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
The key to a successful car wash fundraiser event is... Read More
Q: Whenever we tell my daughter "no," she just bugs... Read More
It may seem obvious to many people why literacy is... Read More
Anyone can splurge on a formal dinner or a pricey... Read More
What would it be like to have a clone? What... Read More
What Children Look for in a Friend?Is this child fun... Read More
"He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds... Read More
Maintaining a safe home environment for your childrenAs adults and... Read More
My husband and I have a 12-year-old daughter who wanted... Read More
If you spend any time in the parenting section of... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
There are a lot of sophisticated parenting theories and techniques... Read More
One reason public schools get away with educational failure, year... Read More
Incest is sexual activity, ranging from fondling to intercourse, between... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
Are you glad for the chance to put your child... Read More
Words are truly powerful things. They are something that becomes... Read More
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I... Read More
Past experience with federal education programs predicts that the No... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..Do you want to create a deeper, more loving relationship... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
Did you know there's a game children and parents play... Read More
The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More
Compulsory attendance laws are school authorities' first assault on parental... Read More
Researching career education uncovered the following shocking statistic: The average... Read More
I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is making... Read More
When it comes to the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity... Read More
This is one of the most common questions asked of... Read More
We know that you want your little guy or gal... Read More
Children bombard parents with many challenging behaviours. We are delighted... Read More
Last week in my newsletter, I mentioned that... Read More
Strattera came out around January of 2003, and is becoming... Read More
Time devoted the better part of an issue to it.... Read More
In stepfamilies, big holiday expectations can lead to big disappointment--and... Read More
"No thank you. Don't bother to send me the report... Read More
"I WON'T DO IT!" "YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!"Whether parent or... Read More
It can be difficult on all family members to have... Read More
When my oldest boy was really young, he tickled my... Read More
The most common medications used in the treatment of Attention... Read More
Just as every snowflake is unique, so is every child.... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comParents ? Minimize Homework Hassles?It's... Read More
To every thing there is a season, and a time... Read More
Parenting |