Child Abuse + Neglect Flashcards
What are the 5 types of child abuse?
- Physical
- Emotional
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual exploitation
- Neglect
What can be some indirect ways adolescents may reach out to a teacher about abuse?
- In schoolwork
- “My friend has… “
What are some signs of physical abuse that teachers can notice about their students?
- Unexplained injuries (obviously)
- Flinching
- Emotional volatility (emulating a role model perhaps)
- And moooooore
What are some signs of sexual abuse or exploitation that teachers can notice about their students?
- Age-inappropriate sexual play
- Unexplained gifts
- Secretive behaviour
- Provocative sexual behaviour
True or False: engaging in deviant behaviours such as theft, fighting, arson, vandalism, etc. can be a sign of abuse.
True! These can be an unhealthy outlet for repressed feelings! Who would have thought!
What are some signs of neglect that teachers can notice about their students?
- Poor hygiene
- Lack of medical/dental attention
- Hoarding/stealing food
- Poor attendance
- Dressed inappropriately for weather
- And moooooore
True or False: A student who is reluctant to go home is likely being physically, emotionally, or sexually abused.
False. These things are true, but they may also be neglected! Yay!
True or False: students who are either unresponsive or hyper-responsive to affection may be experiencing neglect at home.
True. This is one of the telltale signs.
True or False: it is normal for students to take on a caregiver role and look after their younger siblings.
Hmmm… To a certain extent, but this can also be a sign of neglect! Stay vigilant!
True or False: as a teacher, you have the legal responsibility to report suspected harm, even if students tell you not to.
True! You need to do this or you are a villain!
True or False: as a teacher, you are responsible for working with your school administration to investigate suspected abuse or neglect.
False! Call MCFD, that ain’t your job.
True or False: when a student is disclosing important or sensitive information to you regarding their home life, it is important for your ears to be bigger than your mouth.
True. As long as by that you mean stay calm and listen wayyy more than you speak.
True or False: When a child is disclosing abuse to you, you should support them and tell them that everything will be alright.
False! Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Still be supportive, but don’t let time make a liar out of you.
True or False: when a child is disclosing abuse to you, it’s important to probe for every detail.
False. Only get the essential facts of “who”, “what”, “where”, “when”, and “how”. (avoid “why”!)
True or False: When a child has disclosed their abuse to you, it is important for you not to scare them with what will happen next.
True but False. You need to tell them what your next steps will be, but don’t scare them!
True or False: While a child is disclosing abuse to you, it is important to take detailed notes.
False! Don’t sit there like it’s a lecture, listen to the kid! Definitely take great notes ASAP afterwards though.
When a child is disclosing abuse or neglect to you, why is it important to avoid asking them “Why” questions?
We don’t want them to get the impression that there can be any excuse for these events. No blame can be placed on them.
True or False: if a student has a support worker because they’re being abused, you don’t need to report anything they disclose to you because it’s all being looked after.
False. What if it’s new? Or they haven’t told the worker? YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CHILD.
