recognizing & supporting victims of abuse

RECOGNIZING CHILD ABUSE

Child victims are often abused by parents, caregivers, or other trusted acquaintances. This relationship dynamic makes it difficult for children to report abuse. The child may love the offender and rely on him/her for taking care of other needs. A child may have been instructed not to tell, or threatened with even more severe abuse or harm to others, preventing them from disclosing. Sadly, some children may view the abuse as "normal" because it is what they have always known. 

WARNING SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE
PHYSICAL ABUSE: Child has frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts Child is watchful and "on alert," as if waiting for something bad to happen Child has injuries that appear to have a pattern, such as marks from a hand or belt Child shies away from touch, flinches as sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home Child wears clothing inappropriate for the weather in order to conceal injuries
SEXUAL ABUSE: Child has trouble watching or sitting Child displays knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to his or her age Child makes strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an obvious reason Child doesn't want to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities Child has a sexually transmitted infection or disease, or becomes pregnant Child runs away from home
EMOTIONAL ABUSE: Child is excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong Child shows extremes in behavior (extremely compliant or extremely demanding; extremely passive or extremely aggressive) Child doesn't seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver Child acts either inappropriately adult (taking care of other children) or inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking, throwing tantrums)
NEGLECT: Child's clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the weather Child's hygiene is consistently bad (un-bathed, matted and unwashed hair, noticeable body odor) Child has untreated illnesses or physical injuries Child is frequently unsupervised, left alone, or allowed to play in unsafe environments Child is frequently late or missing from school

RECOGNIZING ELDER ABUSE

At first, you might not recognize or take seriously signs of elder abuse. They may appear to be symptoms of dementia or signs of the elderly person's frailty- or caregivers may explain them to you that way. In fact, many of the signs and symptoms of elder abuse do overlap with symptoms of mental deterioration, but that doesn't mean you should dismiss them on the caregiver's say-so. 

SIGNS OF ABUSE

The following are potential indicators of elder abuse. If you suspect elder abuse, but aren't sure, look for clusters of the following physical and behavioral signs.

WARNING SIGNS OF ELDER ABUSE
GENERAL WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE Frequent arguments or tension between the caregiver and the elderly person Changes in personality or behavior of the elder
PHYSICAL ABUSE Unexplained signs of injury such as bruises, welts, or scars Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations Report of drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication regularly (a prescription has more remaining in it than it should) Broken eyeglasses or frames Caregiver's refusal to allow you to see the elder alone
EMOTIONAL ABUSE Threatening, belittling, or controlling caregiver behaviors Behavior from the elder that mimics dementia, such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to oneself
SEXUAL ABUSE Unexplained venereal diseases or genital infections Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
NEGLECT (either by caregiver or self) Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores Unsanitary living conditions, such as dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes Being left dirty or un-bathed Unsuitable clothing or covering for the weather Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water, faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards) Desertion of the elder in a public place
FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION Significant withdrawals from the elder's accounts Sudden changes in the elder's financial condition Items or cash missing from the senior's household Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles, and policies Addition of names to the senior's signature card Unpaid bills or lack of medical care, although the elder has enough money to pay for them Financial activity the senior couldn't have done, such as an ATM withdrawal when the account holder is bedridden Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions

PROTECTING SENIORS

Fact: Every year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that's only part of the picture; experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect that is reported, as many as five cases go unreported. 

Elder abuse happens, but everyone can act to protect seniors. Here are 10 things you can do to help prevent elder abuse: 

• Learn the signs of elder abuse and neglect and report your concerns to Adult Protection Services (208-898-7060 or 1-844-850-2883)
• Call or visit elderly relatives, friends, and neighbors and ask how they're doing
• Provide a respite for a caregiver by filling in for a few hours or more
• Ask an older acquaintance to share his or her talents by teaching you or your children a new skill
• Ask your faith leaders to discuss elder abuse prevention and the importance of respecting older adults with their congregations
• Ask your bank manager to train tellers on how to detect financial exploitation of elders
• Suggest your doctor talk to his or her older patients individually about abuse
• Contact your local adult protective services or long-term care ombudsman (public advocate) to learn how to support their working helping at-risk elders (208-334-3833)
• Volunteer to be a friendly visitor to a nursing home resident or home-bound elder in your community
• Send a letter to your local paper, radio, or TV station suggesting it cover World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15th) or National Grandparent's Day (

PROTECTING YOURSELF, AS AN ELDER, AGAINST ELDER ABUSE

If you are an elder, you can implement protective measures to guard against abuse. 

• Make sure your financial and legal affairs are in order. If they aren't, enlist professional help to get them in order, with the assistance of a trusted friend or relative if necessary.
• Keep in touch with family and friends and avoid becoming isolated.
• If you are unhappy with the care you're receiving, whether it's in your own home or in a care facility, speak up. Tell someone you trust and ask that person to report eh abuse, neglect, or substandard care to an elder abuse helpline or long-term care ombudsman, or make the call yourself. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Aging Issues Help Guide
Idaho Commission on Aging
Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging

RECOGNIZING STALKING

Stalking can be irritating and incredibly scary for victims. Stalking is dangerous and can even be life-threatening, so it is important that cases of stalking be taken seriously. It may be difficult to identify stalking, but some of the warning signs may be similar to that of domestic violence, since over 50% of stalking victims are stalked by their current or former intimate partners. 

WARNING SIGNS OF STALKING
The stalker "coincidentally" shows up at various places the victim goes
Victim receives repeated phone calls and/or texts from the same person
Victim displays a negative, fearful, or irritated response to gifts received
Victim appears watchful, or hypervigilant
Victim attempts to move, change their phone number, or closes social media accounts

SUPPORTING STALKING VICTIMS

Less than 40% of victims report stalking behaviors to law enforcement, even though it is a crime in all 50 states. Sadly, popular movies and television series glamorize and normalize stalking. Therefore, it is vital that you support those who are being stalked. 

SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF STALKING
Believe those who tell you they are being stalked, and take it seriously
Encourage the victim to report stalking behaviors to law enforcement
Encourage the victim to make an appointment with a Nampa Family Justice Center advocate, and offer to accompany them to the appointment
Encourage the victim to keep track of all stalking behaviors, using a form like this
Accompany to the victim to his/her car after work or social gatherings