Those Currently Experiencing Abuse & Neglect
You are not alone and help is available. Healing from abuse can be hard. Our website is a safe place to help you on your path to healing. If you are looking for information on how to report abuse, support from others who have gone through similar experiences, or searching for help to cope with the impacts of trauma, this website is here to aid.
Signs of Abuse
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing abuse or neglect, it’s important to know the signs so you can protect yourself and others. Common signs of abuse and neglect include physical injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or burns; changes in behavior, such as fear or anxiety; unexplained absences from school or work; and poor hygiene or lack of access to basic needs. It’s important to reach out for support and resources to ensure your safety and well-being. You are not alone and help is available.
What to Look For:
Sexual Abuse - Physical Indicators
- Pain or itching in genital area.
- Bruises or bleeding in genital area.
- Sexually transmitted disease.
- Frequent urinary or yeast infections.
- Extreme or sudden weight change.
- Pregnancy under 12 years of age.
Sexual Abuse - Behavioral Indicators
- Withdrawal, chronic depression.
- Sexual behaviors or references that are unusual for the child’s age.
- Seductive or promiscuous behavior.
- Poor self-esteem, self-devaluation, lack of confidence.
- Suicide attempts (especially adolescents).
- Hysteria, lack of emotional control.
Physical Abuse - Physical Indicators
- Unexplained bruises (in various stages of healing), welts, loop marks.
- Adult/human bite marks.
- Bald spots or missing clumps of hair.
- Unexplained burns/scalds.
- Unexplained fractures, skin lacerations/punctures or abrasions.
- Swollen lips/chipped teeth.
- Linear/parallel marks on cheeks and temple area.
- Crescent-shaped bruising.
- Puncture wounds.
- Bruising behind the ears.
Physical Abuse - Behavioral Indicators
- Self-destructive/self-mutilation.
- Withdrawn and/or aggressive-behavior extremes.
- Uncomfortable/skittish with physical contact.
- Arrives at school late or stays late as if afraid to be at home.
- Chronic runaway (adolescents).
- Complains of soreness or moves uncomfortably.
- Wears clothing inappropriate to weather, to cover body.
- Lack of impulse control (e.g. inappropriate outbursts).
Emotional Abuse - Behavioral Indicators
- Self-destructive/self-mutilation.
- Withdrawn and/or aggressive-behavior extremes.
- Uncomfortable/skittish with physical contact.
- Arrives at school late or stays late as if afraid to be at home.
- Chronic runaway (adolescents).
- Complains of soreness or moves uncomfortably.
- Wears clothing inappropriate to weather, to cover body.
- Lack of impulse control (e.g. inappropriate outbursts).
Physical Neglect - Physical Indicators
- Unattended medical needs.
- Lack of supervision.
- Regular signs of hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene.
- Distended stomach, emaciated.
- Significant weight change.
Physical Neglect - Behavioral Indicators
- Regularly displays fatigue or listlessness, falls asleep in class.
- Steals/hoards food, begs from classmates.
- Reports that no caretaker is at home.
What is a CAC?
Trauma Informed Care
As someone currently impacted by abuse and neglect, it can be difficult to navigate the healing process. Everyone deserves compassionate and empowering care, especially those who have experienced abuse or neglect. Trauma-informed care is an approach to healthcare that acknowledges the potential for trauma in a patient’s past and provides a safe and supportive environment for healing.
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“Trauma-informed care is a strengths based framework that is grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma, that emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for both providers and survivors, and that creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.”
Facts & Myths
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or neglect, it’s important to know the facts surrounding these traumatic experiences. Understanding the truth about abuse and neglect can help you make informed decisions about seeking help and healing. You are not alone and there is help available for those impacted by abuse and neglect.
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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
If you are currently impacted by abuse or neglect, it is important to understand how your experiences may impact you. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are experiences of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction that occur before the age of 18. These experiences can have a profound impact on physical and mental health throughout one’s lifespan. Understanding your ACEs can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your care and treatment. This website offers resources to help you learn more about ACEs and how to navigate their impact on your life.
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Resiliency
If you are currently impacted by abuse or neglect, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. It is important to remember that you are not defined by your past or current experiences and that you have the ability to build resilience. Resilience is the ability to adapt and cope with difficult situations, and it is a skill that can be developed over time. By practicing self-care, seeking support from trusted individuals, and focusing on positive coping strategies, you can build your resilience and find hope for the future. The resources available can provide you with additional tools and information to support you on your journey toward healing and resilience.
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“In the context of exposure to significant adversity, resilience is both the capacity of individuals to navigate their way to the psychological, social, cultural, and physical resources that sustain their well-being, and their capacity individually and collectively to negotiate for these resources to be provided in culturally meaningful ways.”
–Dr. Michael Unger
Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma is the emotional and psychological impact of hearing about and witnessing traumatic events. Understanding the concept of vicarious trauma can help you recognize signs of emotional distress in your own life and seek out support as needed.
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Training
As medical and clinical professionals, it’s important to have access to the
resources and tools necessary to provide effective care and support to your
patients, particularly those who have experienced trauma. That’s why we are
committed to providing a range of resources to support your professional
development in trauma-informed care.
Our organization offers a variety of resources, including guides, toolkits, and
online resources, to help you build the knowledge and skills necessary to provide
trauma-informed care. These resources are designed to provide you with the
latest research and best practices in the field of trauma-informed care, and to
give you practical tools and strategies for working with trauma survivors.
We believe that by providing you with access to these resources, we can help
you to provide the best possible care and support to your patients, and promote a
more compassionate and resilient healthcare system for all. Browse our
resources today to learn more about how we can support your professional
growth and development in trauma-informed care.
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Resources
As someone who is being impacted by abuse and neglect, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help and support. This website provides a list of resources, including crisis hotlines, counseling services, and support groups. They can help you connect with others who have had similar experiences and provide support. You are not alone and there is help available to you.
ACEs
Trauma Informed Care
Mandatory Reporting
Resilience
Vicarious Trauma
Sexual Development
Relationship Violence
Teens
Tools, Screeners, & Assessments
Professionals use a variety of tools and assessments to determine how to provide you with the support you may need in your healing journey. If you are interested in having an assessment please reach out to a qualified professional (i.e, physician, mental health professional).
Mandatory Reporting
You may have concerns about you or your child’s safety and well-being. It is important to know that there are professionals who are required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. This is called mandated reporting. Understanding the process of mandated reporting can help you feel safe to speak up. Below you will find information on mandated reporting and resources to help you understand the reporting process.