Mim Weber
|
Aboriginal Health
Paediatrics
Provision of aDTP
Table of Contents |
Domestic violence is child abuse
Domestic violence is a notifiable situation when children live in the house where the violence occurs. Although the children may not be directly involved in the violence, the following statistics highlight the need to protect children from violence in their home:- 70% of children living in violent domestic situations are themselves victims (Cahn, 1991). 100,000 women report domestic violence in NSW each year.
- 30-50% of men who abuse women also abuse their children (Besharov 1987, Browne and Saqui 1988, Walker 1984).
- Children from homes with domestic violence are 15 times more likely to be abused or neglected than the average child (National Woman Abuse Prevention Project 1989).
- Abused women are twice as likely to abuse their children (Stark and Flitcraft 1988).
- 45% of abused children had mothers who were also being abused (Stark and Flitcraft 1988).
- Men who beat their wives are more likely to sexually assault their children (Child Protection Council).
- Children are often caught in the crossfire of domestic violence as they try to protect one of the parents, or run for help. 80% of children living in violent families will witness an assault at some time (Sinclair 1985).
Emotional abuse and neglect
Emotional abuse and neglect can have a powerful and lasting impact on a child. Children who come from some families are more at risk of this type of abuse. The following parents are more at risk of emotionally neglecting or abusing their children:- Parents who are emotionally immature (dependent, demanding, low frustration tolerance, inability to appreciate the child's needs of appreciate the consequences of their own actions).
- Parents who are experiencing emotional problems (ie. chronic anxiety, depression).
- Parents with psychiatric problems, intellectual disability, and chronic alcohol and other drug abuse.
Children who experience continual scapegoating, severe verbal abuse, or continual rejection are being abused.
Physical abuse and neglect
The primary indicators of physical abuse are injuries to the skin, face or head, burns, eye injuries, brain injuries, abdominal injuries or bone injuries. If physical injuries are observed, the following issues should be considered:- Does the explanation adequately explain the nature and extent of the injuries, the position of the injury, the physical setting or the child's developmental stage?
- Does this child have a history of injuries and accidents?
- Does the child have multiple injuries (particularly injuries of varied age)?
- Was the injury treated promptly?
- Has this child been taken to a variety of doctors or hospitals?
- Are there other indicators that abuse might be occurring?
Why should I notify, DOCS wont do anything anyway?
There are instances when DOCS (Department of Community Services) are unable to act because they do not have sufficient evidence to convince the court that action should be taken. Sometimes it is the receipt of information from one more source than enables them to put together a clear picture of abuse, and mandates them to intervene. If you notify and DOCS appears not to take action, notify again and again, each time you become aware of the suspected abuse situation. Your repeated notifications may form a vital part of the total picture.If I notify will I have to go to court?
Of all of the notifications DOCS receives, approximately 50% are substantiated. Of that 50%, only about 5% go to court and of that 5%, only a small proportion are contested. Going to court therefore is not an automatic consequence of notifying.Mim Weber
Child Protection Coordinator
Northern Rivers Area Health Service
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