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DreamcatchersforAbused_Children
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- Peck, MI
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- Relationship Status:
- Married
- About Me:
- I am the CEO & Founder of DREAMCATCHERS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN which is a nationwide nonprofit 501(c)3 child abuse & neglect organization dedicated to child abuse awareness and education.
~DREAMCATCHERS FOR ABUSED CHILDREN~
***THEY'RE YOURS...THEY'RE MINE...THEY'RE OURS***
THEY BELONG TO ALL OF US AND IT'S OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO
ENSURE THAT THE CHILDHOOD WHICH WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM
THEM IS GIVEN BACK BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE. WE INVITE YOU TO
JOIN US IN OUR MISSION TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF ABUSE ONCE AND
FOR ALL SO THAT,ONE DAY,NO CHILD WILL BECOME A VICTIM OF ABUSE.
DEDICATED TO CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT AWARENESS & PREVENTION.
WE ARE A LEGAL PUBLIC CHARITY LISTED IN THE MYSPACE IMPACT AWARDS DIRECTORY AND GUIDESTAR'S NONPROFIT DIRECTORY.
***OUR MISSION STATEMENT***
OUR MISSION IS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON CHILD ABUSE SIGNS/SYMPTOMS, STATISTICS,
INTERVENTION, REPORTING, PREVENTION & TO ASSIST VICTIMS & SURVIVORS IN LOCATING THE
PROPER RESOURCES TO HELP ACHIEVE & ENABLE A FULL RECOVERY.
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~CHILD ABUSE IS KILLING OUR CHILDREN--
WHAT DO YOU INTEND TO DO ABOUT IT?~
The Mental, Physical and Sexual torture that pedophiles are putting our children through
is beyond all comprehension.Our children are growing up in a world that allows
the very people who are suppose to protect them to abuse them--
With only a slap on the wrist as punishment!
It is time to make Child Abuse a heinous crime with ZERO TOLERANCE!
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DID YOU KNOW?
*1 in every 3 girls will be sexually molested before the age of 18
*1 in every 6 boys will be sexually molested before the age of 18
*Every 10 SECONDS a child is abused, raped or killed in the U.S.
*Today up to 5 children will die from abuse or neglect
*In 13 seconds, another child will be abused in the U.S
*There were 2.9 million child abuse reports made in 1992
*ONLY 28% of the children identified as harmed by abuse are investigated
*85% of the 1.2 - 1.5 million runaways are fleeing abuse at home
*Today 6 children will commit suicide
*Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death (ages 15-24)
*Untreated child abuse increases the likelihood of arrest for a violent crime by 38 percent
*Today 3,086 public school students will be corporally punished & 3,356 high-school students will drop out
*60 MILLION survivors are former victims of child sexual abuse in America today
*38% of all women & 20% of all men have been sexually abused by the end of adolescence
*It is estimated that 3% - 6% of the clergy population has abused a child in their congregation
*The typical child sex offender molests an average of 117 children--most of whom do not report the offense
~~~ Imagine the outcry if these statistics represented a disease, which was wiping out 5 children per day, victimizing millions, and who's by-products where disabilities & expanding violence. Youth rights are really about human rights, and simple empathy is a giant first step to the benefits of increased awareness. The high jump in child abuse statistics shows the importance of youth rights by showing cases of frightening lack of knowledge!!~~~
....Go ahead....
IT'S TIME TO GET ANGRY ABOUT CHILD ABUSE IN OUR NATION!!
***ABOUT THE FOUNDER***
I continue to be asked over & over again "WHY DO YOU RUN THIS WEBSITE?"
I want everyone who reads this to know EXACTLY "why" .....
I am just a mother of FIVE beautiful children on a mission!
I was one of those parents who thought this type of thing would "never happen to me."
We lived in a small country town and my mother & stepfather babysat for me
to KEEP THEM SAFE FROM HARM while I struggled & worked the night shift.
I mean, if you can't trust your own family, who can you trust, right?
WRONG!!!
The day that I walked-in & caught my stepfather molesting my 5-year old innocent daughter
was the most HORRIFIC & TRAUMATIC moment of my life.
--My world (and hers) as we knew it had just permanently changed--
On our way to the police station she looked at me and saw me crying.
She was wrapped in only a light blanket--
It was the only thing I could quickly grab as I rushed out of the house with her.
She said, "Mom, don't cry. It's okay...We were just playing our secret game."
My heart SANK!!
How could I not have seen the signs?
Why didn't she tell me?
How did I not know?
I wanted this man to pay for what he did to my daughter!
He confessed to molesting my little girl from the age of 2-5 years old!
HE STOLE THREE YEARS OF HER INNOCENCE, TRUST & CHILDHOOD!
I went through every emotion possible from shock, denial,
depression & even suicidal--then finally anger.
Even though he was prosecuted & sentenced to 15 years for CSC 2nd Degree,
It still didn't seem like enough.
I actually went out & purchased my first handgun
With the intention of serving my own justice,
but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
My child had already been through enough trauma.
WOULD A JURY HAVE FOUND ME GUILTY?
It depends....
Because if any other parent had witnessed what I had to witness that horrific day,
By God, I cannot see how ANY jury could ever find a parent GUILTY!!
I am convinced that if I had known then, what I know now,
I would have seen the signs--I would have KNOWN something was wrong--I would have been able to STOP IT! I know how hard it is to comprehend HOW or WHY anyone would hurt our innocent children but, the reality is THEY DO. I have spent many hours working on my websites--hoping & praying to educate just ONE MORE PERSON--Because, for each new member educated on child abuse, is yet another chance of possibly saving an innocent child. My goal is to help educate others based on my own personal experiences, extensive research and firsthand knowledge of the turmoil, trauma and life-long effects abuse can have on your life.
Educate Yourself---Learn The Facts
It only takes a few minutes to look over our site
But, the knowledge gained will last you a lifetime.
It could just save a child's life!
TOGETHER WE "CAN" MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
CHILD ABUSE IS A MAJOR NATIONWIDE PROBLEM WHICH IS KILLING OUR CHILDREN! THIS WEBSITE WILL HELP EDUCATE YOU & GIVE YOU THE KNOWLEDGE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND CHILD ABUSE. OFTEN CHILDREN & TEENS ARE ABUSED BY THE PEOPLE WHO ARE CLOSEST TO THEM SUCH AS FAMILY, FRIENDS, BABYSITTERS, DAYCARE PROVIDERS, NEIGHBORS, TEACHERS, COACHES, PRIESTS, AND EVEN THEIR OWN PARENTS! THESE ARE THE VERY PEOPLE THAT OUR CHILDREN SHOULD FEEL THE SAFEST WITH. EVERYDAY IN THE UNITED STATES THOUSAND OF CHILDREN ARE ABUSED.
THAT ADDS UP TO MILLIONS OF CHILDREN EACH YEAR!
~~WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE~~
Child abuse is the physical, psychological or sexual maltreatment of children. While most child abuse happens in the child's home, a significant portion also occurs in organizations involving children, such as churches, schools, child care businesses, and residential schools. There are four major categories of child abuse: neglect, physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse and sexual abuse. There are different subcategories within each type of abuse.
It's easy to identify some forms of child abuse, but difficult for other forms.
The fact that a child experienced harm doesn't necessarily reveal abuse.
Child abuse is an action or inaction that harms a child.
The person responsible should have known their action or inaction was likely to cause harm.
Well, that's a very legalistic point of view.
Let me give you another one.
Child abuse, from the standpoint of the victim, is anything that harms you!!
~~SIGNS OF CHILD
ABUSE~~
* Unexplained bruises
* Self-destructive behaviors
* Welts, human bite marks, bald spots
* Unexplained burns, especially cigarette burns
* Unexplained fractures, injuries or abrasions
* Nervous, hyperactive, aggressive, disruptive and destructive behaviors
* Unusually wary of physical contact
* Unduly frightened of parent or caretaker
* Expresses little or no emotion when hurt
* Unduly shy, withdrawn and passive
~~Signs of physical abuse #1: Bruising~~
Bruising is the most common of abuse injuries. There are four factors to take into account when determining whether or not the bruising is suspicious: location, size, colour and frequency.
Location
Normal bruising can be found on the knees, shins, elbows, and the forehead. Toddlers are especially vulnerable to forehead bruising, as they frequently bump into furniture, counters, anything that is at their head level. But the size of the bruise(s), the colour, and the frequency in which bruising occurs can turn even normal bruising into suspicious bruising.
Suspicious bruising can be found on the face, head, chest, back, arms, genitalia, thighs, back of the legs, and buttocks.
Size
The size of the bruise(s) can tell us what object or body part the child was struck and/or harmed with. See under Beatings and Choking for more details on size of bruising.
Color
The color of the bruise(s) can tell us how fresh the bruise is and the force with which the child was struck. With Caucasian people, a bruise takes on a red, purple, black or blue appearance when it first appears, depending on the force of the blow. As the bruise heals it will turn green, then become a jaundice yellow before fading away completely. Though it seems obvious, I'll say it anyway: these changes in color will be difficult to see in dark-skinned children. Just remember that bruising is only one sign; keep reading for other signs.
Frequency
The more frequent the bruising incidents occur, the more likelihood of physical child abuse. The child may have a legitimate reason for the bruising, but if there are too many incidences, then the red flags of suspicion should go up.
~~Signs of physical abuse #2: Beatings~~
The pattern of bruising and/or abrasions will resemble the shape of the object or body part used. The most common are belts, sticks, bats, bottles, and fists), but children are frequently attacked with firearms and knives.
If a belt is used, there will be red welts that are the width of the belt. There may also be bruising, and/or bleeding. The length of the welt depends on how much of the belt came in contact with the skin. Typically, caregivers who use a belt will strike the buttocks, the back, and the backs of the legs.
If a child is beaten with a fist, the shape of the bruise(s) can be that of a whole fist, or the bruising can show up as a cluster of lines (the imprint of the fingers of the fist). If the knuckles were used, bruising will be a line of roundish discolorations that are somewhere between the size of a dime and a quarter, depending on the size of the fist. Caregivers who use their fists generally give blows to the face, head, chest, stomach, and arms. Injuries are often to the face and head: black eyes, bloody and/or broken nose, fat and split lips, swelling of the eyes, cheeks or jaw, bruising and abrasions to the side of the head. Broken ribs and internal injuries can also result with severe blows to the chest and stomach.
~~Signs of physical abuse #3: Burning~~
Burning is the third most frequent cause of death in children from 1 - 14 years of age, and the fourth most frequent in children under one year of age. 70 - 90% of childhood burns occur in the home during the winter months, early morning and late afternoons being the most vulnerable times.
There are several kinds of burns: chemical, cigarette, electrical, heat, and water burns. Each present their own unique signs of physical abuse.
With chemical burns on the skin's surface, depending on the chemical used, there can be a rash, blistering, and/or open sores that are pussing and/or bleeding. When caustic substances such as lye or acid are thrown, they are typically aimed at the child's face. If a child is forced to ingest chemicals, there will likely be nausea, vomiting, cramping, chest and abdominal pain, distention, and possibly unconsciousness.
Cigarette burns will be the size and shape of the cigarette tip. Typically, caregivers who burn children/youth with cigarettes do so on the backs of the arms, the buttocks, and the backs of the legs.
Electrical burns appear as black marks at the site of the burn, and can extend beyond, depending on the electrical appliance used, and the volts of electricity the child is exposed to. Size and shape are also determined by these latter two factors.
Heat burns such as that from a flame and/or flammable liquid can encompass any part of the body. If clothing is ignited, the whole body can be burned. Victims of this type of burning are often older children.
It is important to note here that not all water burns constitute signs of physical abuse. Accidental water burns generally appear as a splatter of splash burns. With non-accidental water burns, excessive splash marks will appear above the site of the primary impact, on body parts where accidental burning is unlikely. A child who is held under flowing hot water or immersed in scalding water will learn that the pain is lessened if they keep perfectly still. What results is what the medical profession calls the red sock or red glove. There will be a clear margin of bright red skin starting where the water line was and continue to all parts of the body that were immersed. Typically, the buttocks, legs, feet, and hands. Eventually, there will be peeling of skin layers.
~~Signs of physical abuse #4: Choking and Hanging~~
With these signs of physical abuse, a child who is choked will have bruising around the front and back of the neck that will resemble the fingers and thumb of the caregiver doing the choking. The bruising can also take the shape of a red band, depending on the pressure used, the length of time the pressure was exerted, and how much of the hand came in contact with the skin. If the caregiver is facing the child, the bruises at the front of the neck will be two thumb imprints, while the bruising at the back of the neck will be a tier of finger marks. This will be reversed (finger marks at the front, thumb marks at the back of the neck) if the caregiver is behind the child when doing the choking.
Bruising and possibly 'rope burns' around the neck will be evident when a child is hanged. The bruising will take on the imprint of the rope or material used to hang the child.
With these two signs of physical abuse, the child may be hoarse and/or have a cough, especially immediately and shortly after the choking or hanging incident. Damage to the larynx can occur in more severe cases. In extreme incidences', the neck may be broken.
~~Signs of physical abuse #5: Smothering and Drowning~~
During smothering, a child's breathing may be compromised, but other than this immediate effect, there may not be any noticeable physical abuse evidence. There can be bruising around the face, especially the nose and eyes, and upper chest area, depending on the item used to do the smothering, and the force exerted to asphyxiate the child.
With drowning, there may be hand or finger bruising at the back or side of the neck, or at the shoulders where the child was held under water with force.
The child's breathing may be jeopardized on a more long-term basis when these two signs of physical abuse are done regularly. If the child's breathing is raspy or the child has difficulty catching his/her breath, this may be a sign of smothering or drowning.
~~Signs of physical abuse #6: Poisoning~~
Poisoning may be difficult to detect because quantity is what determines the ill effects. Children can be poisoned with drugs, dish liquid, gas (i.e., combination of ammonia and bleach), and other noxious substances. A child who has been poisoned may suffer from nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, lethargy, sleepiness, light-headedness, dizziness, and, in more severe cases, unconsciousness. When noxious substances are force-fed to a child, depending on the substance, signs of physical abuse are: redness, chemical burns or bleeding in and around the mouth. If a child is forced to ingest dish liquid, the child will not be able to control his/her bowels, and a rash may be present around the mouth and lips.
~~Signs of physical abuse #7: Hair-pulling~~
Thinning hair and bald patches on the scalp may be present with severe hair-pulling. The child may experience headaches, and may also exhibit neck pain if the hair-pulling incidents are accompanied with jerking or snapping of the child's head.
~~Signs of physical abuse #8: Pushed from Heights~~
Bruising and broken bones are the most common abuse injuries when a child is pushed from heights. If a child is pushed down a flight of stairs, bruising may be present anywhere and everywhere on the child's body.
~~SEXUAL ABUSE SIGNS~~
**Physical trauma such as redness, rashes, and/or bleeding to oral,genital and/or anal areas
**Bruises on breasts, buttocks,lower abdomen, thighs, genital and/or rectal areas**
**Complaints of pain or itching in genital or anal areas**
**Difficulty walking or sitting**
**Unusual or offensive body odors**
**Difficulty in bladder or bowel control**
**Constipation**
**Pain or discomfort on urination**
**Blood in urine**
**Abnormal dilation of vaginal or rectal openings**
**Foreign bodies in vaginal, rectal or urethral openings**
**Sexually transmitted diseases found vaginally,rectally or orally**
**Yeast or bacterial infections**
**Frequent sore throats; difficulty swallowing; choking**
**Ear infections/problems**
**Sudden weight gain or extreme weight loss**
**Severe psychosomatic complaints such as stomachaches and
headaches**
**Engages in sexual activity that is not appropriate for the child's age**
**Suffers sleep disturbances or nightmares**
**Has pain, itching, bruising or bleeding in the genitalia**
**Had venereal disease**
**Has frequent urinary tract or yeast infections**
**Has a detailed and sophisticated understanding of sexual behaviors**
**Goes back to behaviors such as bed-wetting, speech loss**
Sexually abused older children may:
**Exhibit delinquent or aggressive behavior**
**Show signs of depression**
**Display injuries behaviors such as substance abuse, self-mutilation, attempts at suicide, prostitution and running away**
~~FAMILY INCEST~~
Incest refers to sexual acts between relatives. The type of incest that people are most worried about is parent-child incest. Sexual contact between an adult and a child is never all right for any reason. Even if the incest occurs when the child is legally an adult, it is very harmful. Incest between other adult family members and children or teens is also very hurtful. Any abuse of this kind, even if only suspected, should be reported.
Incest between those who are similar in age may be less damaging, but still harmful. Brother-sister incest, for example, often leaves children or teens feeling guilty once they realize it is not normal in society. In addition, the dual roles are confusing. A girl may feel that she can break up with a boyfriend, but how can she break up with a brother?
Signs of incest may include:
* having vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swelling or discharge
* having trouble walking or sitting
* being depressed or withdrawing from friends or family
* being very secretive
* either avoiding or being unusually interested in things of a sexual nature, acting sexual, or drawing sexual themes
* having sleep problems or nightmares
* having stomach pain, bedwetting, urinary tract infection, or a sexually transmitted disease
* refusing to go to school
* saying that their bodies are dirty or damaged, or being afraid that there is something wrong with them in the genital area
* trying to run away
* trying to commit suicide.
~~VERBAL/EMOTIONAL ABUSE SIGNS~~
Boys
Aggression
Temper tantrums
Fights with peers and siblings
Bullying tactics
Frustrates easily
Disobedience
Lying and cheating
Destructive behaviours
Impulsive behaviours
Argumentative
Loud
Tease excessively
Worry excessively
Withdrawn
Speech disorders
Delayed physical or emotional development
Ulcers, asthma, severe allergies
Habit disorders, sucking, rocking
Unduly passive and undemanding
Very low self esteem
Extremely demanding, aggressive and angry
Antisocial, destructive
Depressed and/or suicidal
Attention seeking
Delinquent behavior, especially in adolescents
Girls
withdrawn
passive
approval-seeking
compliant
frustrates easily
infinite patience
clinging to adults
overly dependent
stubborn
tease excessively
worry excessively
somatic complaints
Long term effects of child abuse include fear, anxiety, depression, anger, hostility, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor self esteem, tendency towards substance abuse and difficulty with close relationships.
~~TYPES OF NEGLECT~~
The definitions of neglect include physical neglect, child abandonment
and expulsion, medical neglect, inadequate supervision,
emotional neglect and educational neglect by parents, parent
substitutes, and other adult caretakers of children.
* Abandonment by parent or caregiver
* Unattended medical needs
* Consistent lack of supervision
* Consistent hunger,poorly dressed, poor hygiene
* Lice, distended stomach
* Poor social skills
* Indiscriminate with his or her affection
* Pale, listless
* Begs or steals food
* Frequently absent from school
* Falls asleep in class,displays fatigue
* Self-destructive
~~PHYSICAL NEGLECT~~
Refusal of Health Care
Failure to provide or allow needed care in accord with
recommendations
Failure or delay to seek timely and appropriate
medical care for a serious health problem
Abandonment or Desertion of a child without arranging for reasonable care and supervision
Expulsion or blatant refusals of custody, such as permanent or indefinite expulsion of a child from the home or refusal to accept custody of a returned runaway.
~~OTHER CUSTODY ISSUES~~
Custody-related forms of inattention to the child's needs other
than those covered by abandonment or expulsion.
(For example, repeated shuttling of a child from one household to another due to apparent unwillingness to maintain custody, or chronically
and repeatedly leaving a child with others for days/weeks at a
time.)
~~OTHER PHYSICAL NEGLECT~~
Conspicuous inattention to avoidable hazards in the home
Inadequate nutrition, clothing, or hygiene
Any other forms of reckless disregard of the child's safety and welfare
(Such as driving with the child while intoxicated or leaving a
child unattended in a vehicle.
~~SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME~~
In any abusive head trauma case, the duration and force of the shaking, the number of episodes, and whether impact is involved all affect the severity of the infant's injuries. In the most violent cases, children may arrive at the emergency room unconscious, suffering seizures, or in shock. But in many cases, infants may never be brought to medical attention if they don't exhibit such severe symptoms.
In less severe cases, a child who has been shaken may experience:
* lethargy
* irritability
* vomiting
* poor sucking or swallowing
* decreased appetite
* lack of smiling or vocalizing
* rigidity
* seizures
* difficulty breathing
* altered consciousness
* unequal pupil size
* an inability to lift the head
* an inability to focus the eyes or track movement
~~HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ABUSE~~
Do not be alone with anyone who hurts you.
What is beingdone to you is NOT right & is NOT your fault.
Find anadult you trust and tell them what is happening.
If theydon't believe you, keep telling until someone does believe you.
The adult you talk to about your abuse (perhaps a teacher or aneighbor) may want to
tell the police or child protectiveservices about the person who is hurting you.
If you are toonervous or scared to tell someone you know about the abuse,
call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), then press 1.
~~GET HELP NOW~~
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. Every day in the United States thousands of
kids are abused. That adds up to millions of kids each year. Often children and teens are abused by the people who are closest
to them like family, friends, sitters, neighbors and
sometimes even teachers and coaches.
These are the verypeople that children should feel the safest with.
Childhelp®
Phone: 800.4.A.CHILD (800.422.4453)
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Stop It Now!
Phone: 888.PREVENT (888.773.8368)
FAMILY VIOLENCE
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 800.799.SAFE (800.799.7233)
MISSING/ABDUCTED CHILDREN
Child Find of America
Phone: 800.I.AM.LOST (800.426.5678)
CHILD FIND OF AMERICA---MEDIATION
Phone: 800.A.WAY.OUT (800.292.9688)
NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING & EXPLOITED
CHILDREN
Phone: 800.THE.LOST (800.843.5678)
RAPE/INCEST
Rape and Incest National Network
Phone: 800.656.HOPE; Ext. 1 (800.656.4673; Ext. 1)
YOUTH IN TROUBLE/RUNAWAYS
National Runaway Switchboard
Phone: 800.786.2929 (800.RUNAWAY)
CRIME VICTIMS
National Center for Victims of Crime
Phone: 800.FYI.CALL (800.394.2255)
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