Victims of abuse characteristics


Building Your Case: How to Document Abuse

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If you are in an abusive relationship and are in the process of taking (or deciding to take) legal action against your abusive partner, documenting the abusive behaviors of your partner can be an important component of building your case.

It’s worth noting that each state has different laws about what evidence and documentation can be used in court. Speaking with a legal advocate in your state might better prepare you for your unique situation (our advocates at the Hotline can help locate a legal advocate near you). According to WomensLaw, in most states evidence can include (but is not limited to) the following:

  • Verbal testimony from you or your witnesses
  • Medical reports of injuries from the abuse
  • Pictures (dated) of any injuries
  • Police reports of when you or a witness called the police
  • Household objects torn or broken by the abuser
  • Pictures of your household in disarray after a violent episode
  • Pictures of weapons used by the abuser against you
  • A personal diary or calendar in which you documented the abuse as it happened

Below are a few actions you can take to create documentation, if you are able to or feel safe doing so:

Visit the doctor.

More and more, doctors and gynecologists are trained to recognize signs of abuse. Your health care provider could also be a safe resource for disclosing the abuse. If you’re visiting a doctor for an injury, ask them about safe ways they can make notes about the abuse — ex. Some can write “cause of an injury” without it having to go to the police.

Consider outside documentation.

Do you have a trusted friend, coworker or family member who knows what’s going on and would be willing to help? There are many ways they can help document the abuse — whether that’s a coworker making note of times your partner calls you at the office, or a friend holding your journal at her house.

Create a stalking log.

If your partner is stalking you, creating a stalking log can be very helpful to your case. The National Center for Victims of Crime’s Stalking Resource Center has examples of stalking logs (in PDF and Word formats) as well as additional information on stalking.

Learn more about police reports.

ex. Like filing about a lost bike. Ask, “Hypothetically, if there was something that was happening that I would want to report…”

Always ask questions. Call your local police department’s non-emergency number and find out about the protocols and procedures of filing a police report.

This can help you prepare for filing a police report if you need to, which creates a paper trail of the abuse.

Take pictures.

A digital camera or your phone camera may not always be safe. Consider getting a disposable camera. Another option is for someone else to take the pictures and keep them for you.

Let it go to voicemail.

Is your partner calling over and over? Let it go to voicemail once and save the voicemail.

Save digital evidence.

Do you have a smartphone? Most have the “take a screenshot” option. Thirty missed calls from your abusive partner? Take a screenshot of that. Threatening texts? Instead of responding to them, take a screenshot of them. These screen shots get saved in your images folder, so remember to send them on to a friend and delete them. If your partner sends threatening emails, don’t respond to them, but consider saving them in a folder in your inbox.

If you’re not sure if documenting your abuse would be safe, always go with your gut. It’s very important to keep in mind that you are the expert on your situation, and what works for one person may not be a safe idea for another person.

We are not legal advocates at the Hotline, but we are able to offer support and refer you to the local or state resources that might be helpful to you.

Answers shouldn’t be hard to find.

We're here to help!

  • Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
  • Chat live now
  • Text "START" to 88788

Domestic Violence : Characteristics of Abusers and Victims

Intimate Partner Violence: Characteristics of Abusers and Victims

Partner abuse is a worldwide problem. Between 10% and 50% of all women report having been abused by their intimate partners at some point in their lives (World Health Organization, 2001). In the United States, intimate partner violence is reported by 1. 5 million women and 800,000 men (Gondolf & Jones, 2002).

In addition, there are many more cases that are unreported to the police, mental health professionals and even researchers. Victimization is often kept secret due to embarrassment, fear of retaliation by the perpetrator, the wish to avoid legal intrusions into their lives, and the belief that abuse is unavoidable and universal.

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Three Types of Abusers

Abusers can be divided into three groups based on the form of abuse they commit as well as their motivation to change. These two criteria also determine whether they are amenable to intervention.

1. Predatory Abusers

Predatory abusers are not emotionally aroused at the time of the offense but are focused and calculating in their attacks and emotionally distant from their victims (Goodrum, Umberson, & Anderson, 2001). Their abusive behavior is frequent and recurs often. They act compulsively and cause very severe physical and emotional trauma.

If they express any emotion related to the abuse, it is a sadistic satisfaction derived from the suffering of another human being that follows the abuse (Mills & Kroner, 2003). Not surprisingly, predatory abusers often present with borderline personality disorder and sociopathic tendencies (Edwards, Scott, Yarvis, Paizis, & Panizzon, 2003).

2. Affectively Motivated Abusers

Affectively motivated abusers are qualitatively different from predatory abusers in many respects. They are unlikely to present with personality disorders but often have attachment problems. Their abuse is very impulsive that follows a build-up of fear and hurt at times of high volatility and low self-restraint, usually triggered by something in their environment (Volavka, 1995).

They often describe their feelings as intense anger followed by remorse for the effects of their outbursts. They are sensitive to their victim’s distress, which tempers their violence, and differentiates them from predators.

The most common behaviors for affectively motivated abusers are slapping, pushing, breaking objects, slamming doors, etc. Their behavior has generally mild physical effects and more intimidation that affects victims’ self-esteem. They also experience high motivation to change as they feel remorse and empathy for their victims.

3. Instrumental Abusers

Instrumental abusers are considered to be the mid-range group. They use aggression to achieve some desired outcome. Their attack is neither purely planned, nor the result of only intense emotions.

Unlike predators, they are at least somewhat aware of the impact of their actions on the victims. For this group, the achievement of a personal gain is more important than their concerns for others, which results in lower motivation to change.

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Characteristics of Victims

Abuse by one’s intimate partner is usually experienced as an overwhelming betrayal that causes great emotional pain even when the physical injury is minimal. Below are some characteristics victims may portray:

  1. Most often victims are denigrated by the abuse and suffer a loss of self-worth and self-confidence.
  2. They live in fear, worrying about their safety and impending danger.
  3. Sometimes they need to leave their homes in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.
  4. Even though severing ties with the abuser seems like the best solution, many victims choose to stay with the abuser for a variety of reasons.
  5. Sometimes, victims do not leave because they want to provide a family for their children, depend on the abuser financially, emotionally or their religion forbids them from breaking up a marriage.
  6. Even when victims decide to leave, it takes them 5 attempts on average before they succeed (Stroshine & Robinson, 2003). Furthermore, some of the problems persist even after they leave (i.e. harassment and violence from the abuser).

Mental health professionals usually help victims decide whether to stay or leave the relationship, find shelter if they do decide to leave as well as provide training for skills necessary for independent living. Including the victims in the assessment of the abuser, however, is not a widely accepted practice. Including victims in the assessment of the abuser in some cases is the only way for therapists to gain crucial information that they can use to help victims avoid future abuse. This can be empowering for victims.

Just like abusers, victims also differ in many ways. There are two particularly important characteristics of victims that are relevant when it comes to deciding what interventions would help them best: social skills and motivation.

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Skills Helpful to Domestic Violence Victims

Social skills are critical when it comes to both leaving abusive relationships and staying with the partner but ending the abuse. Many victims who leave will need to start new independent lives often with limited resources while feeling mentally and emotionally depleted by the effects of the abuse.

Self-protective skills are also necessary whether victims leave or stay to be able to prevent further injury (Thompson, Simon, Saltzman, & Mercy, 1999). Some examples of skills are the ability to be sensitive to the nuances in their partners’ behavior and to extricate themselves before a conflict escalates to abuse, and to learn to communicate and negotiate better to manage conflicts more effectively.

Motivation is also essential for a positive outcome independently of the fact whether the victim decides to leave or stay with the abuser. Ideally, victims should learn to view abuse as unacceptable and be willing to end the relationship, but in reality, this is not always the case.

If motivated to do so, victims can learn to overcome learned helplessness, which leads to depression, inadequate problem solving and loss of self-esteem (Lysaker, Clements, Wright, Evans, & Marks, 2001). In certain immigrant communities that do not condone intimate partner abuse, victims can become completely isolated and will need help moving on with their lives (Raj & Silverman, 2003). In general, victims need help creating models of abuse-free relationships with or without their partners, and finding social support that can enhance their independence and self-efficacy.

If you’re interested in learning more, please feel free to read the second part of this series below:

If you are struggling, know you’re not alone.

If you are someone you know feels unsafe at home, please reach out to the NYS Domestic and Sexual Abuse Hotline or 911 if you are in immediate danger.  Communication is secure, discreet, private, and available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week by:

Text: 844-997-2121

Chat: OPDV.NY.GOV

Call: 800-942-6906

Domestic Violence References

Stuart, R.B. (2005). Treatment for partner abuse: Time for a paradigm shift. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36, 254-263.

Gondolf, E. W., & Jones, A. S. (2002). The program effect of batterer programs in three cities. Violence and Victims, 16, 693–704.  

Goodrum, S., Umberson, D., & Anderson, K. L. (2001). The batterer’s view of the self and others in domestic violence. Sociological Inquiry, 7, 221–240.

Edwards, D. W., Scott, C. L., Yarvis, R. M., Paizis, C. L., & Panizzon, M. S. (2003) Impulsiveness, impulsive aggression, personality disorder, and spousal violence. Violence and Victims, 18, 3–14.

Volavka, J. (1995). Neurobiology of violence. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association.

Stroshine, M. S., & Robinson, A. L. (2003). The decision to end abusive relationships: The role of offender characteristics. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 30, 97–117.

Thompson, M. P., Simon, T. R., Saltzman, L. E., & Mercy, J. A. (1999). Epidemiology of injuries among women after physical assaults: The role of self-protective behaviors. American Journal of Epidemiology, 150, 235–244.

Lysaker, P. H., Clements, C. A., Wright, D. E., Evans, J., & Marks, K. (2001). Neurocognitive correlates of helplessness, hopelessness, and well-being in schizophrenia. Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases, 180, 457–462.

Raj, A., & Silverman, J. G. (2003). Immigrant South Asian women at greater risk from intimate partner violence. American Journal of Public Health, 93, 435–437.

Child abuse

Child abuse
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    • Child abuse

    WHO/S. Becker

    © A photo

    \n

    Magnitude of the problem

    \n

    \nChild maltreatment is a global problem with serious lifelong consequences. Although studies have recently been carried out in some low- and middle-income countries, much data is still lacking.

    \n

    \nChild maltreatment is a complex and difficult issue to study. Available estimates vary widely depending on the country and the research method used. Grades depend on the following aspects:

    \n

      \n
    • applicable definitions of child abuse;\t
    • \n
    • type of child abuse being studied;
    • \n
    • coverage and quality of official statistics;
    • \n
    • coverage and quality of surveys that require reports from victims themselves, parents or caregivers.
    • \n

    \n

    \nHowever, international studies show that one quarter of all adults were physically abused as children, and that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 13 men were sexually abused as children. In addition, many children are victims of emotional (psychological) abuse and neglect.

    \n

    \nAn estimated 41,000 murders of children under the age of 15 occur each year. This figure underestimates the true extent of the problem, as a significant proportion of child abuse deaths are incorrectly attributed to falls, burns, drowning, and other causes.

    \n

    \nIn armed conflict and refugee camps, girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, exploitation and abuse by the military, security forces, other members of their communities, humanitarian workers and others.

    \n

    Consequences of child abuse

    \n

    \nChild abuse hurts children and families and can have long-term consequences. Abuse leads to stress, which is associated with impaired early brain development. Extreme stress can disrupt the development of the nervous and immune systems. As a result, in adulthood, people who were abused as children are at increased risk of behavioral and physical and mental health problems, such as:

    \n

      \n
    • committing or being a victim of violence;\t
    • \n
    • depression;
    • \n
    • smoking;
    • \n
    • obesity;\n
    • \n
    • high risk sexual behavior;
    • \n
    • unplanned pregnancy;
    • \n
    • Harmful use of alcohol and drugs.
    • \n

    \n

    \nAs a result of these behavioral and mental health consequences, abuse can lead to heart disease, cancer, suicide, and sexually transmitted infections.

    \n

    \nIn addition to the health and societal impacts, child maltreatment also has economic impacts, including hospitalization costs, mental health care, child care, and long-term health costs.

    \n

    Risk factors

    \n

    \nRisk factors for child abuse have been identified. These risk factors are not present in all social and cultural settings, but they give a general idea when trying to understand the causes of child abuse.

    \n

    Child

    \n

    \nIt is important to emphasize that children are victims and should never be blamed for abuse. Some individual characteristics of a child may increase the likelihood of abuse:

    \n

      \n
    • a child under 4 years of age or a teenager;\n
    • \n
    • a child who is unwanted or does not live up to parental expectations;
    • \n
    • a child who has special needs, who cries constantly, or who has abnormal physical features.
    • \n

    \n

    Parents or caregivers

    \n

    \nSome characteristics of a parent or caregiver may increase the risk of child abuse. Among them are the following:

    \n

      \n
    • difficulties associated with the newborn;\n
    • \n
    • leaving the child unattended;
    • \n
    • childhood abuse;
    • \n
    • ignorance of child development or unrealistic expectations;
    • \n
    • harmful use of alcohol or drugs, including during pregnancy;
    • \n
    • involvement in criminal activity;
    • \n
    • experiencing financial difficulties. \n
    • \n

    \n

    Relationships

    \n

    \nA number of factors in relationships within families or between sexual partners, friends, and peers can increase the risk of child abuse, such as :

    \n

      \n
    • problems in the field of physical or mental health or development of any family member;\n
    • \n
    • discord in the family or violence between other family members;
    • \n
    • isolation from the community or lack of a supportive circle;
    • \n
    • lack of support in raising a child from other family members.
    • \n

    \n

    Community and social factors

    \n

    \nA number of characteristics of individual communities and communities can increase the risk of child abuse. They include:

    \n

      \n
    • gender and social inequality;
    • \n
    • lack of adequate housing or family support services and institutions;
    • \n
    • high levels of unemployment and poverty;
    • \n
    • easy access to alcohol and drugs;
    • \n
    • inappropriate policies and programs to prevent child abuse, child pornography, child prostitution, and child labor;\n
    • \n
    • social and cultural norms that support or glorify violence against others, favor the use of corporal punishment, require strong gender roles or belittling the status of the child in the relationship between parents and children;
    • \n
    • social, economic, health, and educational policies that lead to poor living standards or socioeconomic inequality or instability.
    • \n

    \n

    Prevention

    \n

    \nPrevention of child abuse requires a multisectoral approach. Effective programs are those that support parents and instill positive parenting skills. They include:

    \n

      \n
    • Nursing home visits to parents and children for support, education, and information;\n
    • \n
    • Parent education, usually in groups, to improve child-rearing skills, increase knowledge of child development, and encourage positive child-care strategies ; and
    • \n
    • multi-component activities, typically including parent support and education, early childhood education, and child care.
    • \n

    \n

    \nOther prevention programs are also promising in some respects.

    \n

      \n
    • Abuse head injury prevention programs (also called shaken baby syndrome and traumatic brain injury). These are usually hospital-level programs targeting young parents prior to their discharge, educating them about the dangers of shaken baby syndrome and recommending interventions for inconsolably crying babies.
    • \n
    • Child sexual abuse prevention programs. They are usually held in schools and teach children about the following areas:
    • \n
        \n
      • ownership of one's body;\t
      • \n
      • the difference between good and bad touch;
      • \n
      • how to recognize threatening situations;
      • \n
      • how to say \"no\";
      • \n
      • how to tell a trusted adult about abuse.
      • \n
      \n

    \n

    \nSuch programs are effective in increasing protective factors against child sexual abuse (for example, knowledge about sexual abuse and protective behaviors), but data on whether such programs reduce others types of violence are absent.

    \n

    \nThe earlier in a child's life such interventions are carried out, the more beneficial they are for the child (eg, cognitive development, behavioral and social competence, educational training) and for society (eg, reduced delinquency and crime).

    \n

    \nIn addition, early recognition of cases, combined with ongoing care for child victims of abuse and their families, can help reduce re-abuse and its consequences.

    \n

    \nFor maximum impact, prevention and care interventions are recommended by WHO as part of a four-pronged public health approach:

    \n

      \n
    • identifying the problem;\n
    • \n
    • identifying causes and risk factors;
    • \n
    • development and testing of measures aimed at minimizing risk factors;
    • \n
    • disseminate information on the effectiveness of interventions and scale up proven effective interventions.\n
    • \n

    \n

    WHO activities

    \n

    \nWHO in collaboration with a number of partners in the following areas:

    \ n

      \n
    • provides technical and regulatory guidance for evidence-based child abuse prevention;\n
    • \n
    • calls for greater international support for and investment in evidence-based child abuse prevention;
    • \n
    • provides technical support for evidence-based child abuse prevention programs in certain low- and middle-income countries.
    • \n

    ","datePublished":"2022-09-19T19:00:00.0000000+00:00","image":"https://cdn.who.int/media/images/default-source/ imported/children-running-jpg.jpg?sfvrsn=50512cc9_2","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"World Health Organization: WHO","logo":{"@type" :"ImageObject","url":"https://www.who.int/Images/SchemaOrg/schemaOrgLogo.jpg","width":250,"height":60}},"dateModified":"2022- 09-19T19:00:00.0000000+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.who.int/ru/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/child-maltreatment","@context": "http://schema.org","@type":"Article"};

    Key facts

    • One in 5 women and 1 in 13 men report being sexually abused as children.
    • The consequences of child maltreatment include lifelong physical and mental health damage, and its social and professional consequences can ultimately slow down the economic and social development of a country.
    • Child maltreatment can be prevented - this requires a multisectoral approach.
    • Effective prevention programs can support parents and teach them positive parenting skills.
    • Continued care for children and families can help reduce the risk of re-abuse and minimize its consequences.

    Child abuse is the mistreatment and neglect of children under the age of 18. It covers all types of physical and/or emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, neglect and commercial or other exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the health, survival, development or dignity of the child in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power. . Intimate partner violence is also sometimes considered a form of child abuse.

    Magnitude of the problem

    Child abuse is a global problem with serious lifelong consequences. Although studies have recently been carried out in some low- and middle-income countries, much data is still lacking.

    Child abuse is a complex and difficult issue to study. Available estimates vary widely depending on the country and the research method used. Grades depend on the following aspects:

    • applicable definitions of child abuse;
    • type of child abuse being studied;
    • coverage and quality of official statistics;
    • coverage and quality of surveys that require reports from victims themselves, parents or caregivers.

    However, international studies show that one quarter of all adults were physically abused as children, and that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 13 men were sexually abused as children. In addition, many children are victims of emotional (psychological) abuse and neglect.

    An estimated 41,000 murders of children under the age of 15 occur each year. This figure underestimates the true extent of the problem, as a significant proportion of child abuse deaths are incorrectly attributed to falls, burns, drowning, and other causes.

    In armed conflict and refugee camps, girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, exploitation and abuse by the military, security forces, other members of their communities, humanitarian workers and others.

    Consequences of abuse

    Child abuse causes suffering to children and families and can have long-term consequences. Abuse leads to stress, which is associated with impaired early brain development. Extreme stress can disrupt the development of the nervous and immune systems. As a result, in adulthood, people who were abused as children are at increased risk of behavioral and physical and mental health problems, such as:

    • committing violence or becoming a victim of violence;
    • depression;
    • smoking;
    • obesity;
    • high risk sexual behavior;
    • unplanned pregnancy;
    • harmful use of alcohol and drugs.

    As a result of these behavioral and mental health consequences, abuse can lead to heart disease, cancer, suicide, and sexually transmitted infections.

    In addition to health and societal impacts, child maltreatment also has economic impacts, including the cost of hospitalization, mental health treatment, child care, and long-term health costs.

    Risk factors

    Risk factors for child abuse have been identified. These risk factors are not present in all social and cultural settings, but they give a general idea when trying to understand the causes of child abuse.

    Child

    It is important to emphasize that children are victims and should never be blamed for abuse. Certain individual characteristics of a child may increase the likelihood of abuse:

    • child under 4 years of age or adolescent;
    • an unwanted child or a child that does not live up to the expectations of the parents;
    • a child with special needs, constant crying or abnormal physical features.

    Parents or caregivers

    Certain characteristics of parents or caregivers may increase the risk of child abuse. Among them are the following:

    • difficulties associated with the newborn;
    • leaving a child unattended;
    • childhood abuse;
    • ignorance of child development or unrealistic expectations;
    • harmful use of alcohol or drugs, including during pregnancy;
    • involvement in criminal activity;
    • experiencing financial difficulties.

    Relationships

    A number of factors in family relationships or between sexual partners, friends and peers can increase the risk of child abuse, for example:

    • a family member's physical or mental health or developmental problems;
    • discord in the family or violence between other family members;
    • isolation in the community or lack of a support circle;
    • lack of support in raising a child from other family members.

    Community and social factors

    A number of characteristics of individual communities and communities can increase the risk of child abuse. They include:

    • gender and social inequality;
    • Lack of adequate housing or family support services and institutions;
    • high levels of unemployment and poverty;
    • easy access to alcohol and drugs;
    • inadequate policies and programs to prevent child abuse, child pornography, child prostitution and child labor;
    • social and cultural norms that support or glorify violence against others, favor the use of corporal punishment, require rigid gender roles, or degrade the status of the child in parent-child relationships;
    • social, economic, health and educational policies that lead to poor living standards or socioeconomic inequality or instability.

    Prophylaxis

    A multisectoral approach is needed to prevent child maltreatment. Effective programs are those that support parents and instill positive parenting skills. These include:

    • Nursing home visits to parents and children for support, education and information;
    • Parent education, usually in groups, to improve child-rearing skills, increase knowledge of child development, and encourage positive child-care strategies; and
    • multi-component activities, usually including parent support and education, early childhood education and childcare.

    Other prevention programs are also promising in some respects.

    • Abuse head injury prevention programs (also called shaken baby syndrome and traumatic brain injury). These are usually hospital-level programs targeting young parents prior to their discharge, educating them about the dangers of shaken baby syndrome and recommending interventions for inconsolably crying babies.
    • Child sexual abuse prevention programs. They are usually held in schools and educate children in the following areas:
      • ownership of one's body;
      • difference between good and bad touches;
      • how to recognize threatening situations;
      • how to say "no";
      • how to talk about abuse to a trustworthy adult.

    Such programs are effective in increasing protective factors against child sexual abuse (eg, knowledge about sexual abuse and protective behaviours), but there is no data on whether such programs reduce other types of violence.

    The earlier in a child's life such interventions are, the more beneficial they are for the child (eg cognitive development, behavioral and social competence, educational training) and society (eg reduction in delinquency and crime).

    In addition, early recognition of cases, combined with continued care for child victims of violence and families, can help reduce re-abuse and its consequences.

    For maximum impact, prevention and care interventions are recommended by WHO as part of a four-step public health approach:

    • problem definition;
    • determination of causes and risk factors;
    • development and testing of measures aimed at minimizing risk factors;
    • disseminate information on the effectiveness of interventions and scale up proven effective interventions.

    WHO activities

    WHO is collaborating with a number of partners in the following areas:

    • provides evidence-based technical and normative guidance on child maltreatment prevention;
    • calls for increased international support for and investment in evidence-based child abuse prevention;
    • provides technical support for evidence-based child abuse prevention programs in selected low- and middle-income countries.

    Order for abuse

    Approved

    regional decree

    juvenile commission

    and protecting their rights

    dated December 27, 2014 No. 16

    ORDER

    detection of cases of violence or abuse of minors and organization of work with them

    1. General provisions

    1.1. This procedure for detecting cases of violence or cruel treatment of minors and organizing work with them (hereinafter referred to as the procedure) was developed in accordance with the Federal Law of June 24, 1999 No. July 1998 No. 124-FZ "On the Basic Guarantees of the Rights of the Child in the Russian Federation", by Order of the Administration of the Novgorod Region No. 329 dated October 1, 2012-rz “On Approval of the Action Strategy for Children in the Novgorod Region for 2012-2017” and defines the functions of participants in interdepartmental interaction on the prevention of violence and abuse against minors.

    1.2. The purpose of the Procedure for detecting cases of violence, cruel treatment of minors and organizing work with them is to prevent cruelty and violence against minors and to provide assistance to minors who have suffered from violence, cruel treatment.

    1.3. The participants in the identification of cases of violence, cruelty to minors are the bodies, organizations and institutions of the system for the prevention of neglect and delinquency of minors (hereinafter referred to as the bodies and institutions of the prevention system), namely:

    internal affairs bodies,

    commissions for minors and protection of their rights,

    guardianship and guardianship authorities,

    management bodies of social protection of the population,

    social service institutions,

    educational authorities, educational organizations,

    health authorities, medical organizations,

    Commissioner for Children's Rights in the Novgorod Region,

    other bodies, organizations and institutions involved in the process of providing assistance to minors who have suffered from violence and abuse.

    Identification of cases of violence, abuse of minors is carried out through the exchange of information between bodies and institutions of the prevention system, the implementation of joint preventive measures, participation in meetings and working groups on the prevention of violence and abuse of minors.

    1.4. Terms and definitions:

    Violence , as defined by the World Health Organization, is the intentional use of physical force or power, whether actual or in the form of a threat, directed against oneself, another person, group of people or community, which results (or is highly likely to do so) to bodily injury , death, psychological trauma, developmental disabilities or damage of any kind.

    Child abuse - mistreatment of him.

    Abuse - physical or mental abuse of a child, or an attempt on his sexual inviolability, as well as the use of unacceptable methods of education (rude, neglectful, degrading treatment of children, insult or exploitation of children (Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of May 27 .1998 No. 10 "On the application of legislation by the courts in resolving disputes related to the upbringing of children").

    Forms of child abuse: physical, psychological abuse, abuse, abuse, neglect, neglect, abuse, exploitation, including sexual abuse, by parents, legal guardians or any other person caring for the child (art. 19 Convention on the Rights of the Child, approved by the UN General Assembly on November 20, 1989).

    Physical abuse is a form of ill-treatment in which a minor is subjected to pain, corporal punishment, beatings, injuries and injuries, loss of life or does not prevent the possibility of suffering, harm to his health or physical development (World Health Organization. Cruel Treatment of Children, Fact Sheet No. 150, August 2010).

    Sexual abuse is a type of ill-treatment, which consists in involving a minor in sexual activities in order to obtain sexual satisfaction or material gain by adults (“Methodological recommendations “Prevention of child abuse and domestic violence” No. 18, approved by the chairman Committee of Health of Moscow 10/15/1999).

    Emotional (psychological) abuse - a single or chronic mental impact on a child or his rejection by parents and other adults, as a result of which the child's emotional development, behavior and ability to socialize are disturbed ("Methodological recommendations" Prevention of cruelty to children and Domestic Violence” No. 18, approved by the Chairman of the Moscow Health Committee on 10/15/1999).

    Neglect is the neglect of a child's basic needs (food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision) by a parent or other person responsible for the child, whereby the health, safety, and well-being of the child is endangered. Observable signs of neglect include the child not attending school all the time, begging, the child stealing money or food, dirty skin or clothing, lack of seasonal clothing, etc. (World Health Organization. Child Abuse. Fact Sheet No. 150. August 2010).

    Obvious signs of violence against children, which require immediate notification of the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia at the district level of the Novgorod region (hereinafter referred to as the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs), guardianship and guardianship authorities, city, district commissions for minors and the protection of their rights (hereinafter referred to as the commission):

    - traces of beatings, torture, other physical impact;

    - traces of sexual violence;

    - neglected state of health;

    - lack of normal conditions for the existence of a child: unsanitary condition of housing, failure to comply with elementary rules of hygiene, lack of sleeping places, bedding, clothes, food and other items in the house that meet the age needs of children and are necessary for caring for them;

    - systematic drunkenness of parents, fights in the presence of a minor, deprivation of sleep, etc.

    The reason for the intervention of specialists, studying the situation in the family may be:

    - information from a minor;

    - information from parents (legal representatives), other family members;

    - information from specialists;

    - information from peers and friends, neighbors, other citizens;

    - information from representatives of public associations;

    - results of a medical examination;

    - results of examinations;

    - additional information collected in the course of psychological diagnostics, observations of a minor, etc.

    Particular attention should be paid to the identification of signs of violence and abuse against:

    - minors living in families in a difficult life situation or in a socially dangerous situation, who are registered with social service institutions;

    - minors admitted to medical organizations with bodily injuries;

    - minors whose parents are registered with the internal affairs bodies;

    - minors attending educational organizations, having problems in learning, behavior, missing classes for disrespectful reasons, minors from dysfunctional families.

    2. Actions of employees of bodies and institutions of the prevention system in case of detection of obvious signs of violence or cruel treatment of a minor

    2.1. Actions of employees of medical organizations

    2.1.1. Within one hour from the moment of revealing signs of violence or abuse with a minor, a medical worker conducts a medical assessment of the condition of a minor - a victim of violence or abuse, fixing the data in the medical record.

    2.1.2. If necessary, hospitalizes a minor who has been subjected to violence or ill-treatment, with the consent of legal representatives.

    2.1.3. Within one hour from the moment of revealing the fact of violence or ill-treatment, sends information to the head of the medical organization about the identified case of violence or ill-treatment of a minor.

    2.1.4. Within one hour from the moment of receiving information about the revealed fact, the head of the medical organization reports the identified case of violence or ill-treatment of a minor by phone, then within one day sends information in writing to the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to the commission in accordance with Appendix 1.

    2.2. Actions of employees of educational organizations

    2.2.1. Teaching staff:

    inform (verbally) the head of the educational organization within one hour from the moment of revealing signs of violence or abuse with a student about the revealed fact of violence or abuse with a minor.

    2.2.2. Head of educational organization:

    organizes, within one hour from the moment of receiving information about the fact of violence or ill-treatment of a minor (in case of a threat to the life or health of a student - immediately), a medical assessment of the state of health of a minor who has been subjected to violence or ill-treatment;

    informs the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs by phone within one hour from the moment the medical worker fixes the fact of ill-treatment of a minor;

    sends information in writing to the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, educational authorities, the commission within one working day from the date of detection of the fact of violence or ill-treatment of a minor;

    organizes, within one working day from the date of detection of the fact of violence or ill-treatment of a minor, an examination by a social teacher of an educational organization of the living conditions and upbringing of a student, if necessary, together with representatives of the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, guardianship and guardianship authorities. Based on the results of the examination, an act of examination of the living conditions and upbringing of the student is drawn up, where signs of ill-treatment of a minor are recorded.

    2.3. Actions of guardianship and guardianship officials

    2.3.1. Upon receipt of information about an immediate threat to the life of a minor or his health, within a day from the date of receipt of information about an immediate threat to the life and (or) health of the child, together with the participation of employees of the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, takes the minor from his parents (parent), or from other persons in care where he is located and provides his temporary placement on the basis of an act on the temporary placement of a minor in specialized institutions of the Novgorod region for minors in need of social rehabilitation.

    2.3.2. Prepares an act of the Head of the municipality on the removal of a minor from his parents (parent), or from other persons in whose care he is, with a statement of the fact that the minor is in an environment that is extremely dangerous for his health and (or) life.

    2.3.3. Immediately notifies the territorial bodies of the prosecutor's office about the incident.

    2.3.4. Files a lawsuit in court for deprivation of parental rights or restriction of parental rights (within 7 days from the date of adoption of the act on the removal of a minor).

    2.3.5. Within one working day from the date of fixing the fact of violence or ill-treatment, the head (employee) of the guardianship and guardianship authorities sends information in writing in accordance with Appendix 1 to the commission, the act of examining the living conditions and upbringing of the child in the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to attract the person who allowed violence or abuse of a minor, to statutory liability.

    2.4. Actions of employees of social service institutions

    2.4.1. Upon admission of a minor to an institution, a mandatory medical examination and questioning of the minor is carried out in order to identify signs of violence or ill-treatment. In case of detection of signs of violence or ill-treatment, the information is immediately transferred to the head of the social service institution about the revealed facts.

    2.4.2. Within one hour from the moment of receiving information about the identification of signs of violence or ill-treatment of a minor, the head of the social service institution organizes a medical, psychological assessment of the condition of a minor who has been subjected to ill-treatment, fixing the data in a medical certificate and a personal file of a minor.

    2.4.3. During the first day from the moment of fixing the fact of violence or ill-treatment of a minor, the head of the social service institution informs the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the commission in accordance with Appendix 1.

    2.4.4. During the stay of a minor who has been subjected to violence or ill-treatment, employees of social service institutions organize and conduct work with a minor and his family using methods of work for the rehabilitation of victims of violence.

    2.5. Actions of employees of the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, employees of the territorial investigative bodies of the investigative department of the investigative committee of the Russian Federation for the Novgorod region

    2.5.1. In accordance with the procedure established by law, they register information on cases of violence, abuse of a minor in the register of reports of incidents, conduct an audit, take measures to bring to justice those who committed violence or abuse of a minor, in accordance with applicable law.

    2.5.2. Inform the legal representatives of minors who have suffered from violence, abuse about the social rehabilitation services provided, receiving psychological assistance and other types of assistance to a minor.

    2.6. Actions of specialists of the city, district commissions for minors and the protection of their rights

    2. 6.1. Upon receipt of information from the bodies and institutions of the prevention system, citizens, as well as upon independent identification of the fact of violence, ill-treatment, the specialists of the commissions within one hour send written information in accordance with Appendix 1 to the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for taking measures established by law.

    2.6.2. Information about the facts of violence, ill-treatment received by the commissions is recorded in the journal.

    2.6.3. On a quarterly basis, they send information to the regional commission on juvenile affairs and the protection of their rights about facts of violence, cruel treatment of minors received by the commission in accordance with Appendix 2.

    3. Commissioner for Children's Rights in the Novgorod Region

    Upon receipt of information from bodies and institutions of the prevention system, citizens, as well as upon self-identification of the fact of violence or abuse of minors, violent actions against children, within one hour they send information in accordance with Appendix 1 to the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for taking measures established legislation.

    Participates (by agreement) in the organization and conduct of actions and events aimed against violence and abuse of minors.

    4. Other bodies and institutions of the system for the prevention of neglect and juvenile delinquency

    When a fact of violence, ill-treatment of a minor is revealed, information is sent in writing in accordance with Appendix 1 to the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a commission for taking measures established by law.

    5. Organization of work with minors,

    victims of violence or abuse

    Specialized institutions of the Novgorod region for minors in need of social rehabilitation:

    provide psychological assistance to minors who are victims of any type of violence or abuse;

    organize the social rehabilitation of a minor who entered the institution on the fact of violence, abuse in the family;

    organize work with the family, as being in a socially dangerous situation;

    organize activities for the general prevention of violence and cruelty to minors.

    Appendix 1

    Information

    about minors who suffered as a result of violence,

    domestic abuse

    1. Full name of the minor, date of birth, employment: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    2. Address of residence _______________________________________________
    3. Social status of the family __________________________________________
    4. Date, time and place of manifestation of violence, ill-treatment against a minor: __________________________________

    _______________________________________________________________

    1. Source of information (who, when revealed the fact of violence, abuse of a minor): __________________________________

    __________________________________________________________________

    1. Information about the person who committed violence, ill-treatment (degree of relationship, age, place of residence, place of work) ________________________________________________________________

    _______________________________________________________________

    1. Brief description of what happened: ___________________________________

    ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    "___"_________20__

    ____________________________ ______________ ______________ (head position) (signature)

    Appendix 2

    Information about the facts of violence, cruel treatment of minors in the family, admitted to ____________________________________________________________

    (name of the commission for minors and protection of their rights)

    at _______________ 20___

    (time period)

    Minor's name

    ………….


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