Child Abuse and Neglect
Wealthy Woman Sued After Giving Up Children
According to New York state courts, a widow inheriting an estate worth more than $250 million must share the proceeds of the estate with an adopted daughter she gave up for re-adoption ten years ago. Court documents show that the woman, who also has five biological children, also gave up a son for re-adoption in 1997.
Lawyers for Emily, the daughter Christine Svennigsen gave up, told a New York Court of Appeals last month that the child was entitled to inherit some of the estate after having lived with the Svennigsen family for 8 years. Emily was taken from China to the United States to be the youngest of six siblings in 1996, after Svennigsen and her husband visited orphanages there and decided they should rescue some of the children they saw.
Soon after, Svennigsen told the court that her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer—at the same time that she was starting adoption paperwork to adopt a second child from China. That child, Eric, was brought over to the United States in 1997 but was given up before even a year had passed. According to Svennigsen, seven children was simply too much to handle, so Eric was adopted out to a couple in New Jersey.
As time went by, Svennigsen began to treat Emily very differently from the other children in the household. Court records say that Emily was subjected to abuse and neglect, was separated from her siblings at meal time, and was even forced to sleep in a tent for a full week outside her family's mansion as punishment for breaking the rules.
Svennigsen claimed Emily was difficult and had major psychological problems, but Emily's lawyers say her teachers said differently. While Svennigsen had Emily diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder, a rare syndrome in adopted children that makes them unable to bond with caretakers and prone to violent and sometimes self-destructive outbursts, teachers said she was full of energy and seemed like a happy child.
Emily was sent to boarding school, where she was left even on weekends and holidays. Finally, her mother had her re-adopted by another family. While Emily had been on psychiatric medication at the time of her re-adoption, her adoptive parents quickly realized she had nothing wrong with her and were able to discontinue the medication.
Both Svennigsen and her biological children fought to keep any portion of the estate from going to Emily, who they contended had no rights to the family's money after she was re-adopted.
Source: courts.state.ny.us, nydailynews.com
How Domestic Violence Affects Child Abuse
Domestic Violence as a Gateway for Child Abuse
The crime of Domestic Violence is classified as any type of abuse assault undertaken by one member of a cohabitant partnership unto another member of that same partnership; this may include married couples, intimate partners, or individuals sharing a residence with regard to the participation in a romantic relationship. Studies illustrate that Domestic Violence can occur within a variety of settings and forms; similarly, this is a nature shared within the classification of child abuse, as well – domestic violence can manifest itself in a variety of physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological forms.
Children are Victims of Domestic Violence Offenses
The classification of Domestic Violence charges and offenses are rarely uniform; akin to the classification of both victims and perpetrators of child abuse, involved parties within Domestic Violence offenses are neither specific to sexual orientation nor marital status, gender, race, creed, religion, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status – simply put, all forms of domestic abuse can take place without limit:
Primarily, the subjection of children to domestic violence is considered a crime in and of itself; the witness of domestic violence may result in the traumatization of a child, resulting in psychological and emotional damage
The notion of threat and duress within instances of domestic violence commonly prove to be detrimental for a child, in addition to the trauma and damage sustained; the domestic violence offender may pose threats involving potential harm and damage in the event that a child reports the activity witnessed as domestic violence – this action alone can be classified as emotional child abuse
The presence of domestic violence within a household portrays a negative influence with regard to the raising of children, which results from neglect, disrespect, and violence; studies have demonstrated that children produced from households in which domestic violence has taken place are prone to repeat such behavior
Domestic Violence Offenses
As previously stated, the nature of abuse transcends a uniform method of categorization; while primary classifications of domestic violence exist, the events and undertakings involved are quite expansive and specific:
Physical Domestic Violence
Domestic violence – in its physical form – constitutes abuse or assault sustained by one or both members of a romantic partnership
Emotional and Psychological Domestic Violence
This type of Domestic violence constitutes verbal abuse or assault sustained by one or both members of a cohabitation partnership, including the use of insult, threats, and manipulation
Sexual Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence in its sexual form constitutes sexual abuse sustained by one or both members of a romantic partnership, including spousal rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault
What to do if a Friend or Family Member is the Victim of Child Abuse? READ THIS
Identifying a Victim of Child Abuse
Due to the fact that a varying nature of Child Abuse exists, identifying an abused person can prove to range in difficulty; yet, in certain cases, victims of child abuse will avoid discussing their abuse – oftentimes, victims of child abuse will present dishonest explanations for evidence of child abuse. In the event that you suspect that a friend or family member is the victim of Child Abuse, this can be an extremely difficult and emotionally-trying experience for the victim, as well as for you:
The reasons that have brought you to this article suggest that you are a caring and compassionate individual who is concerned for the safety of a friend or loved one; you are encouraged to allow yourself a great deal of credit for taking the initiative to protect the safety and wellbeing of another person, as well as contribute to preventing criminal behavior
Types of Child Abuse
Child Abuse can take place in a variety of forms; some of which are visible, others are not. In certain cases, a bruise, injury, or blemish may be the result of Child Abuse, while in other cases, that injury may have taken place as a result of an accident or mishap; as a result, the classification of Child Abuse is an extremely difficult one. Child Abuse occurs most commonly on a physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological level; while the effects of physical and sexual child abuse may be more evident, the effects of emotional and psychological child abuse may not be.
Signs of Child Abuse
Some of the most common signs of child abuse may include the following:
Bruises, injuries, and blemishes on the body of a victim occurring on a consistent basis
Hints and attempts to convey the abuse on the part of the victim; these may arise in a vague fashion – you are encouraged to be aware of the words and statements issued by a friend of loved one
Reporting Child Abuse Involving a Friend or Family Member
Identifying Child Abuse is rarely uniform, and you are encouraged to remember that even the accusation of alleged Child Abuse can carry with it very serious repercussions; Child Abuse is typically punished to the fullest extent of the law – however, you are encouraged to address your concerns to a law enforcement agent, religious leader, or school official. Upon reporting a Child Abuse offense, you may be met with dispute or resistance from the victim; this may result from guilt, embarrassment, or the desire to protect the abuser:
While these may be typical responses from certain victims, please be assured that nobody deserves to be a victim of abuse; although you may be dissuaded the report an offense, reporting a Child Abuse offense to a trusted individual is the most effective method that can be undertaken in order to help a victim
Individuals have been victims, made aware of, or witnessed child abuses are encouraged to contact their local authorities or law enforcement department in order to report the details of the offense. In the event that an individual wishes to do so in an anonymous fashion, they should contact the Department of Child Protective Services immediately at (800) 422-4453
I’m Abused, What Should I Do? READ THIS
Getting Help for Child Abuse
In the event that you are the victim of child abuse – or suspect that you may be the victim of child abuse – please be assured that a variety of options exist for you in order to protect yourself and your safety; it is important that if you are reading this, you understand that you are never to blame for child abuse – you are a victim of child abuse and did nothing to contribute to your current situation.
Identifying Child Abuse
Child abuse can take place in a variety of settings, actions, and classifications; primarily, the most common types of child abuse are sexual child abuse, emotional or psychological child abuse, and physical child abuse – all of these types of child abuse retain different classifications. If you feel as though you have undergone mistreatment, neglect, harm, or violation by another individual – regardless of their relationship to you or their age – you are encouraged to reach out for support.
Reporting a Child Abuse Case
In many situations, victims of child abuse will experience a wide range of emotions with regard to their current situation; while certain individuals are quick to report child abuse suffered upon them, other victims of child abuse find it more difficult to report such offenses – this can take place for a variety of reasons:
What to do if you are Afraid to Report a Child Abuse Offense?
Sometimes, victims of child abuse receive threats from their abusers; these threats result from the fact that abuser does not want to be discovered and responsible for their crimes – in other cases, the abuser may make excuses for their actions. In either case, the actions of an individual who abuses a child are not only dangerous, criminal, and violating, but also the sole responsibility of the abuser; there are neither any excuses for child abuse, nor explanations allowing for the slightest permissibility of that nature of criminal behavior:
If you are the victim of child abuse and have received threats conditional on telling another individual about the abuse that you have suffered, you might be frightened; however, the seriousness of a child abuse offense typically result in swift recourse – you are encouraged to report the abuse to a law enforcement officer, religious leader, or school official
Upon reporting a child abuse offense, you may feel ashamed or responsible for the criminal behavior undertaken by the abuser; however, you are neither to blame for any abuse suffered, nor responsible for the actions of the abuser – you do deserve to be protected, safe, happy, and healthy
Individuals have been victims, made aware of, or witnessed child abuses are encouraged to contact their local authorities or law enforcement department in order to report the details of the offense. In the event that an individual wishes to do so in an anonymous fashion, they should contact the Department of Child Protective Services immediately at (800) 422-4453
What to Do if You Have Been Molested
A Message to Individuals Suspecting that They Have Been Molested
The events and circumstances that have brought you to this article may vary in nature; you may be doing research with regard to child molestation and other types of sex crimes involving minors – however, if you or someone that you know has been molested, please be assured that there exists a multitude of help and support available to you. Primarily, it is important that you are made aware that you are a victim of a crime; you are neither to blame for being molested, nor are you responsible for the criminal actions of the individual who you may believe to have molested you.
Have You Been Molested?
Due to the fact that you are considering and analyzing applicable events and details in conjunction with an experience that you may have had – in which you suspect to have been molested by another individual, you are embarking on a very important and difficult step within the process of prevention, healing, and recovery. In the event that you are uncertain whether you – or a loved one – have been molested, there exist a multitude of parameters associated with sexual child abuse and the sexual assault of a minor that may allow for clarification in your determination of this suspicion:
Parameter #1
Did illicit, illegal, inappropriate, or violating sexual contact occur?
In the event that you suspect that you or a loved one has been molested, you are encouraged to identify the nature of the actions in which you or another individual were involved – individuals who have been molested are typically the victims of inappropriate, unwelcomed, and invasive sexual contact.
Parameter #2
Are you legally-classified as a Minor?
Sexual offenses that result in an underage victim being molested are considered criminal acts; however, in the event that the victim was below the age of consent within their respective jurisdiction, that crime may be associated with a variety of supplemental charges due to the involvement of minors – state laws vary with regard to the age of consent.
Parameter #3
What was the relationship between the victim and the individual offender?
Regardless of the fact that the individual whom you feel has molested you or a loved one is a family friend, stranger, or acquaintance, victims of child molestation are encouraged to come forth and share the details of their abuse with a law enforcement officer, religious leader, community official, or teacher.
Parameter #4
Were you threatened?
Although child molestation is a crime despite any supplementary details within the circumstances themselves, the use of threats and exploitation may add to the difficulty and hardship experienced by the victim; however, if you received threats from the offender, you are encouraged to report any or all offenses in order to prevent further molestation and abuse.
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Child Abuse Intervention Center Opens on Indian Reservation
Child abuse is an unfortunate reality on a large amount of Native American reservations throughout the United States. However, some Native American reservations are taking steps to address child abuse and prevent child abuse in the future. The Warm Springs Indian Reservation is just one example.
On November 5, 2012, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced that the Indian Health Service and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation recently opened a Child Abuse Intervention Center. The center holds a medical clinic where caregivers part of the Indian Health Service (HIS) can interview and examine Native American children who were potentially abused sexually and/or physically.
After the medical examinations are completed, the cases will be forwarded to law enforcement officials.
The center is called “Snwiyaila Miyanashna” which means “Talking for the Children.” The Child Abuse Intervention Center is located in the HIS offices on the Warm Springs Reservation, and the center was blessed by tribal elders on November 5, 2012. The ceremony was attended by Council members and tribal police officers, advocates for victims, prosecutors, and case works. Representatives from the HIS, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation also attended the ceremony.
The Executive Director of Snwiyaila Miyanashna, Dr. Rachel Locker, stated: “This Child Abuse Intervention Center is only the second of its kind on tribal lands in the United States. The Warm Springs tribal elders have shown incredible leadership in protecting the children in their Tribal Nation.”
The Child Abuse Intervention Center increases efforts to stop child abuse on the Warm Springs reservation. The Child Abuse Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) has operated on the reservation for years. The MDT is made of federal prosecutors, FBI agents, case works, medical professionals, and police officers that meet every month to review investigations and prosecutions on child abuse.
Source: Fedeal Bureau of Investigation
