NCJ Number
56383
Date Published
1978
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM ON CHILD ABUSE DIRECTED AT CHILDREN EXPLAINS WHAT CHILD ABUSE IS AND ADVISES CHILDREN TO REPORT SUSPECTED ABUSE TO AN ADULT OR TO CALL THE LOCAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE.
Abstract
A SOCIAL WORKER DEFINES THE MEANING OF CHILD ABUSE (AN UNPROVOKED ATTACK, DISCIPLINE THAT IS TOO SEVERE) AND EXPLAINS HOW THE ABUSE CAN HAPPEN USING THE STORY OF GREG, A BOY WHO IS BEATEN BY HIS FATHER AFTER RECEIVING A LOW MARK ON HIS REPORT CARD. PLAYMATES DISCOVER THEIR FRIEND'S BACK WOUNDS, AND ENCOURAGE GREG TO TELL THEM WHAT HAPPENED. THE CHILDREN RELATE GREG'S STORY TO ONE OF THEIR PARENTS AND ARE ADVISED TO CALL THE LOCAL ABUSE HOTLINE. THE CASE IS THEN REFERRED TO THE SOCIAL WORKER WHO VISITS GREG'S HOUSEHOLD. THE FILM SHOWS WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN THE SOCIAL WORKER VISITS THE HOME AND CONFRONTS THE ABUSER, GIVES A SYMPATHETIC VIEW OF THE ABUSER AS A PERSON WHO NEEDS HELP AND WILL RECEIVE NECESSARY COUNSELING BY WAY OF THE SOCIAL WORKER'S SERVICES, AND MAKES THE POINT THAT THE ABUSE IS NOT THE CHILD'S FAULT. CHILDREN ARE ENCOURAGED TO TELL THEIR PARENTS, TEACHER, A POLICE OFFICER, OR SOME OTHER ADULT IF THEY SUSPECT A FRIEND IS BEING ABUSED. THEY ARE ASSURED THAT THE REPORTING WILL EVENTUALLY BE HELPFUL TO BOTH THE FRIEND AND THE FRIEND'S PARENTS. (DAG)