Child, Elder, Intimate Partner Violence

What is Child Abuse?

Any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent, caregiver or another person in custodial role, that results harm, potential harm or threat to a child.

What are Acts of Commission?

Words or overt actions that cause any type of harm.

What are Acts of Omission?

A failure to provide basic needs or to protect from any type of harm.

What is Physical Abuse defined as, in regards to a child?

The intentional use of physical force that can result in a physical injury; includes hitting, kicking and burning.

What is Sexual Abuse defined as, in regards to a child?

Involves pressuring or forcing a child to engage in sexual acts; includes fondling, penetration and exposing sexual activities to a child.

What is Emotional Abuse defined as, in regards to a child?

Referes to the behavoirs that harm a childs self worth or emotional well being; includes name calling, shaming and rejection.

What is Neglect defines as, in regards to a child?

The failure to meet a childs basic physical and emotional needs; includes food, clothing, housing and medical care.

What are the consequences of Child Abuse?

• Physical Health

• Psychological Health

• Behavoiral consequences

What are the impacts of Child Abuse on society?

• Direct cost: Hospitalizations, foster care

• Indirect cost: Long term care, Lost productivity in schools and juvenile/criminal justice cost

What is Elder Abuse?

An intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in relationship involving an expectation of trust, that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult.

What is Physical Abuse defined as, in regards to an Elder?

When an elder expierences illness, pain, injury, functional impairment, distress or death as a result of the intentional use of phsyical force. Includes hitting, slapping and pushing.

What is Sexual Abuse defines as, in regards to an Elder?

Involves forced or unwanted sexual interactions of any kind with an older adult. Includes unwanted sexual contact, penetration and sexual harassment.

What is Emotional/Psychological Abuse defines as, in regards to an Elder?

Refers to verbal or nonverbal behaviors that inflict anguish, mental pain, fear or distress to an older adult. Includes humiliation, verbal/non verbal threats, harassment and geographic/interpersonal isolation.

What is Neglect defines as, in regards to an Elder?

The failure to meet an older adults basic needs. Includes food, water, hygiene and medical care.

What is Financial Abuse defined as, in regards to an Elder?

The illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an elders money, benefits, belongings, property or assets for the benefit of someone else other than the older adult.

What are the Impacts of Elder Abuse on the Individual

• Physical Health - minor cuts, bruises, head injuries, broken bones or premature death.

• Psychological - Increased anxiety or fear

• Behavioral - Decreased trust in others

What is Intimate Partner Violence?

The abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship, refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners.

What is Physical Abuse defined as, in regards to IPV?

When a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.

What is Sexual Violence defined as, in regards to IPV?

Forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sexual act, sexual touching or non-physical events, when the partner does not, or cannot consent.

What is Stalking?

A pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for ones own safety or the safety of somone close to the victim.

What is Psychological Aggression?

The use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another person mentally or emotionally and/or to exert control over another person.

What is the CA state law in regards to Child, Elder and IPV?

Medical Personnel are legally required to report suspected abuse of any kind.

What level of proof is required for a mandated reporter to report suspected child or elder mistreatment?

Reasonable suspicion only.

No proof or certainty is required.

Is the name of the mandated reporter exposed?

The name of the mandted reporter is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

What is the State law for Mandated reporters for civil/crimincal court?

Mandated reporters cannot be held liable when repoprting is required

What is the Federal law for Mandated reporters for civil/crimincal court?

Under federal law mandated reporters only have immunity for reports made in good faith

What are the consequences in California if tehy mandated reporter fails to report?

Considered a misdemeanor

Punishable by 6 months in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine

How do Mandated reporters report?

By phone - Immdeiatly or ASAP

In writing - Within 36 hours, must be sent, faxed or electronically submitted.