Session 3
1. Session 3
1.4. Learning Activity 1
Session 3: Child Abuse, Family Violence, and Community Resources
Learning Activity 1: Some Common Questions About Child Abuse
Focus
Child abuse is a difficult and sensitive subject. Caregivers may be in the position of needing to report abuse, of offering information, or referring family members to resources in the community.
Directions
Step 1: Review the indicators of child abuse.
Step 2: Find a learning partner. Discuss the situations described in Step 3 with your learning partner. Remember that these are hypothetical situations. If the topic becomes too sensitive for you to discuss with a learning partner, talk with your teacher.
Step 3: Document your responses to the three questions. Bear in mind that it is a good idea to show different ideas around these topics to bring to light the issues that need to be considered when making decisions that affect children and their families.
- It is normal for young children to fall, bump, and bang themselves. How can caregivers tell the difference between marks made from these actions and marks caused by abusive acts?
- I have heard that young children who have been sexually abused will forget about it and that the abuse will not have a long-lasting effect on young children. What are your thoughts on this?
- Some of the children that I care for do not come properly dressed to play outside in winter. Are these children being neglected?
Reflection
What have you learned about child abuse that will help you recognize a possible situation of abuse?
Checking In
Save a copy of your responses to the three questions in your course folder.