Encountering child abuse at camp.Most camps at some time will host campers who have been past victims of child abuse. At home, some of these campers might be in an interceding system, meaning that child abuse has been disclosed or discovered, followed by reports and interventions. They and their families may be in ongoing counseling. The camper may be living in an out-of-parent placement, or a member of the camper's family may have been ordered out of the home by the court. Other campers could have already passed through the system and completed interventions and reports. Unknown others may currently be in abusive situations. For these campers, the abuse is still a secret; they have made no disclosures or their disclosures have been ignored. Similarly, counselors who have been victims of abuse may come to work at camp. As with the campers, some have had disclosures and interventions. Others have not disclosed and they may still be guarding their secrets. The effects of abuse can adversely influence the wellness of campers, staff members, directors, and the camp spirit. To protect children while at camp, directors and staff must know the definitions and warning signs of abuse. Learning how to assist abused campers will pave the way for camp staff to aid and bolster those children. Defining Abuse Many definitions of abuse exist. Abuse includes "the physical or mental injury, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment maltreatment Social medicine Any of a number of types of unreasonable interactions with another adult. See Child maltreatment, Cf Child abuse. of a child under the age of eighteen by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare." It is the act of inflicting injury or allowing injury to result. Experts divide abuse into three categories. Physical abuse and negligence Physical abuse is nonaccidental physical injury. It is frequently a result of severe corporal punishment corporal punishment, physical chastisement of an offender. At one extreme it includes the death penalty (see capital punishment), but the term usually refers to punishments like flogging, mutilation, and branding. Until c. , happening when the caregiver is frustrated or angry. Physical abuse includes striking, hitting, shaking, throwing, burning, biting, cutting, and poking. Often, but not always, the target zone of physical abuse is the back of the body from the neck to the knees. Injuries to the front of the knees, the shins, or the elbows are usually the result of playing accidents. Physical injuries may include fractures, lacerations, bruises, cigarette burns Cigarette Burns may refer to:
plunging of pig or poultry carcasses into very hot water to facilitate scraping and dehairing and plucking. Chicken scalding water is 130°F for broilers (larger birds higher) applied for 1 to 2 minutes. Modern pig abattoirs use steam at 144 to 147°F for about 3 minutes. water burns, black eyes Black Eyes were a punk band from Washington, D.C. that existed from August 2001 to March 2004, disbanding two months prior to the release of their second album, Cough. , a broken nose, and bloody lips. Negligence is acts of omission to protect a child and includes failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. Physically, the child fails to gain normal weight; exhibits a bloated stomach, dry flaking skin, and bad body odor body odor A malodorous body scent. Cf Flatulance, Halitosis. ; and has unattended medical conditions See carpal tunnel syndrome, computer vision syndrome, dry eyes and deep vein thrombosis. . Sexual abuse and exploitation Sexual abuse is an act of sexual assault on or sexual exploitation of a minor. It may be chronic or a single incident. Sexual abuse includes rape, rape in concert, incest, sodomy sodomy Noncoital carnal copulation. Sodomy is a crime in some jurisdictions. Some sodomy laws, particularly in Middle Eastern countries and those jurisdictions observing Shari'ah law, provide penalties as severe as life imprisonment for homosexual intercourse, even if the , lewd or lascivious las·civ·i·ous adj. 1. Given to or expressing lust; lecherous. 2. Exciting sexual desires; salacious. [Middle English, from Late Latin lasc acts upon a minor under fourteen, oral copulation copulation /cop·u·la·tion/ (kop?u-la´shun) sexual union; the transfer of the sperm from male to female; usually applied to the mating process in nonhuman animals. cop·u·la·tion n. 1. , penetration of genital or anal openings by a foreign object, or molestation molestation n. the crime of sexual acts with children up to the age of 18, including touching of private parts, exposure of genitalia, taking of pornographic pictures, rape, inducement of sexual acts with the molester or with other children, and variations of these . Physical signs include bruising, swelling, discharge, and tearing around the rectum rectum: see intestine. rectum End segment of the large intestine (see digestion) in which feces accumulate just prior to discharge. It is 5–6 in. (13–15 cm) long and lined with mucous membrane. . Victims might report painful urination urination Process of excreting urine from the bladder (see urinary system). Nerve centres in the spinal cord, brain stem, and cerebral cortex control it through involuntary and voluntary muscles. The need to void is felt when the bladder holds 3. or defecation defecation or bowel movement Elimination of feces from the digestive tract. Peristalsis moves feces through the colon to the rectum, where they stimulate the urge to defecate. . Exploitation includes conduct related to creating, selling, or distributing pornography depicting minors engaging in or simulating sexual contact. It also includes promoting prostitution by minors. Psychological abuse Psychological abuse is an act of emotional maltreatment and includes verbal assaults, continual negative verbal assaults, blaming, and belittling be·lit·tle tr.v. be·lit·tled, be·lit·tling, be·lit·tles 1. To represent or speak of as contemptibly small or unimportant; disparage: a person who belittled our efforts to do the job right. . It also includes spouse abuse with the child present. Warning Signs of Abuse The following behaviors or symptoms appear as a result of many precipitating causes. These causes include, but are not limited to, child abuse. These behaviors may indicate that the camper is already in a psychological crisis or is in danger of entering a state of further psychological disorder Noun 1. psychological disorder - (psychiatry) a psychological disorder of thought or emotion; a more neutral term than mental illness folie, mental disorder, mental disturbance, disturbance . These behaviors might be the result of past abuse (disclosed or undisclosed), or they might be symptoms precipitated by current abuse. Behaviors of physical abuse A child who has been physically abused might: * be excessively passive, compliant, or fearful * be excessively aggressive, hostile, or violent * be exceedingly mistrustful of adults * display heightened hyper-vigilence (frozen watching) * be actively or passively self-destructive * destroy other people's property Characteristics of sexual abuse A child who has been sexually abused might: * display a detailed and age-inappropriate understanding of sexual behavior sexual behavior A person's sexual practices–ie, whether he/she engages in heterosexual or homosexual activity. See Sex life, Sexual life. and a knowledge of explicit sexual behavior * exhibit an aggressive sexual behavior with peers or toys * be hostile * have a problem with bed wetting * over eat or under eat (eating disorders eating disorders, in psychology, disorders in eating patterns that comprise four categories: anorexia nervosa, bulimia, rumination disorder, and pica. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by self-starvation to avoid obesity. ) * behave or perform differently in school * be fearful, withdrawn, or depressed * abuse alcohol or drugs * acquire money, clothes, or gifts with no reasonable explanation * display self-destructive behavior * run away * consider suicide Behaviors of psychological abuse The child who has been psychologically abused might: * be withdrawn or depressed * put himself down * lack self-esteem * seek approval to an extreme * be hostile * display behavioral problems * be overly rigid * exhibit an inordinate attention to details Characteristics of neglect The child who as been abused by neglect might: * be clinging * display indiscriminate behavior * isolate himself * be very passive * be depressed Long-Term Effects of Abuse Some effects of abuse do not surface until the future. Possible long-term effects of abuse include: * a feeling of a loss of control * unresolved feelings of guilt, maybe with self-punishment; feelings of failure or unworthiness; and low self-esteem * seeking inappropriate mates: females find controlling and battering males; males find mother figure lover/wives or weak and submissive sub·mis·sive adj. Inclined or willing to submit. sub·mis  sive·ly adv.sub·mis women to control and dominate * marriage difficulties * poor or defective self-images and the loss of desire to change * difficulties with relationships as well as sexual dysfunction sexual dysfunction Inability to experience arousal or achieve sexual satisfaction under ordinary circumstances, as a result of psychological or physiological problems. * viewing sex as dirty or disgusting or as a payment for love, acceptance, and delusional de·lu·sion n. 1. a. The act or process of deluding. b. The state of being deluded. 2. A false belief or opinion: labored under the delusion that success was at hand. belonging * feeling strange, scared, or anxious and not knowing why * feeling as if they are crazy or sick a reluctance to seek therapy * repeating the same rituals of the sexual abuse done to them to another * feeling negatively unique; feeling as if he is the only one * feeling a double trauma: the abuse itself and perceiving that he is responsible for the abuse * unexplainable and unwanted sexual impulses * depersonalization depersonalization /de·per·son·al·iza·tion/ (de-per?sun-al-i-za´shun) alteration in the perception of self so that the usual sense of one's own reality is temporarily lost or changed; it may be a manifestation of a neurosis or another and multiple personalties Camp Staff and Abuse Many times staff, especially those on the front lines, are put into situations where they may, without premeditated pre·med·i·tat·ed adj. Characterized by deliberate purpose, previous consideration, and some degree of planning: a premeditated crime. intent, strike, injure, or abuse a camper. Counselors are not spared from the pressure or stress that parents feel when they become unintentionally abusive. The book, Cry Softly, has a line that says, "Perhaps no mother wakes up thinking that she is going to batter her child." Similarly at camp, perhaps no camp counselor wakes up thinking that he is going to abuse a camper. Nevertheless, the possibility exists. Abuse at camp puts the victim, accused abuser, director, and staff in a stressful situation, as well as affects the spirit at the camp. The psychological needs of all involved must be considered to preserve the wellness of the camp community. Counseling the accused abuser When a staff person is caught abusing a camper, the psychological wellness of that staff person, in addition to the camper, is impacted. The abusing staff person may feel anxious or depressed. He may be preoccupied with immediate issues, such as being arrested and going to jail. He may be embarrassed to face coworkers and the director. He may also be worried about going to court, being sentenced to jail, handling the effects the incident may have on his future, and facing family and friends. On a deeper level, he may feel shame, guilt, and self-devaluation, as well as hopeless and desperate. Although the camp director's main responsibility is addressing the safety, protection, and wellness of the victim and other camp staff, he may also be concerned about the alleged abuser. If so, the director may wish to have an appropriate staff person talk with and listen to this person and, in some situations, do an extended follow-up. Reporting the incident The staff person who files the mandatory child abuse report is also impacted. First, he may or may not want to file the report. If the accused abuser is someone the reporter likes and feels close to, the reporter may feel anxious or depressed because of the harm caused to his friend. In a different situation, he may feel anger at the abusing staff person for the person's actions. The reporter may feel a sense of guilt for not having taken more preventative measures. A person with good listening skills should be available to speak with this person. If an appropriate staff person is not available, find a paid or volunteer therapist. The reporter needs to vent his feelings, feel understood, and feel accepted. He may also be comfortable writing his thoughts and feelings in a journal. Effects on Camp The camp is also affected by the abuse situation. Rumors may be spread around camp, in the neighboring community, or in the accused abuser's hometown. Staff may feel angry, betrayed, and disillusioned dis·il·lu·sion tr.v. dis·il·lu·sioned, dis·il·lu·sion·ing, dis·il·lu·sions To free or deprive of illusion. n. 1. The act of disenchanting. 2. The condition or fact of being disenchanted. , and may feel compassion for the victim and abuser. Staff and campers should be encouraged to express their emotions and vent their feelings. Discuss the dangers of rumors and gossip and, while protecting confidentiality, talk honestly with staff members about the situation. Explain who (police or child protective services child protective services Sociology A state or county agency that addresses issues of child abuse and neglect workers) is coming and why. Camp directors and staff should recognize the warning signs of child abuse, know how to assist abused campers, and understand the needs of all parties involved. Education is the best defense to ensure the physical and emotional health of campers and to preserve the spirit of the camp community. National Child Abuse and Neglect Facts * According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. child protective services agencies, more than one million children were victims of child abuse or neglect in 1995. Approximately 80 percent of the perpetrators of child abuse were the parents of the victims. * In 1995, child protective services agencies investigated two million reports of alleged child abuse. * The most common form of maltreatment is neglect. * More than half of the victims of child abuse are children seven years old or younger. * In 1995, 996 children died as a result of abuse or neglect. * Between 1986 and 1993, the estimated number of children who experienced abuse or neglect increased 67 percent. Source: Child Maltreatment child maltreatment '…intentional harm or threat of harm to a child by someone acting in the role of a caretaker, for even a short time…Categories Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect…', the last being most common. 1995: Reports from the States to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data Systems 15 Activities That Promote Psychological Wellness Camp staff can actively work to help victims of abuse move toward a state of psychological wellness by doing some of the following: 1. Provide the camper with activities that he can successfully complete. 2. Provide a consistent daily schedule and a consistent environment (this will help develop security and trust). 3. Reinforce behaviors and activities that the camper can feel good about. 4. Do not force separations when the camper wants to be near you. If you need to leave, tell the camper when you are going to leave and when you will return. 5. Avoid making promises that you may be unable to keep. 6. Respond in an appropriate and consistent manner to the camper's behaviors. 7. Model appropriate interpersonal behaviors. 8. Help the camper find ways to have pleasure in the camp activities. 9. Allow the camper to do things on his own even if he is not proficient at the activity. Be on call for him when he asks or indicates he wants help. 10. Set limits on self-destructive behaviors. 11. Allow the camper to make choices so he gains a sense of control. For important decisions, he may want you to make the decision; this gives him a sense of security. 12. Mirror or reflect the camper's expression of feeling: "You're feeling really happy?" 13. Be a good listener. 14. Help the camper focus on others (not for the purpose of avoiding his or her symptomatic issues). When people form friendships and care about others, they then feel a high degree of self-pride and resultant increased self-esteem. Promote opportunities for altruistic al·tru·ism n. 1. Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness. 2. Zoology Instinctive cooperative behavior that is detrimental to the individual but contributes to the survival of the species. experiences. 15. Help the camper assume a more appropriate child role; encourage him to be silly and sing enthusiastically. Resources For more information on child abuse, consult the following resources. * Cry softly/The Story of Child Abuse, by Margaret O. Hyde (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1986) discusses child abuse, its history in England and America, ways to prevent and stop it, and how to report suspected cases. * For Their Sake: Recognizing, Responding to, and Reporting Child Abuse by Becca Cowan Johnson (Martinsville, IN: American Camping Association, 1993) covers mandatory reporting mandatory reporting The obligatory reporting of a particular condition to local or state health authorities, as required for communicable disease and substance abuse Infectious disease State boards of health maintain records and collect data resulting from MR of laws, possible indicators of abuse, profiles of possible abusers. * For Their Sake: Staff Training Handbook by Becca Cowan Johnson (Martinsville, IN: American Camping Association, 1993) includes space for trainees to make notes specific to your state, camp, or situation and describes types of abuse, causes and indicators, and reporting. * Hysteria Management: Child Abuse and Camp (American Camping Association) is a video by Bob Ditter that provides professional insight about child abuse and molesters, describes key types of abuse at day camps versus resident camps, and profiles sexual and physical abusers. * Maintaining an Envelope of Safety: Guidelines for Appropriate Counselor-Camper Contact (American Camping Association) is a video by Bob Ditter that outlines what is legally accepted as appropriate contact between children and adults. * http://www.calib.com/nccanch/index.htm - National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information (NCCAN NCCAN National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Clearinghouse) web site * http://www.dhhs.gov- Department of Health and Human Services Noun 1. Department of Health and Human Services - the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with health and welfare; created in 1979 Health and Human Services, HHS web site * http://www.acf.dhhs.gov - Administration for Families and Children web site John K. Durall, M.A., MFCC MFCC Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (Speech Processing) MFCC Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor MFCC Marriage, Family Child Counselor MFCC McFarland Cascade Company MFCC Mission Flight Control Center , is a licensed marriage, family, and child counselor. He is director of Camp Ja-Gonh for children with ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Definition Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsive behaviors, and the inability to remain focused on tasks or . |
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