FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS/ANSWERS ABOUT CHILD ABUSE

•Is it only abuse if it’s violent?

Answer: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Neglect and emotional abuse can be just as damaging, and since they are more subtle; others are less likely to intervene.

•Is it only ‘’bad people” that abuse their children?

Answer: While it’s easy to say that only ‘’bad people’’ abuse their children, it’s not always so black and white. Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children. Many have been victims of abuse themselves, and don’t know any other way to parent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or a substance abuse problem.

•Does child abuse happen in ‘’wealthy’’ families?

Answer: Child abuse doesn’t only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. It crosses all racial, economic, and cultural lines.

Sometimes, families who seem to have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind closed doors.

•Most child abusers are strangers the children do NOT know?

Answer: While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or others close to the family.

Children who have been abused always grow up to be abusers?

Answer: It is true that abused children are more likely to repeat the cycle as adults, unconsciously repeating what they experienced as children. On the other hand, many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through and become excellent parents.

•How is the lack of parenting skills abuse?

Answer: Caregiver capacity the child would be at risk of harm without intervention. Some caregivers never learned the skills necessary for good parenting. Teen parents, for example, might have unrealistic expectations about how much care babies and small children need. Or parents who were themselves victims of child abuse may only know how to raise their children the way they were raised. In such cases, parenting classes, therapy, and caregiver support groups are great resources for learning better parenting skills.

•What are some parenting stresses?

Answer: Parenting can be a very time-intensive, difficult job, especially if you’re raising children without support from family, friends, or the community or you’re dealing with relationship problems or financial difficulties. Caring for a child with a disability, special needs, or difficult behaviors is also a challenge. It’s important to get the support you need, so you are emotionally and physically able to support your child.

•Name three types of Child Abuse?

Answer: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Neglect,

Abandonment/ Separation, and Caregiver capacity

If you suspect a child is being abused contact Akwesasne Child & Family Services at 613-575-2341 ext. 3139 or after hours @ 613-575-2000 and ask to speak with an ACFS on-call worker.

If a child lives with criticism

He learns to condemn

If a child live with hostility

He learns to fight

If a child lives with ridicule

He learns to be shy

If a child lives with shame

He learns to feel guilty

If a child lives with tolerance

He learns to be patient

If a child lives with encouragement

He learns confidence

If a child lives with praise

He learns to appreciate

If a child lives with fairness

He learns justice

If a child lives with security

He learns to have faith

If a child lives with approval

He learns to like himself

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship

He learns to find love in the world!!