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Child Abuse and Sexual Abuse

Child abuse and neglect occur when a parent, caretaker, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher) acts, or fails to act, in a manner that results in the death, serious physical or emotional harm, or sexual abuse or exploitation of a child; or that presents an imminent risk of serious harm to a child.

Each year, April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for raising awareness about child abuse and neglect. To learn more about the Justice Department’s current efforts related to children exposed to violence, including victims of child abuse, visit the Defending Childhood Web site.

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Through Our Eyes: Children, Violence, and Trauma (February 2013) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 241394.
This video series addresses the needs of children exposed to crime, abuse, and violence; highlights major issues in child victimization; identifies promising practices for service providers and others working with young victims; and shows how trauma-informed care can help child victims recover to lead healthy, productive lives. A companion resource guide accompanies each video.
Abstract | HTML
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Theme DVD 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 240784.
Part of the NCVRW Resource Guide, this DVD includes a 5-minute feature video —New Challenges. New Solutions. —and three 30-second television public service announcements (PSAs) that address the topics of child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder abuse. OVC encourages organizations to use the introductory theme DVD throughout the year at public awareness, education, and training events in local communities to promote and advance the cause of justice for victims of crime.
Abstract | HTML
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 130 pages, NCJ 239229.
This guide is designed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues, the Guide includes educational content, campaign materials, artwork, and a theme DVD. New this year are three pre-produced 30-second PSAs addressing child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder financial fraud.
PDF | HTML (English) | HTML (Spanish)
 
2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Poster (October 2012) OVC, PS000025.
The 2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) theme poster is available for download in 11" x 17" in color and black and white and can be customized for your organization before printing. You also may order the 22" x 28" color version, which features the theme colors of blue and black through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) by visiting www.ncjrs.gov.
PDF (Color) | PDF (Black & White)
 
National Victim Assistance Academy Resource Paper: Child Abuse and Neglect (September 2012) OVC, OVC Training, 22 pages, NCJ 240567.
This Resource Paper is part of a series of National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA) Track 1: Foundation-Level Training documents covering eight topics. This paper includes statistics, definitions, impact/effects on victims, effective responses, and additional information designed to educate entry-level professionals and volunteers. Visit www.ovcttac.gov for additional NVAA training materials.
Abstract | PDF
Part Of the OVC Training Series
 

OJP Publications

Child and Youth Victimization Known to Police, School, and Medical Authorities (April 2012) OJJDP, Bulletin, OJJDP National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence Series, 8 pages, NCJ 235394.
This bulletin presents survey results from the National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) regarding authorities' knowledge of victimization incidents involving children and youth, particularly police, school, and medical authorities.

Part Of the OJJDP National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence Series Series Abstract | PDF 581 KB
 
U.S. Attorney General's Defending Childhood Initiative: Formative Evaluation of the Phase I Demonstration Program (November 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 16 pages, NCJ 236563.
This report describes the nature and scope of children's exposure to violence in eight demonstration sites, describing the common and unique strategies the sites chose for addressing the problem, and drawing key lessons so that other jurisdictions seeking to address children's exposure to violence in their own communities can learn from the current evaluation of the Defending Childhood Initiative.
Abstract | PDF
 
Polyvictimization: Children's Exposure to Multiple Types of Violence, Crime, and Abuse (October 2011) OJJDP, Bulletin, OJJDP National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence Series, 12 pages, NCJ 235504.
This bulletin focuses on polyvictimization, which is defined as having experienced multiple victimization of different kinds, such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, bullying, and exposure to family violence.

Part Of the OJJDP National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence Series Series Abstract | PDF
 
Toward a Better Way to Interview Child Victims of Sexual Abuse (March 2011) NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 233282.
This article discusses a study examining the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Investigative Interview Protocol of child victims of sexual abuse.

Part Of the NIJ Journal Series Abstract | PDF | HTML
 
The Greenbook Initiative Final Evaluation Report (January 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 123 pages, NCJ 233290.
This final evaluation report on the implementation of the Greenbook Initiative (GI) - which consists of guidelines proposed by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges for intervening effectively in cases of domestic violence and child maltreatment - assesses the extent to which GI implementation activities facilitated cross-system and within-system change and practice in child welfare agencies, dependency courts, and domestic-violence service providers.
Abstract | PDF
 

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Child abuse and neglect occur when a parent, caretaker, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher) acts, or fails to act, in a manner that results in the death, serious physical or emotional harm, or sexual abuse or exploitation of a child; or that presents an imminent risk of serious harm to a child.

Each year, April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for raising awareness about child abuse and neglect. To learn more about the Justice Department’s current efforts related to children exposed to violence, including victims of child abuse, visit the Defending Childhood Web site.


Child abuse and neglect occur when a parent, caretaker, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher) acts, or fails to act, in a manner that results in the death, serious physical or emotional harm, or sexual abuse or exploitation of a child; or that presents an imminent risk of serious harm to a child.

Each year, April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for raising awareness about child abuse and neglect. To learn more about the Justice Department’s current efforts related to children exposed to violence, including victims of child abuse, visit the Defending Childhood Web site.


Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Mar 21 2012 at 2:00PM, Rev. Dr. Bernard "Skip" Keels, Director of the University Chapel at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and Elsie Boudreau, LMSW, Alaska Native Justice Center , hosted a discussion on Responding to Survivors of Clergy Abuse

On Apr 27 2011 at 2:00PM, Andrea Cardona, founder of FLA Four Legged Advocates, Inc, and Curtis Allen, manager with Tooele County Children’s Justice Center’s Healing Paws program, hosted a discussion on Using Therapy Dogs to Respond to Child Victims

On Jul 7 2010 at 2:00PM, Howard Davidson, Director of the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, and Joanne McNabb, Chief of the California Office of Privacy Protection, hosted a discussion on Addressing Child Identity Theft as Financial Exploitation

On Apr 7 2010 at 2:00PM, Anne Ream, founder of The Voices and Faces Project, hosted a discussion on Raising Awareness for Survivors of Child Abuse and Neglect

On Jul 8 2009 at 2:00PM, Linda Foley, cofounder of the Identity Theft Resource Center, and Paula Pierce, J.D., Managing Attorney for the Victims Initiative for Counseling, Advocacy, and Restoration of the Southwest, hosted a discussion on Providing Services for Child Victims of Identity Theft

Child abuse and neglect occur when a parent, caretaker, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher) acts, or fails to act, in a manner that results in the death, serious physical or emotional harm, or sexual abuse or exploitation of a child; or that presents an imminent risk of serious harm to a child.

Each year, April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for raising awareness about child abuse and neglect. To learn more about the Justice Department’s current efforts related to children exposed to violence, including victims of child abuse, visit the Defending Childhood Web site.


To whom can I report child abuse?
Each State designates specific agencies to receive and investigate reports of suspected child abuse ... Read More

How can I recognize the signs associated with child abuse and neglect?
You can learn about the signs associated with child abuse and neglect by viewing the Child Welfare I... Read More

How many children are sexually abused in the United States?
Child sexual abuse statistics are available in the Department of Health and Human Services' annual C... Read More

Where can I locate statistics on child abuse and neglect in the United States?
Statistics on child abuse and neglect are available in the Department of Health and Human Services' ... Read More

Who is considered a mandatory reporter of child abuse, including child sexual abuse/exploitation?
Individuals typically designated as mandatory reporters have frequent contact with children and may ... Read More

More FAQs

Child abuse and neglect occur when a parent, caretaker, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher) acts, or fails to act, in a manner that results in the death, serious physical or emotional harm, or sexual abuse or exploitation of a child; or that presents an imminent risk of serious harm to a child.

Each year, April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for raising awareness about child abuse and neglect. To learn more about the Justice Department’s current efforts related to children exposed to violence, including victims of child abuse, visit the Defending Childhood Web site.
No funding records found relevant to this topic.

More Funding Opportunities

Child abuse and neglect occur when a parent, caretaker, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher) acts, or fails to act, in a manner that results in the death, serious physical or emotional harm, or sexual abuse or exploitation of a child; or that presents an imminent risk of serious harm to a child.

Each year, April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for raising awareness about child abuse and neglect. To learn more about the Justice Department’s current efforts related to children exposed to violence, including victims of child abuse, visit the Defending Childhood Web site.


Publications

OVC and OVC-Sponsored Publications

Through Our Eyes: Children, Violence, and Trauma (February 2013) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 241394. This video series addresses the needs of children exposed to crime, abuse, and violence; highlights major issues in child victimization; identifies promising practices for service providers and others working with young victims; and shows how trauma-informed care can help child victims recover to lead healthy, productive lives. A companion resource guide accompanies each video.
Abstract | HTML
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Theme DVD 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 0 pages, NCJ 240784. Part of the NCVRW Resource Guide, this DVD includes a 5-minute feature video —New Challenges. New Solutions. —and three 30-second television public service announcements (PSAs) that address the topics of child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder abuse. OVC encourages organizations to use the introductory theme DVD throughout the year at public awareness, education, and training events in local communities to promote and advance the cause of justice for victims of crime.
Abstract | HTML
 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Resource Guide 2013 (December 2012) OVC, 130 pages, NCJ 239229. This guide is designed to help communities and victim assistance providers promote awareness of crime victim issues, the Guide includes educational content, campaign materials, artwork, and a theme DVD. New this year are three pre-produced 30-second PSAs addressing child sexual abuse, child sex trafficking, and elder financial fraud.
PDF | HTML (English) | HTML (Spanish)
 
2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) Poster (October 2012) OVC, PS000025. The 2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW) theme poster is available for download in 11" x 17" in color and black and white and can be customized for your organization before printing. You also may order the 22" x 28" color version, which features the theme colors of blue and black through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) by visiting www.ncjrs.gov.
PDF (Color) | PDF (Black & White)
 
National Victim Assistance Academy Resource Paper: Child Abuse and Neglect (September 2012) OVC, OVC Training, 22 pages, NCJ 240567. This Resource Paper is part of a series of National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA) Track 1: Foundation-Level Training documents covering eight topics. This paper includes statistics, definitions, impact/effects on victims, effective responses, and additional information designed to educate entry-level professionals and volunteers. Visit www.ovcttac.gov for additional NVAA training materials.
Abstract | PDF
Part Of the OVC Training Series
 

OJP Publications

Child and Youth Victimization Known to Police, School, and Medical Authorities (April 2012) OJJDP, Bulletin, OJJDP National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence Series, 8 pages, NCJ 235394. This bulletin presents survey results from the National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) regarding authorities' knowledge of victimization incidents involving children and youth, particularly police, school, and medical authorities.
Part Of the OJJDP National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence Series Series
Abstract | PDF 581 KB
 
U.S. Attorney General's Defending Childhood Initiative: Formative Evaluation of the Phase I Demonstration Program (November 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 16 pages, NCJ 236563. This report describes the nature and scope of children's exposure to violence in eight demonstration sites, describing the common and unique strategies the sites chose for addressing the problem, and drawing key lessons so that other jurisdictions seeking to address children's exposure to violence in their own communities can learn from the current evaluation of the Defending Childhood Initiative.
Abstract | PDF
 
Polyvictimization: Children's Exposure to Multiple Types of Violence, Crime, and Abuse (October 2011) OJJDP, Bulletin, OJJDP National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence Series, 12 pages, NCJ 235504. This bulletin focuses on polyvictimization, which is defined as having experienced multiple victimization of different kinds, such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, bullying, and exposure to family violence.
Part Of the OJJDP National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence Series Series
Abstract | PDF
 
Toward a Better Way to Interview Child Victims of Sexual Abuse (March 2011) NIJ, Article, NIJ Journal, 4 pages, NCJ 233282. This article discusses a study examining the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Investigative Interview Protocol of child victims of sexual abuse.
Part Of the NIJ Journal Series
Abstract | PDF | HTML
 
The Greenbook Initiative Final Evaluation Report (January 2011) NIJ-Sponsored, Grant, 123 pages, NCJ 233290. This final evaluation report on the implementation of the Greenbook Initiative (GI) - which consists of guidelines proposed by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges for intervening effectively in cases of domestic violence and child maltreatment - assesses the extent to which GI implementation activities facilitated cross-system and within-system change and practice in child welfare agencies, dependency courts, and domestic-violence service providers.
Abstract | PDF
 

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Related Resources

OVC Funded Resources

Child Maltreatment Awareness Campaign
Victim/Witness Services (VWS) for Coconino County received funding from OVC to establish a Public Awareness and Outreach Campaign for Child Maltreatment Victims in Underserved Communities.
 
Helping And Lending Outreach Support (HALOS)
HALOS, an organization serving abused and neglected foster children, connected with award-winning filmmaker Richard Almes to produce a heart-wrenching "Birthday Salute" public service announcement. After airing this and other PSAs, HALOS has experienced a noticeable boost in donations to the program, media coverage, and community involvement.
 
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
RAINN operates a 24-hour telephone hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and an Online Hotline for victims of sexual assault. The secure web-based hotline provides a safe, secure, and anonymous place for victims to get help online. RAINN also works to promote education and prevention of sexual assault, compiles and shares links to Legal Resources, including the State Mandatory Regulations regarding children and the elderly.
 

Federal Resources

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS): National Victimization Analysis Tool (NVAT)
This dynamic analysis tool allows you to examine National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) data, the nation's primary source of information on criminal victimization, on both violent and property victimization by select victim, household, and incident characteristics.
 
Child Welfare Information Gateway: State Statutes Search
Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a searchable database of State Statutes on issues related to child abuse and neglect, child welfare, and adoption.
 
Defending Childhood
Defending Childhood is an initiative of Attorney General Eric Holder that strives to harness resources from across the Department of Justice to: prevent children's exposure to violence, mitigate the negative impact of children's exposure to violence when it does occur, and develop knowledge and spread awareness about children's exposure to violence.
 
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Crimes Against Children
This FBI program's mission is to: decrease the vulnerability of children to sexual exploitation; develop a nationwide capacity to provide a rapid, effective, and measured investigative response to crimes against children; and enhance the capabilities of state and local law enforcement investigators through programs, investigative assistance, and task force operations. The program's strategy involves using multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams to investigate and prosecute crimes that cross legal, geographical, and jurisdictional boundaries; promoting and enhancing interagency sharing of intelligence, specialized skills, and services; and widely offering our victim/witness services.
 
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP): Statistical Briefing Book (SBB)
The OJJDP Statistical Briefing Book (SBB) enables users to access online information via OJJDP's Web site to learn more about juvenile crime and victimization and about youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Developed for OJJDP by the National Center for Juvenile Justice, SBB provides timely and reliable statistical answers to the most frequently asked questions from policymakers, the media, and the general public. In addition, the data analysis and dissemination tools available through SBB give users quick and easy access to detailed statistics on a variety of juvenile justice topics.
 

Non-Governmental Resources

Academy on Violence and Abuse
AVA exists to advance health education and research on the prevention, recognition and treatment of the health effects of violence and abuse.
 
American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC)
APSAC's mission is to ensure that everyone affected by child maltreatment receives the best possible professional response. Its Web site offers related publications and information on legislation and professional education.
 
Center for Child and Family Studies
The Center for Child and Family Studies partners with public and private agencies to build, maintain, and restore families and communities.
 
Child Centre: The Expert Group for Cooperation on Children at Risk
The EGCC identifies, supports and implements cooperation on children at risk between countries and organizations in the region.
 
Children's Defense Fund (CDF)
CDF represents America's children, particularly low-income, minority, and disabled children. CDF goals are to educate the Nation regarding the needs of children and to encourage preventive investments in children.
 

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Web Forum Discussions

Each month the Nation's experts answer your questions about best practices in victim services. Below are upcoming and most recent session discussions in this topic:

On Mar 21 2012 at 2:00PM, Rev. Dr. Bernard "Skip" Keels, Director of the University Chapel at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and Elsie Boudreau, LMSW, Alaska Native Justice Center , hosted a discussion on Responding to Survivors of Clergy Abuse

On Apr 27 2011 at 2:00PM, Andrea Cardona, founder of FLA Four Legged Advocates, Inc, and Curtis Allen, manager with Tooele County Children’s Justice Center’s Healing Paws program, hosted a discussion on Using Therapy Dogs to Respond to Child Victims

On Jul 7 2010 at 2:00PM, Howard Davidson, Director of the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law, and Joanne McNabb, Chief of the California Office of Privacy Protection, hosted a discussion on Addressing Child Identity Theft as Financial Exploitation

On Apr 7 2010 at 2:00PM, Anne Ream, founder of The Voices and Faces Project, hosted a discussion on Raising Awareness for Survivors of Child Abuse and Neglect

On Jul 8 2009 at 2:00PM, Linda Foley, cofounder of the Identity Theft Resource Center, and Paula Pierce, J.D., Managing Attorney for the Victims Initiative for Counseling, Advocacy, and Restoration of the Southwest, hosted a discussion on Providing Services for Child Victims of Identity Theft


FAQs

To whom can I report child abuse?
Each State designates specific agencies to receive and investigate reports of suspected child abuse ... Read More

How can I recognize the signs associated with child abuse and neglect?
You can learn about the signs associated with child abuse and neglect by viewing the Child Welfare I... Read More

How many children are sexually abused in the United States?
Child sexual abuse statistics are available in the Department of Health and Human Services' annual C... Read More

Where can I locate statistics on child abuse and neglect in the United States?
Statistics on child abuse and neglect are available in the Department of Health and Human Services' ... Read More

Who is considered a mandatory reporter of child abuse, including child sexual abuse/exploitation?
Individuals typically designated as mandatory reporters have frequent contact with children and may ... Read More

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Funding

No funding records found relevant to this topic.

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