Facebook
Home Child Abuse Page 4

Child Abuse

Iā€™m Abused, What Should I Do? READ THIS

Iā€™m Abused, What Should I Do? READ THISGetting Help for Child Abuse

In the event that you are the victim of child abuse ā€“ or suspect that you may be the victim of child abuse ā€“ 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 ā€“ you are a victim of child abuse and did nothing to contribute to your current situation.

However, the fact that you have reached out and began to investigate your current situation is perhaps the most important and most difficult step in child abuse cases and the wide range of child abuse victims. You have arrived at this article because something inside of you ā€“ be it your inner-voice or your instincts ā€“ have raised concern that the abuse you are experiencing is wrong; and you are correct, child abuse is a very serious offense oftentimes punishable to the fullest extent of the law. There is help available for you.

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 ā€“ 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 ā€“ regardless of their relationship to you or their age ā€“ 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 ā€“ 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 ā€“ 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 ā€“ 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 ā€“ 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

What to Do if You Have Been MolestedA 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 ā€“ 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.

That being said, you may be experiencing a wide range of thoughts and emotions, amongst which may include fear, guilt, shame, or anger ā€“ please allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment; in the event that you ā€“ or a loved one ā€“ has been molested, you are entitled to experience overwhelming emotions that undoubtedly range in nature.

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 ā€“ or a loved one ā€“ 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 ā€“ 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 ā€“ 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.

Penn State Faces Questions and Scrutiny for Alleged Abuse of Children

Penn State Faces Questions and Scrutiny for Alleged Abuse of Children

A former football coach, who for many years was applauded for his work with children, has been charged with child sex-abuse and endangerment.  At the same time, administrators in the school are also facing charges for lying to a grand jury about what they knew about such allegations.  
67 year old Jerry Sandusky was the Defensive Coordinator for the Penn State Football program and a well known star in the world of college football.  He was arrested over the weekend after news broke that a former victim came forward with information about the prior abuse.   
The charges against Mr. Sandusky include the abuse of 8 different boys over a 15 year period.  Even more shocking is the fact the allegations state the some incidents occurred on the Penn State Campus and at a Camp Mr. Sandusky held for young boys.  It remains to be seen how this scandal will affect the school, as it may be that a cover-up occurred by other members of the Penn State Community.  

Technology Aides the Protection of Children and Domestic Violence

Technology Aides the Protection of Children and Domestic Violence

Technology has been changing our lives for the better, as communication, information, and education are easily conducted quickly and efficiently.  In some locations, technology is even used to help protect children from domestic violence.  
Video Cameras and recording devices are being used by police and case workers to produce a record of testimony and conditions after a reported domestic violence dispute.  Such recordings are now utilized in cases to prosecute offenders, where in the past, victims had to face them in court and other legal proceedings, often leading to refusal to cooperate for fear of the offender.  
Jurisdictions that are using such technology are finding that many more guilty pleas and convictions are being obtained against offenders, greatly increasing the quality of life for children and victims who often do not have a voice.  This has also lead to many less cases of repeat offenders, a great sign that the technology is working.  

Man Gets 245 Years for Videotaping and Drugging Children

Man Gets 245 Years for Videotaping and Drugging Children


On November 6, 2012, the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri announced that a man from Kansas City was sentenced to 245 years in prison for drugging and molesting a total of 13 children and videotaping some of the sexual abuse.  


David M. Ketchmark, the Acting US Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, stated: “We’re satisfied that an extremely dangerous sexual predator is guaranteed to spend the rest of his life in prison. . . .The serial abuser will never victimize another child for the rest of his life.”


Ketchmark admitted that the victims were between 6 and 13 years old, and he stated the abuse started in 1997.  All of the abuse occurred at his residence, and most of the videos were recorded in his basement.  


He told authorities that he gave the victims sleeping pills—even Ambien.  The pills were placed in ice cream and soda that he gave to the victims.  The victims were videotaped in bed as they were unconscious and subject to different kinds of molestation.  Edwards also admitted that he used his son to lure potential victims to his home.  He encouraged his son to have sleepovers, and some of the victims remember having ice cream eating contests at his home.  


Government evidence indicates that Edwards had videos, pictures, and documents on his computer that related to the molestations.  Authorities also found a document called “How to Molest Young Girls” that gave instructions about specific dosage amounts for children and more.  


Edward was caught by authorities after two different stings in May and June of 2009.  The FBI, the Independence Police Department, and the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory were in charge of the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Fincham was in charge of prosecution.  


Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
 

Former Peace Corps Volunteer Gets 15 Years

Former Peace Corps Volunteer Gets 15 Years


On October 11, 2012, the ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for South Africa announced that Jesse Osmun was sentenced to 180 months in prison for crimes during his time as a Peace Corps volunteer.  He received the prison sentence and 10 years of supervised release for sexually abusing four girls under the age of 6 while volunteering in South Africa.  


U.S. Embassy Pretoria Chargé d’Affairs Virginia E. Palmer stated, “This case has shown that both the United States and South Africa have no tolerance when it comes to the abuse of innocent children.  Through close collaboration between U.S. and South African law enforcement officials we have been able to close this sad case and bring justice to this criminal.  Our heart goes out to the young victims involved.”


Osmun became a Peace Corps volunteer in 2010 and began working at a non-governmental organization (NGO) in South Africa.  The organization provided education, food and more to children in the area, and many of these children were orphans.


Osmun was confronted by his program director about allegations of sexual abuse in May of 2011, and he quickly resigned from the Peace Corps.  He returned to the United States on June 2 of 2011, and HSI quickly began an investigation into the allegations with help from the South African Police Service and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations.  


During the investigation, it was found the Osmun encouraged the young girls to engage in sexual acts by persuading them with candy and offering to play games.  The abuse occurred about twice a week over 5 months.  


Osmun was arrested at his home in Milford, Connecticut on June 27, 2012.  He has remained detained since his arrest, and he has pleaded guilty to his charges.  


Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
 

1234Page 4 of 4
Facebook

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©