first crime and victim test flashcards

Signs and symptoms of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation

Dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, shift in blood flow from limbs to core, decreased dexterity, adrenaline release, rapid breathing, tunnel vision, auditory exclusion, and freezing.

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

The autonomic nervous system branch responsible for baseline body functioning, commonly termed 'rest and digest'.

Key difference between stress and trauma

Stress is temporary, whereas trauma produces longer-lasting physical and psychological impacts.

Psychological effects of trauma

Depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, involvement in the justice system, and heightened risk of suicide.

Victimization rate of children relative to other demographic groups

Children constitute the most victimized group in society.

Battered Child Syndrome

A medical diagnosis established following child abuse studies in the 1960s.

Type of fracture that led to the recognition of child abuse

Radial fractures.

Ancient Roman view of children

Children were legally and socially viewed as property.

Structural brain changes resulting from trauma

Shrinkage of the prefrontal cortex (reducing higher thought processing) and growth of the amygdala (causing emotional and fear responses to dominate).

Reasons children are targeted for abuse and victimization

They are smaller, less capable of defense or escape, cannot choose their family environment, and may lack awareness that they are being victimized.

ACEs

Adverse Childhood Experiences.

'Lizard' or 'cockroach' brain

The most primitive part of the brain focused on basic survival.

Complex trauma

Trauma occurring repeatedly over a prolonged period of time.

Difference between child abuse and child neglect

Abuse involves direct harmful actions (physical, sexual, emotional trauma), whereas neglect involves withholding basic necessities (food, shelter, medical care, clothing).

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to adapt, heal, and reorganize after stress or trauma.

Primary hormone released in the brain in response to stress or trauma

Cortisol.

Long-term health effects of elevated cortisol

Brain cell death leading to long-term cognitive and mental health damage, alongside physical issues like weight gain and suppressed immune function.