Domestic Violence and Children

Domestic violence is a devastating social problem that impacts every segment of the population. While system responses are primarily targeted toward adult victims of abuse, increased attention is now being focused on the children who witness domestic violence. Studies estimate that 10 to 20 percent of children are at risk for exposure to domestic violence (Carlson, 2000). These findings translate into approximately 3.3 to 10 million children who witness the abuse of a parent or adult caregiver each year (Carlson, 1984; Straus and Gelles, 1990). Research also indicates children exposed to domestic violence are at an increased risk of being abused or neglected. A majority of studies reveal there are adult and child victims in 30 to 60 percent of families experiencing domestic violence (Appel and Holden, 1998; Edleson, 1999; Jaffe and Wolfe, 1990).

Children who live with domestic violence face increased risks: the risk of exposure to traumatic events, the risk of neglect, the risk of being directly abused, and the risk of losing one or both of their parents. All of these may lead to negative outcomes for children and may affect their well-being, safety, and stability (Carlson, 2000; Edleson, 1999; Rossman, 2001).

Childhood problems associated with exposure to domestic violence fall into three primary categories:
• Behavioral, social, and emotional problems. Higher levels of aggression, anger, hostility, oppositional behavior, and disobedience; fear, anxiety, withdrawal, and depression; poor peer, sibling, and social relationships; and low self-esteem.
• Cognitive and attitudinal problems. Lower cognitive functioning, poor school performance, lack of conflict resolution skills, limited problem solving skills, pro-violence attitudes, and belief in rigid gender stereotypes and male privilege.
• Long-term problems. Higher levels of adult depression and trauma symptoms and increased tolerance for and use of violence in adult relationships.

Children's risk levels and reactions to domestic violence exist on a continuum where some children demonstrate enormous resiliency while others show signs of significant maladaptive adjustment (Carlson, 2000; Edleson, 1999; Hughes, Graham-Bermann & Gruber, 2001).

Protective factors, such as social competence, intelligence, high self-esteem, outgoing temperament, strong sibling and peer relationships, and a supportive relationship with an adult, can help protect children from the adverse affects of exposure to domestic violence.

From: Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2009

Investment in child-focused services must continue

In response to a study published in Pediatrics Monday, which revealed an increase in child abuse since the start of the economic recession in the U.S. in 2007, Jim Hmurovich, President of Prevent Child Abuse America, released the following statement:


"During these continuing difficult economic times, it would be easy to forget that investments in innovative programming focused on services such as home visiting and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention must continue, despite financial constraints. It's also easy during tough times to minimize the importance of such services, which places additional stress on parents, teachers and other members of the community who play a role in child development.


"However, this study demonstrates that continued investment in prevention services is absolutely necessary. Parents, teachers and community members depend on the support of these services and that's why Prevent Child Abuse America helped found the National Movement for America's Children. We're working to create a National Strategy for America's Children, to ensure that policies and programs are put in place and maintained to provide every child in America with an equal opportunity for a healthy childhood and development.


"Spending vs. cutting is a debate we've held in our country many times. Yet, absent from the discussion is the question of how we, as a nation and a society, ensure our economic stability, while also recognizing the critical economic importance of healthy child development."


###




ABOUT PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AMERICA
Prevent Child AbuseAmerica, founded in 1972, works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide while recognizing that child development is a building block for community development and economic development. We believe that communities across the country are doing innovative things with great results to prevent abuse and neglect from ever occurring, and what we need to do as a nation is commit to bringing this kind of ingenuity to communities everywhere. Based in Chicago, Prevent Child Abuse America has chapters in 47 states and 387 HealthyFamilies America sites in 36 states.

Posted by Prevent Child Abuse America
Labels: Healthy Families America, National Movement for Americas Children, Prevent Child Abuse America, The Journal of Pediatrics

Food Safety & Kids

The first thing I thought about when hearing this topic was, “Never bite something that can bite you back!” Or, if your cream cheese has a molehair coat…throw it out! But food allergens have become a growing concern for our families. The FDA has included these foods of the top 8 major dietary allergens: (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and crustacean shellfish.) These should be marked on product and ingredient labels. BUT minor ingredients may not be so clear.

Common signs of a food allergy reaction can include:

Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting, colic, diarrhea, or bleeding
Skin reactions, like hives, swelling or eczema
Respiratory distress, such as upper respiratory congestion, throat swelling, or wheezing
OR a life threatening condition like anaphylactic shock.

Please read on for a wonderfully concise and inclusive article from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/anaphylaxis-10/food-allergies-smart-choices


Serving our kids wholesome meals daily is a lot of work. But seeing them grow and thrive is well worth the effort!


Carol Cochard Pool, PCAIN Prevention Education Specialist

FOOD SAFETY AND KIDS

Hum, the first thing I thought about when hearing this topic was, “Never bite something that can bite you back!” Or, if your cream cheese has a molehair coat…throw it out! But food allergens have become a growing concern for our families. The FDA has included these foods of the top 8 major dietary allergens: (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and crustacean shellfish.) These should be marked on product and ingredient labels. BUT minor ingredients may not be so clear.

Common signs of a food allergy reaction can include:

Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting, colic, diarrhea, or bleeding
Skin reactions, like hives, swelling or eczema
Respiratory distress, such as upper respiratory congestion, throat swelling, or wheezing
OR a life threatening condition like anaphylactic shock.

Please read on for a wonderfully concise and inclusive article from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/anaphylaxis-10/food-allergies-smart-choices

Serving our kids wholesome meals daily is a lot of work. But seeing them grow and thrive is well worth the effort!

Carol Cochard Pool, PCAIN Prevention Education Specialist