ARE YOU A VICTIM OF A VIOLENT CRIME ?

What is Family Violence?

It’s the mistreatment of any family member by another. Family Violence includes some of the following behavior:

Physical Abuse = slapping, hitting, burning, punching, etc.

Sexual Abuse = inappropriate touching, incest, rape.

Emotional Abuse = threats, put downs, harassment, intimidation.

Neglect = poor physical or emotional care.

Family violence often goes unreported because victims are ashamed about what has happened and hopeless about improving their situation. Witnesses may also fail to report family violence, thinking it’s “none of their business.”

In the meantime, family members suffer physical injuries, emotional pain, and economic loss.

Violence Often Follows A Vicious Circle

For example:

A husband may abuse his wife and children.

The wife may take out her frustration on the children.

Children who suffer or witness violence may abuse brothers and sisters, have problems in school, or later their in own families.

Victims may suffer:

Serious physical injury, even death

Emotional harm, such as depression, loss of self-esteem, anxiety, feelings of helplessness and worthlessness

Work problems, loss of job and income

 

Abusers may experience:

Loss of self-esteem, leading to continued violence

Legal problems, fines, and jail

Work problems, loss of job and income

Continued violence in their relationships, unless they seek and get help

 

Witnessed or suffered abuse as children. Violence is a learned behavior. Many abusers witnessed or suffered abuse earlier in life.

Have low self-esteem. People with a poor self image may use violence to feel important.

Have mental or emotional problems. People who are violent may have untreated mental or emotional problems.

Crave power. Some people see violence as a way to gain control over family members.

Abuse alcohol or other drugs. Substance abuse may contribute to violence, but it does not cause the violence to occur.

Family violence can happen to families of any economic or social class

Child Abuse is the mistreatment or neglect of a child.

Adults who abuse children often:

Lack maturity

Some parents are easily frustrated and overwhelmed by everyday problems.

Adults who don’t understand how to meet a child’s needs feel guilty. They may take these feelings out on the child.

If a parent doesn’t understand what a child can and cannot do , the parent may think the child is misbehaving.

Some family members may blame children for money problems or take their frustrations out on children.

Child abuse is especially tragic because children trust adults to keep them safe.

Child sexual abuse can start with inappropriate touching. Sexual abuse can include a family member as a perpetrator. Children may hesitate to come forward because they trust the perpetrator.

Other cases may go unreported if the child feels:

*Guilt *Confused

*Fearful *Threatened

*Isolated *Discouraged

*Children are groomed to keep secrets.

*Made to feel responsible

Sexual Assault:

A Sexual act done without the consent of the victim. It includes sexual harassment, rape, assault or penetration with objects other than a penis or non-penetration assaults of a sexual nature.

*REMEMBER*

Rape is not an act of sex. It is an act of

power and control and a crime of violence

and opportunity.