Child Abuse Exam 1

Who are the most common abusers of children?

parents or primary caregivers, most often the mother (especially in neglect cases).

What does ACE stand for?

Adverse Childhood Experiences — a measure of trauma’s long-term effects on health and development.

What is Abusive Head Trauma?

A brain injury caused by violently shaking or striking a child; it includes Shaken Baby Syndrome.

What is acute abuse?

One-time or isolated incident

What is chronic abuse?

Ongoing, repeated abuse over time

What’s the link between animal abuse and people abuse?

Individuals who abuse animals often also abuse humans, especially in domestic violence situations.

What is the Authoritarian Parenting Style?

Strict, high control with little warmth; “my way or the highway.” Often linked to fear-based compliance.

What is Battered Child Syndrome?

A pattern of injuries is found in children who are repeatedly physically abused.

What does Bowlby’s Attachment Theory focus on?

The bond between child and caregiver; disruptions can lead to emotional and social difficulties later in life.

Types of burns common in abuse cases?

Steam and dry burns — known as thermal burns. “Glove” or “stocking” burns suggest forced immersion.

What are bruises called medically?

Ecchymosis

What is CAPTA?

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, a federal law that sets standards for child protection systems.

What is Chapter 980 (Wisconsin)?

A law for the civil commitment of sexually violent persons after prison; costs are much higher than normal incarceration.

Common characteristics of neglectful parents?

Substance abuse, poor coping skills, isolation, mental health issues, and lack of parenting knowledge.

What is Confirmation Bias?

Only seeing evidence that supports your beliefs while ignoring what doesn’t.

What is consent (WI & nation)?

WI age of consent = 18; varies by state but generally 16–18 nationally.

When do most kids crawl?

6-10 months

When do most kids walk?

12-15 months

What does CSA stand for?

Child Sexual Abuse.

4 explanations for higher CSA risk?

1. Vulnerability/age,

2. Lack of supervision,

3. Step-parent/non-biological caregiver,

4. Family dysfunction.

Steps in CSA?

1. Grooming,

2. Access,

3. Secrecy,

4. Disclosure,

5. Denial/suppression.

CSA victim demographics?

Majority are girls; most offenders are known/trusted by the child.

Do all CSA victims show behavior changes immediately?

No — some show signs later or not at all.

What is deferred gratification?

The ability to delay pleasure for a greater future reward.

Why is child abuse hard to detect?

Fear, hidden injuries, and abuser control make disclosure difficult.

3 questions to determine abuse vs. accident?

1. Is the explanation consistent?
2. Does it match the child’s development?
3. Is there a pattern of injuries?

What is dissociation?

Mental escape or detachment from a traumatic event.

3 stages of domestic violence?

1. Tension-building,

2. Explosion/acute violence,

3. Honeymoon/reconciliation.

Over time, abuse becomes more ______ and ______.

Frequent and severe

Why doesn’t the abused person leave?

Fear, isolation, finances, or threats. Better question: Why doesn’t the abuser stop?

Highest-risk time for homicide in DV?

When the victim tries to leave.

Most murders in WI result from?

Domestic violence or family conflict.

Most dangerous room? Deadliest room?

Kitchen; bedroom.

WI arrest policy for DV calls?

Mandatory arrest of the primary aggressor.

What is the Lautenberg Amendment?

Bans convicted domestic abusers from owning firearms.

Is DV random?

No — it’s a pattern of power and control

Tracy Thurman’s case was based on what amendment?

14th Amendment; led to stronger DV laws.

Effects of DV exposure on kids?

Fear, anxiety, aggression, withdrawal, sleep issues.

Elizabeth Smart – significance?

Kidnapped at 14, later became child safety advocate.

Emotions from 2 months–5 years?

• 2 mo: joy, sadness, anger

• 6 mo: stranger anxiety

• 18–24 mo: self-awareness/empathy

• 3–5 yrs: emotional control and understanding others.

4 functions of emotions?

1. Communicate,

2. Influence behavior,

3. Aid decisions,

4. Build relationships.

FGM stands for?

Female Genital Mutilation.

Current FGM law?

Illegal federally and banned in most states (including WI).

What is Failure to Thrive?

Poor physical growth or development, often due to neglect.

What is Filicide?

Parent killing their own child.

What is Grooming?

Gaining a child’s trust to prepare for abuse through manipulation.

What is Hindsight Bias?

Thinking “I knew it all along” after the fact.

Ideal vs. Non-ideal victims?

innocent, helpless and then blamed or doubted

Intergenerational abuse?

Cycle of abuse repeating across generations.

First responder’s responsibility at abuse scene?

Ensure safety, document, and report to CPS — don’t interrogate.

3 pitfalls in investigations?

1. Bias,

2. Miscommunication,

3. Mishandled evidence/interviews.

Jaycee Lee Dugard case?

Kidnapped for 18 years; led to reforms in parole monitoring

What is the Just World Hypothesis?

Belief that people get what they deserve — fuels victim-blaming

What is the Looking Glass Self?

We form our self-image by how we think others see us.

Why use “maltreatment” instead of “abuse”?

It covers neglect and emotional harm, not just physical/sexual abuse.

What is the multidisciplinary approach?

CPS, police, doctors, and others work together on cases.

3 pitfalls of multidisciplinary approach?

1. Communication issues,

2. Power struggles,

3. Poor coordination.

Who are mandated reporters?

Professionals legally required to report suspected abuse (e.g., teachers).

Who reports the most abuse cases?

Education staff

If a report is unsubstantiated, what does that mean?

It doesn’t mean abuse didn’t happen — just not enough proof.

Penalty for not reporting?

Possible fines, job loss, or legal action.

What is Neglect?

Failure to meet a child’s basic needs (food, shelter, medical, emotional).

Problems defining neglect?

Cultural differences, poverty confusion, subjective standards.

Types of neglect?

Physical, educational, emotional, and medical.

What is Polyvictimization?

Experiencing multiple forms of abuse (e.g., physical + sexual).

What is Resiliency?

The ability to recover from trauma with positive coping and support.

Positive influences against maltreatment?

Stable caregiver, supportive adults, strong community, education.

Risk factors for being abused or abusive?

Poverty, substance abuse, mental illness, isolation, stress.

Role of CPS?

Assess risk, ensure child safety, provide services or remove child if needed.

Role of police in child abuse cases?

Investigate crimes, collect evidence, protect child.

Self-concept vs. Self-esteem?

Self-concept = how you see yourself; Self-esteem = how you feel about yourself.

Socio-cognitive deficits?

trouble understanding social cues or empathy (often seen in neglected kids).

Why are state data comparisons difficult?

Different definitions, reporting systems, and resources.

Subtypes of physical abuse based on abuser behavior?

Explosive, instrumental (discipline-based), emotional, or spurning (verbal rejection/humiliation).

What is a subdural hematoma?

Brain bleed under the skull — common in shaken baby cases.

What is WI’s “Abusive Head Trauma” law?

Wisconsin uses “Abusive Head Trauma” instead of “Shaken Baby Syndrome.”

Teen pregnancies and abuse?

Higher rates of abuse history and higher risk of neglecting their own children.

Types of child abuse & neglect?

Physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, and neglect.

WI “Cocaine Mom” Law?

Allows detaining pregnant women using drugs/alcohol that could harm the fetus.

“Unsubstantiated” means what?

Does not mean false — just not enough evidence or family couldn’t be located.

What is Victim-Blaming?

Holding the victim responsible for the abuse.

Top 2 “weapons” of child abuse

Hands and belts; if fatal, usually blunt objects.

3 major risk factors for maltreatment?

Poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence.

3 major protective factors?

Supportive relationships, community resources, stable environment.

Why is knowledge of emotional/social development important for professionals?

It helps identify abnormal behavior or developmental red flags related to abuse.

4 sources of self-esteem?

Family, peers, achievements, and self-image.

Behavioral signs of emotional abuse/neglect?

Withdrawal, aggression, anxiety, low self-esteem.

Potential obstacles in maltreatment investigations?

Potential obstacles in maltreatment investigations?

WI connection between neglect and poverty?

Poverty increases neglect risk but doesn’t always equal neglect.

Mandated reporters must report to whom?

Child Protective Services (CPS) — immediately, by phone or written report.

CPS does not have to investigate if...?

The report doesn’t meet the legal definition of abuse or the child isn’t in danger.

CPS must alert law enforcement in all suspected ______ cases.

Sexual abuse cases.

Law enforcement must alert CPS in ______ reported cases.

All suspected child abuse or neglect cases.