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Disclosure
The document outlines the services provided by the Atlantic County Women’s Center and addresses the importance of appropriate responses to disclosures of abuse from individuals, especially children. It emphasizes recognizing behavioral and physical red flags indicating abuse, as well as the need for validation and empowerment in supportive responses. Additionally, it provides resources and contact information for further assistance.
Disclosure
- 1. Dealing with DisclosureAtlantic County Women’s Center Monday, September 17, 2007
- 2. Atlantic County Women’sCenter Services Child Care Network Home to Work Program WomenSource Training Institute Violence Intervention Program counseling Referral Groups psycho-educ Prevention education Life skills services
- 3. What is disclosure?When a child or an adult voluntarily tells you they have experienced or are experiencing sexual abuse/incest, sexual assault (rape), domestic violence or other crisis Drug/alcohol Transitional living/homelessness Death/loss
- 4. Who discloses? Children/TeensSexual violence Witnessing domestic violence Experiencing dating violence Child abuse Adults Past history of abuse Domestic violence Child abuse by partner
- 5. How do theydisclose? Within counseling At schools Accidentally Marks on body Behavior red flags Interrupted act of violence Purposefully During counseling Out of fear for other children After the abuse has stopped
- 6. Red Flags forAbuse Some Physical signs/symptoms Welts or other skin injuries Repeated injuries Venereal disease Unexplained injuries Lack of medical care Lack of self care
- 7. Red Flags forAbuse Some behavioral signs/symptoms Extremes of behavior/mood swings Addictions Extreme fear of dark, small places, etc. Depressed or withdrawn Overly eager to please adults Inappropriate sexual information Habitually absent or late from school/care Always tired
- 8. Red Flags ofAbusive/Abused Parents Story doesn’t always “add” up Overreacts/hostile when questioned Rarely touches or looks at child Has unrealistic expectations of child based on child’s age Minimizes child’s needs Focuses on self instead of child (may also be victim) Acts competitively towards child
- 9. Why is anappropriate response important? Validation for the victim Students can’t learn if they’re not safe Less recanting of the victimization Safety for all Community responsibility Ethical responsibility
- 10. What is anappropriate response? Creating a “safe space” Listening, not investigating Non-judgment – meet them where they are Validating Empowerment, empowerment, empowerment Empathy/not sympathy Confidentiality Boundaries Be mindful of language used Your own triggers/experiences Responsibility to report Meta-communication
- 11. Do not: MinimizeBlame Judge Not respond out of fear Make promises React (body language, anger, cry) Make it about you Break confidentiality unless necessary
- 12. Do: Take theperson to a confidential spot Believe them! Provide options whenever possible Call for support/intervention Check your personal values at the door Create a safety plan Advocate for the plan Take care of self
- 13. What to donext: Consider safety first Explore resources Take action/Make contacts Debrief staff Stages of transition/loss Denial Anger Bargaining Hopelessness acceptance Review the results What went well? What could have gone better? What lessons are there for next time?
- 14. Additional Resources DYFS1-877-NJ-ABUSE 911 Atlantic County Women’s Center 1-800-286-4184 and www.acwc.org Ipac.aclink.org and click “clubs and organizations” 211
- 15. Thank You. ErinO’Hanlon, Director of Community Initiatives 609-601-9925, ext. 201 Michelle Duffy, Supervisor of Children’s Services 609-646-6767, ext. 661