Home > Teachers Handbook for Sexually Abused Children in our Community
TEACHERS HANDBOOK FOR SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN
The purpose of this booklet is to further increase the knowledge of teachers, principals and administrators on the issue of child sexual abuse. Sexual violence against children is a crime of an atrocious nature. The consequences of sexual violence are enormous, and may have life time effects. How effectively a person heals from the abuse is often related to how soon appropriate supports and services are made available to the child and family.
This booklet is designed for teachers as a desktop guide on addressing the issues of:
- the duty to report child sexual abuse
- characteristics of sexually abused children
- how to support a sexually abused child in the classroom
We believe that by developing a closer relationship with local school boards through efforts such as this, the entire community will benefit as we work together to stop sexual violence against children.
MISSION STATEMENT: The Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre exists to contend with sexual violence and its effects upon individuals and the community. We aspire to a society where all may achieve their full potential free from fear of sexual violence in any form.
Specifically, the Centre will provide programs and services which:
- Promote healing and empowerment of those who have experienced sexual violence
- Increase community awareness of sexual violence and its effects
- Change societal attitudes that perpetuate sexual violence
- Strengthen collaboration among individuals and organizations working towards the elimination of sexual violence
- Contribute to the development of social, legal and educational policies relating to the elimination of sexual violence
DUTY TO REPORT - SECTION 12 (1) Child and Family Services Act
"Every person who has reasonable grounds to believe that a child is in need of protection shall report the information to an officer (Child Protection Worker of Saskatchewan Social Services) or a Peace Officer (Police Officer) ".
"Any person who contravenes Section 12 (1) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not more than $5000 or to an imprisonment for a term not more than six months or to both fine and imprisonment".
"No action lies against a person who makes a report pursuant to Section 12(1) unless that person makes it maliciously and without grounds for his or her belief".
TEACHERS: IT IS YOUR DUTY TO REPORT IF THE CHILD IS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE
Sexual activity WITHOUT CONSENT is ALWAYS a crime, regardless of the age of the individual.
CONSENT: means that you freely agree to the sexual activity. One does not "freely" agree if:
- the person has power over you and uses it to get your consent, such as a boss, coach, or older family member;
- if the person has a weapon (which is considered threatening);
- the person threatens to hurt you, or threatens to hurt someone or something important to you (like a pet, a vehicle, or other valued object);
- if you are too afraid to fight back or call for help.
CHILDREN UNDER 12: Children under 12 years of age can never give legal consent to sexual activity
CHILDREN 12 OR 13: These adolescents are not old enough to give consent. However, there is an exception to the rule: these youth can consent to sexual activity as long as there is less than 2 years between the two participants and the older person is not in a position of authority or trust over the other youth.
YOUTH 14-17: As of Feb. 2008, the Canadian Age of Consent has changed from 14 to 16 years of age. YOUTH at 14 or 15 are now only able to consent to sexual activity when there is less than 5 years between the two participants' ages, and the older person is not in a poisition of authority or trust over the youth.
Now, at 16 youth can give legal consent to sexual activity. However, consent is not legal and the crime of sexual assault or exploitation occurs if one of those involved is in a position of trust or authority over the other, or is a person upon whom the other is dependent.
DEFINITIONS
CHILD: Except where a contrary intention is expressed, is an unmarried person actually or apparently under 16 years of age, as defined by the Child and Family Services Act.
OFFICER: May mean either or both of the following:
- "Officer of Saskatchewan Social Services": A Person appointed by the Minister of Saskatchewan Social Services to enforce the Child and Family Services Act.
- "Peace Officer": As defined by the Criminal Code of Canada (Section 3); or more commonly referred to as a police officer.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE: Occurs when a child under the age of 16 is threatened, forced, or manipulated into sexual activity by a young person or an adult. The activity can involve being touched or being introduced to touch for a sexual purpose, with part of their body or an object. It can range from kissing and fondling to masturbation or sexual intercourse.
Characteristics of Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused
- YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Combination, Duration, Intensity and Frequency are the operative phrases when considering behaviours that may indicate child abuse.
- Changes in school behavior: problems learning and concentrating
- Learning disabilities
- Unexplained prolonged absences from home or school
- Withdrawal, isolating her/himself from other children
- Poor self-image, low self esteem and lack of confidence in abilities
- Fear of leaving school, or fear of being alone
- Reluctant to go with a particular person or go to a particular place
- Self destructive behavior (alcohol/drug abuse, self harm, aggressiveness/violence)
- Resistance to touch
- Acting out sexual behavior or seductive behavior, age inappropriate language
NOTE; "Lists of signs and symptoms should be carefully regarded. Much behavior might be associated with other causes and in some instances might be associated with "normal? behavior. It is critical to carefully consider the full range of information about any case of alleged child abuse."
Physical Indicators of Child Sexual Abuse
- Irritation, pain or injury to the genital area.
- Difficulty going to the bathroom or swallowing
- Difficulty or pain in the genital area, upon sitting down or walking
- Continuous sores or cold sores around the mouth
- Bruised, swollen, red or bleeding areas of external genitalia
- Venereal disease
- Pregnancy in pre-teens
Behavioral Indicators of Child Sexual Abuse
Children (5-9 years)
- Nightmares and other sleep disturbances
- Fears that the attack will reoccur
- Phobias concerning specific school or community activities or specific people
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Regression to earlier behavior
- Eating disturbances
- Physical ailments, such as abdominal pain or urinary difficulties
- Victimization of others; aggressive/destructive behavior
- Arrive at school early, leave late
- Sexualized knowledge beyond that expected for age
Pre-adolescents (10-12 years)
- Depression
- Nightmares or other sleep disturbances
- Poor school performance; memory or concentration problems
- Social difficulties, low self esteem, depression
- Drop in extra-curricular activities
- Promiscuity
- Use of illegal drugs or alcohol
- Fear that the attack will occur again
- Eating disturbances/disorders
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Aggressive behavior, sexually intrusive behavior
- Sexualized knowledge beyond that expected for age Adolescents (13-17 years of age)
- Running away from home
- Dating people a lot older than themselves
- Early pregnancy / promiscuity and early marriage
- Use of illegal drugs or alcohol
- Suicidal thoughts/gestures, self harming behavior (slashing)
- Grief over the loss of one's virginity
- Fear that the attack will occur again
- Anger or rage (about being forced into a position beyond one's control)
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Eating disorders
- Problems with the law and sexually aggressive
- Preoccupation with sex in a conversation
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Urinary tract infection, anal fissures and vaginal infection
Sexual activity WITHOUT CONSENT is ALWAYS a crime, regardless of the age of the individual.
WHAT TO DO IF A CHILD TELLS YOU SHE OR HE WAS ABUSED
- Be calm; breathe deeply if you need to.
- Invite the child to tell you what happened. "Do you want to tell me what happened?"
- Reassure the child. "It's really good you told someone", "You're not to blame.?, "It was not your fault", "What that person) did to you was wrong".
- Show understanding. "I understand that telling was very hard and scary for you, but I am glad you did".
- Report the incident to the authorities.
WHAT NOT TO DO IF A CHILD TELLS YOU SHE OR HE WAS ABUSED
- Use leading questions (see page 13).
- Touch the child without asking.
- Dismiss what the child has told you (not believing her or him)
ROLES OF THE MANDATED AGENCIES WHO WORK WITH SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN
Forensic Pediatrician:
Assess injuries from a medical perspective and may take medical photographs. He/She will also file written reports with Police and/or Social Services regarding medical findings related to alleged abuse.
Crown Prosecutor:
In Saskatoon, all files regarding alleged criminal child abuse are referred to the Crown for an "open file review". This follows an investigation conducted by the Police and Social Services. The Crown recommends charges, no charges, or requests additional information on the case. Then the case is referred back to police.
Child Protection Workers/Social Services:
Assess the safety of the child who has allegedly been abused. The child may be removed for a temporary or extended length of time if the home is deemed to be unsafe.
Additional Community Services (May vary within each community)
| Mental Health-Counselling and Treatment Child and Youth Services: |
655-7800 |
| Victim Services-Support for Victims of Crime, Compensation Claims Victim Compensation, Saskatchewan Justice |
787-3500 |
| Victim/Witness Services-Provided Court Orientation and Accompaniment Victim Services, Court Based |
933-5640 |
| Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information Centre |
244-2294 |
| CRISIS LINE |
244-2224 |
REMEMBER: IT IS YOUR DUTY TO REPORT IF THE CHILD IS UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGEs
AN OVERVIEW OF THE INVESTIGATION PROCESS
CHART HERE
In the event of charges (this may take six months to two or more years for completion) the case proceeds to court.
Leading and Non-Leading Questions
Leading questions occur when questions are asked using information not initially volunteered by the victim.
Example: Victim has named the offender as "Uncle Jack". Victim has not volunteered how she/he has been touched.
Leading Question (wrong) "Did Uncle Jack put his hand down your pants?"
Non-Leading Question (right) "What part of his body did Uncle Jack use to touch you?"
SCHOOL BOARD PROCEDURES
CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
Procedures For Reporting Child Sexual Abuse
- Each employee of the school division who believes a child may be in need of protection shall report the information to one of the following agencies:
- Saskatchewan Social Services (Saskatoon): 933-6077
- Saskatoon Police Service: 975-8300 (switchboard)
- Mobile Crisis (After Hours): 933-6200
- R.C.M.P. (Saskatoon District, Rural situations): 975-5173
- When appropriate and without reasonable delay, the report should be made in consultation with the principal.
- Consultations with Social Services are encouraged and documented.
- The employee reporting the suspected abuse should maintain a factual record of all evidence and information to aid both reporting and recall.
- Upon completion of a report of suspected abuse, the Employee Report of Suspected Abuse Form must be hand delivered to the office of the Director.
- Any information subsequently on the report should be documented and appropriately stored apart from other student records.
If you have any further questions, please contact your local school social worker, guidance counselor or Student Services Representative: @ 668-7052. Information supplied directly from Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Child Abuse Guidelines. October, 1997.
IMPACT OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
The degree of trauma that sexual abuse has on the young person may be influenced by the following factors:
- The relationship between the victim and the offender: the closer the relationship, the higher the risk of trauma and inability to trust others.
- The age that the abuse began and for how long it continued: an on-going abusive relationship often is more damaging to a young person.
- The type of sexual activity involved in the abuse: sexual acts that involve no physical contact are sometimes less traumatic.
- The degree of force used to coerce the person: violence increases the trauma.
- How others responded to the young person's disclosure: if she/he was not believed, or was blamed- the trauma increases.
- The support people that were available to the young person following the disclosure: lack of support increases trauma and feelings of loneliness and unworthiness.
HOW A TEACHER CAN SUPPORT A CHILD WHO HAS DISCLOSED SEXUAL ABUSE
- SECURITY: Helping the child feel safe, helping her/him to create boundaries that make her/him feel safe.
- IDENTITY: Giving reassurance that you are someone she/he can trust. Respond to the needs of the child.
- CONSISTENCY: Creating a predictable, safe environment.
- SENSE OF BELONGING: Giving her/him that sense by displaying her/his work, or assigning roles in activities.
- INTIMACY IN APPROPRIATE WAYS: This may include sharing something about yourself and empathizing with what she/he is going through right now.
- APPROVAL: Showing your approval of the child in various ways.
- ENCOURAGEMENT: Identifying with her/his feelings about the situation.
- NORMALCY: Treating the child in the way that she/he would be treated normally.
- SUPPORT TO THE CHILD AND FAMILY: Allowing for parents to come into the classroom, so that they may support their child.
WHY DO KIDS TELL TEACHERS ABOUT THEIR ABUSE
- Teachers are safe people
- Teachers are trustworthy adults
- Teachers know what to do
- Teachers will help kids if they can
- Teachers can talk and listen to kids about the issue
- Teachers can give support and encouragement to kids
WHY KIDS NEED A TEACHER'S SUPPORT
- Teachers encourage the best from kids
- Teachers listen to the needs of kids
- Teachers can help kids trust people again
- Teachers help kids learn
REMEMBER: Impact is often related to a Combination, Duration, Intensity and Frequency of indicators.
RESOURCES
Books
Besharon, Douglas. Recognizing Child Abuse. \Collier McMill: Toronto, 1990.
Department of Justice. What to do if a child tells you of sexual abuse: understanding the law. Department of Justice: Canada: Ottawa, 1990.
Hinderman, Jan. A Very Touching Book for Big and Little People. McClure-Hindman Associates: Oregon, USA, 1983. (Ages 5 and up).
Lenett, Robin and Bob Crane. It's O.K. to say no. Tom Doherty Associated Books: United States, 1985.
Lew, Mike. Victims no longer. Harper Collins Publishers: United States, 1990.
Silverman, Peter. Who speaks for the children. Stoddart: Canada, 1989.
Videos
The Community Child Abuse Council of Hamilton-Wentworth. Touching: the Video. Canada, 1995. (Ages 6-12 years).
National Film Board of Canada. Good Things can Still Happen. Canada, 1992. (Grades 4-7, young adult).
National Film Board of Canada. Good Things can Still Happen. Canada, 1995.(young adult).
Secrets. Morningstar Entertainment. Canada, 1994. (prevention video for teachers/parents).
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