This presentation discusses child abuse prevention and dispels common myths about child abuse. It defines abuse and provides statistics showing that abuse is far more common than believed, with over 4 children dying daily from abuse. Many myths are addressed and facts given, such as that most abuse is committed by someone known to the child, not a stranger. Types of abuse and reasons for non-reporting are also reviewed. Resources for reporting abuse or getting help are provided. The presentation aims to help change attitudes towards child abuse prevention.

1. Presented By: Myeshi Briley Child Abuse Prevention and Family Safety Skills

2. Myeshi Briley Myeshi Briley I support a variety of charitable organizations through the world. My passion is advocacy and education for helping children/adults .

3. Define: Abuse Definitions of abuse on the Web: mistreat: treat badly

4. ESCAPE MYTHS VS FACTS Myth about child abuse: Child abuse is a rare occurrence. Fact: Each day, more than 4 children die as a result of child abuse in the home. There are approximately 30,000 children that are on child protection registers and those are just from the cases that have been reported. One child dies each week from child abuse. Myth: Abused and neglected children almost always come from poor, minority, and/or inner-city families. Fact: There is no evidence that links socioeconomic status, race, or educational level to abuse and neglect. Child abuse occurs within every neighborhood and school community across the country.

5. ESCAPE MYTHS VS FACTS Myth: Sexual assault only happens to girls. Fact: We may not yet know the full extent of sexual assault against boys because of their tendency to not report. Current research, however, estimates that 1 out of 3-4 girls and 1 out of 4-6 boys will be sexually assaulted before their eighteenth birthday. Myth: Most children are sexually assaulted by a stranger. Fact: It is estimated that 80-85% of all child sexual assaults are perpetrated by an adult known and trusted by the child. Only a small percentage of perpetrators fit the stereotype of the stranger.

6. ESCAPE MYTHS VS FACTS Myth: Child abusers are easy to identify. Fact: Child abusers cannot be easily distinguished from others. They usually are not adults with mental illness or mental retardation. In fact, many offenders are up standing community citizens. Myth: Most children who are abused do something to cause the abuse to occur. Fact: The child is always the victim. The responsibility for the abuse lies solely with the adult. In the case of child sexual abuse, many offenders try to shift the blame for their actions by accusing the child of being seductive or promiscuous.

7. TYPES: 90% of all the sufferers know the abuser well

8. Why don't more people report child abuse? People may not recognize its signs and symptoms. This is true of both professionals and non-professionals. Others may not understand that they do not need proof to make a report. They just need to have good reason to believe that abuse is happening or has happened. Several other factors make people hesitate to report abuse. For example, people may: Feel that it is shameful and should be kept secret. Deny that child abuse and neglect are harmful. Fear what will happen if authorities get involved. Not know how to go about reporting abuse or finding help. Believe that children lie about being abused. Children almost never lie about being abused. Studies have found that this only happens less than 1-2% of the time.

9. Resource / Report to get Help If this is a life threatening or emergency situation, call your local law enforcement agency or 911 immediately. ESCAPE Texas Department of Family and Protective Service 1-800-252-5400Call our Abuse Hotline toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nationwide. www.txabusehotline.orgMake your report through our secure web site and you will receive a response within 24 hours

10. Resource /Report or get Help Texas Council on Family ViolenceDomestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (1-800-799-SAFE) 1-800-787-3224 (TDD) Local Women’s Shelter The Montgomery County Women's Center1600 Lake Front Circle #100P.O Box 8669The Woodlands, Texas 77387-8669crisis@mcwctx.org 24-Hour Crisis Hotline (936)-441-7273 Any person suspecting abuse and not reporting it can be held liable for a misdemeanor or state jail felony.

11. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month We can C.H.A.N.G.E. the way we THINK about child abuse prevention! C - Call and report child abuse and neglect as neededH - Honor, cherish, and respect childrenA - Attitudes towards parentingN - Never Ever Neglect your child(ren)G - Get involved in the child abuse prevention effortE - Educate yourself & the community on parenting skills

12. References: http://www.learntoparent.org/ http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Contact_Us/report_abuse.asp http://organizations.rockbridge.net/projecthorizon/cafactsandmyths.htm http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1W1SNNT_enUS337US337&defl=en&q=define:abuse&sa=X&ei=KfyYTLkLxPjwBs-dmOkP&sqi=2&ved=0CBIQkAE http://www.womanabuseprevention.com/html/question__7.html http://www.mcwcthewoodlands.org/abdbz.cfm

13. Any Questions ?