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Child Abuse is the leading cause of death in children from birth to three years of age. In the most recent year for which we have statistics, over 2.4 million cases of child abuse and neglect were reported to child protective agencies in the United States. The Grandview Police Department is aware of this problem; the following are answers to common questions about child abuse.
What is Child Abuse?
Child abuse is non-accidental physical injury and assault, sexual abuse, and/or emotional injury of a child. Examples may include the following.
Child Neglect:
- Failure to provide even minimal care of a child.
- Failure to provide adequate:
- Food
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Medical care
- Failure to provide for a child’s emotional, social, intellectual, and moral needs.
Physical Abuse:
- Shaking a baby
- Excessive corporal punishment
- Bruises from abuse
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Organ damage
- Death
Emotional Abuse:
- Screaming at a child
- Calling names
- Criticisms and put-downs
- Making fun
- Unfavorable comparisons of a child
- Refuse to talk or listen to a child
Sexual Abuse:
- Suggestive language
- Pornography
- Fondling
- Petting
- Masturbation
- Exhibitionism
- Voyeurism
- Oral sex
- Vaginal or anal intercourse
Could child abuse affect me or someone I know?
Child abuse affects all economic and educational levels, all ethnic and racial backgrounds, and all religious groups. Every child must receive watchful care.
How can I tell if my child has been sexually abused?
Some common signs include:
- Bedwetting
- Nightmares
- Lack of concentration
- Dramatic change in personality
- “Clingy” behavior
- Insistent dislike for someone they are left alone with, such as a babysitter or family member.
What can I do if I suspect a child has been abused?
Abused children are not only attacked and hurt, but they are deeply scarred emotionally by the rage and hatred directed against them.
Counseling is a good first step. They may include:
School counselors
Private counselors
Hospitals
Jackson County Children’s Services
Who can file abuse charges?
Any suspected abuse should be reported to any Grandview Police Officer. This can be anonymous, in person or over the phone.
RESOURCES
Grandview Police:
1200 Main Street
Grandview MO 64030
816-316-4900 M-F 8 AM—5 PM
816-316-4985 non-emergency
Emergency 911
Missouri Division of Children's’ Services
South Jackson County Office
6801 B Longview Road
Kansas City, MO 64134
Phone 816-325-1023
Fax 816-325-1034
Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-392-3780
Children’s Mercy Hospitals Community and Social Services
Phone 816-234-3670
Fax 816-855-1797
National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse:
200 State Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373-0200
www.childabuse.org
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children:
Hotline: 1-800-THE-LOST
www.ncmec.org
YOU HAVE A RIGHT NOT TO BE ABUSED.
If you feel you are being abused (physically, mentally, verbally, or sexually), call one of these numbers for information on what you can do to stop the abuse or get away from your abuser.
- ROSE BROOKS (Kansas City & Northland area) 861-6100
- NEWS HOUSE (Northeast Kansas City) 241-0311
- HOPE HOUSE (Eastern Jackson County) 461-4673
These phone numbers will be answered 24 hours a day, and you will be able to get information free of charge on housing financial aid, medical aid, counseling, and shelter.
You do not have to give your name to the person you talk to, and all information you give over the phone at these numbers is confidential.
For free legal information call Project Assist, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 474-6750.
ASSAULT AND BATTERY ARE CRIMES.
Any person who hits, chokes, kicks, threatens, harasses, or places you in fear of harm, either with or without a weapon, has broken the law. You can file criminal charges against your abuser.
• Assault and battery reports are reported to your local police department. The police will refer you to the proper location for the filing of charges or advise you if the police or obtaining a warrant.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN PHYSICALLY ABUSED,CALL THE POLICE.
You can dial “911”. Police responding to a domestic violence call must: make a written report; assist you in going to a shelter for battered women, if you choose; and arrange for your transportation to a medical facility if you are injured.
IF YOU HAVE INJURIES, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Emergency rooms of local hospitals will see you, if you do not have a regular physician.
YOU CAN FILE FOR AN ORDER OF PROTECTION AGAINST THE PERSON WHO IS ABUSING YOU.
Contact your local courthouse for information.
Jackson County
- Kansas City 415 E. 12th St. 881-3974
Platte County
- Platte City, MO 464-2232
Clay County
- Liberty, MO 792-7704
Cass County
- Harrisonville, MO 380-5100
FILING FOR AN ORDER
- You do not need an attorney.
- You do need an accurate residence/employer address for your abuser.
- You do need to bring a picture of your abuser (if at all possible).
- You do need a description of your abuser’s car.
AN ORDER OF PROTECTION MAY CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING PROVISION:
- An order telling your abuser not to abuse, threaten or otherwise harass you.
- An order telling your abuser to move out of your house.
- An order awarding child custody.
- An order awarding child support (full orders only).
- An order telling your abuser not to sell or give away your property, or telling your abuser to return certain items of property to you.
- An order telling your abusing to contribute to your support (if you are married).
IF YOUR ABUSER VIOLATES AN ORDER OF PROTECTION, YOU MUST CALL THE POLICE.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
- You are not the cause of someone else’s violent behavior.
- You do not deserve to be abused.
- You have the RIGHT to expect and demand help and respect.
- You have the right to think, feel, and make choices and changes.
In dealing with law enforcement and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates, name and phone number. Note time spent and any expenses incurred. Confirm conversations in writing. Send correspondence by certified mail. Keep copies of all letters and documents.
Credit Bureau: Immediately call the fraud units of the three credit reporting companies: Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union. Report the theft of your credit cards or numbers. Ask that your account be flagged. Also, add a victim’s statement to your report— “My ID has been used to apply for credit fraudulently. Contact me at 234-567-8999 to verify all applications.”
Be aware that these measures may not entirely stop new fraudulent accounts from being opened by the imposter. Ask the credit bureaus in writing to provide you with free copies every few months so you can monitor your credit report.
Creditors: Immediately contact all creditors, by phone and in writing, to report that your name has been used fraudulently. Get replacement cars with new account numbers. Ask that old accounts be processed as “account closed at customer’s request.” (This is better than “card lost or stolen”,
because when this statement is reported to credit bureaus, it can be interpreted as blaming you for the loss.) Carefully monitor your mail and credit card bills for evidence of new fraudulent activity. Report it immediately to credit grantors.
Law Enforcement: Report the crime to the local police or sheriff’s department having jurisdiction in your case. Give them as much documented evidence as possible. Get a copy of your police report. Credit card companies and banks may require you to show the report in order to verify the crime.
Stolen Checks—If you have had checks stolen or bank accounts set up fraudulently, report it to the check verification companies. Put stop payments on any outstanding checks that you are unsure of. Cancel your checking and savings accounts and obtain new account numbers. Give the bank a secret password for your account (not your mother’s maiden name).
ATM Cards: If your ATM or debit card has been stolen or compromised, report it immediately. Get a new card, account number and password. Do not use your old password.
Fraudulent Change of Address: Notify the local Postal Inspector if you suspect an identity thief has filed a change of your address with the post office or has used the mail to commit credit or bank fraud. Find out where fraudulent credit cards were sent. Notify the local Postmaster for that address to forward all mail in your name to your own address. You may also need to talk with the mail carrier.
Social Security Number Misuse: Call the Social Security Administration to report fraudulent use of your Social Security number. Oder a copy of your Earnings and Benefits Statement and check it for accuracy.
Passports: If you have a passport, notify the passport office in writing to be on the lookout for anyone ordering a new passport fraudulently.
Driver’s License Number Misuse: You may need to change your driver’s license number if someone is using yours as identification on bad checks. Call the Driver’s License Bureau to see if another license was issued in your name. Put a fraud alert on your license.
False Civil and Criminal Judgments: Sometimes victims of identity theft are wrongfully accused of crime committed by the imposter. If a civil judgment has been entered in your name for actions taken by your imposter, contact the court where the judgment was entered and report that you are a victim of identity theft. If your are wrongfully prosecuted for criminal charges, contact the state Department of Justice and the FBI. Ask how to clear your name.
Legal Help: You may want to consult an attorney to determine legal action to take against creditors and/or credit bureaus if they are not cooperative in removing fraudulent entries from your credit report or if negligence is a factor.
Don’t Give In: Finally, do not pay any bill or portion of a bill which is a result of identity theft. Do not cover any checks which are written and/or cashed fraudulently. Do not file for bankruptcy. Your credit rating should not be permanently affected, and no legal action should be taken against you. If any merchant, financial institution or collection agency suggests otherwise, simply restate your willingness to cooperate.
RESOURCES
Equifax:
PO Box 740250, Atlanta GA 30374-0250
Report fraud: (800) 525-6285 and write to address above.
Order credit report: (800) 685-1111
Opt out of pre-approved offers of credit: (888)567-8688
www.equifax.com
Experian:
PO Box 1017, Allen TX 75013
Report fraud: (888) EXPERIAN (888-397-3742) and write to address above.
Order credit report: (888) EXPERIAN
Opt out of pre-approved offers of credit: (800) 353-0809
www.experian.com
Trans Union:
PO Box 6790, Fullerton CA 92634
Report fraud: (800) 680-7289 and write to address above.
Order credit report: (800) 888-4213
www.transunion.com
Opt out of pre-approved offers of credit: (800) 680-7293
www.tuc.com
To remove your name from mail and phone lists:
Direct Marketing Association
Mail Preference Service, PO Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735
www.donotcall.gov
Internet Fraud Complaint Center:
www.ifccfbi.gov
The best way to assure that your children are having a positive online experience is to stay in touch with what they are doing. One way to do this is to spend time with your children while they are online. Have them show you what they do and ask them to teach you how to access the service.
If you have cause for concern about your children’s online activities, talk to them. Also seek out the advise and counsel of other computer users you know and become familiar with online use.
By taking responsibility for your child’s computer use, parents can greatly minimize any potential risks of being online.
Make it a family rule to:
NEVER give out identifying information such as home address, school name, or telephone number, in a public message such as a chat room or bulletin board. Be sure you are dealing with someone that both you and your child know and trust before giving out information via e-mail. Think carefully before revealing any personal information such as age, marital status, or financial information. Consider using a pseudonym or un-listing your child’s name if your service allows.
- NEVER allow a child to arrange a face-to-face meeting with another computer user without parental permission. If a meeting is arranged, make the first one in public and be sure to accompany your child.
- NEVER respond to messages or bulletin board items that are suggestive, obscene, belligerent, threatening, or make you or your child feel uncomfortable. Encourage your child to tell you if they encounter such messages. If you or your child receives a message that his harassing, of sexual nature, or threatening, forward a copy to your online provider and ask for assistance.
If your child has a Facebook or similar site, make sure you are added as a “friend” so you can monitor what is made public by your child and others.
Should you become aware of the transmission, use, or viewing of child pornography while online, immediately report this to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-843-5678 or use the link. You should also notify your online provider.
REMEMBER that people online may not be who they seem. Because you can’t see or even hear the person, it would be easy for someone to misrepresent him or herself. Thus, someone indicating that “she” is a 12 year old girl could in reality be a 40 year old man.
REMEMBER that everything you read online may not be true. Any offer that’s “too good to be true” probably is. Be very careful about any offers that involve your coming to a meeting or having someone visit your home.
SET reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by your children. Discuss these rules and post them near the computer as a reminder. Remember to monitor their compliance with these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time your children spend on the computer. A child or teenager’s excessive use of online services or bulletin boards, especially late at night, may be a clue that there is a potential problem. Remember that personal computer and online services should not be used an electronic babysitters.
Be sure to make online use a family activity. Consider keeping the computer in a family room rather than the child’s bedroom. Get to know their “online” friends just as you get to know all of their other friends!
The US Justice Department funded National Megan's Law Helpline (888) ASK-PFML (888) 275-7365, is available to provide support to local law enforcement on issues realted to sex offender registration and notification. The Helpline:
- Provides law enforcement agencies with a valuable referral tool when dealing with sex offender issues.
- Educates callers about Megan's law and accessing sex offender registration information and responsible use of information.
- Prevention specialists will provide support to parents and community members to assist in their sexual abuse prevention education strategies.
- Provides 24 hour crisis support with multi-agency referrals and bilingual services.
- Provides callers with an opportunity to report sex offenders failing to register or violating conditions of parold or probation via the SORT program.
The Sex Offender Registration Tips (SORT) program provides the public an opportunity to report registrants who are failing to comply with registration requirements, employment or supervision restrictions or who are in posistions of trust where they can access children. SORT reports can be made via the Helpline or website at www.parentsformeganslaw.org. Analysts work collaboratively with federal, state and local law enforcment agencies to facilitate the appropprioate follow-up actions.
Parents for Megan's Law (PFML) is a 501(c) 3 not for profit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of sexual abuse and provision of services to all victims of violent crimes. The organization staffs the US Justice Department funded National Megan's Law Helpline and Sex Offender Registration Tips Program (SORT). The organization is also a certified Rape Crisis Center and operates a Drime Victims Center provideing services to all victims of violent crimes. www.thecrimevictimscenter.org
Robbery is defined as the taking away of another person's property with the use of a weapon, physical force, or threat of bodily harm.
Most robbery victims are taken by surprise. A robbery takes a short period of time, and that often makes it hard for the victim to get a good description of the robber. However, the changes of apprehending a robber are enhanced if the victim remembers to be calm, alert, and to report the offense promptly. Dial 911.
Increase your own safety
- Keep business windows clear of advertisements and signs.
- Don't keep a weapon near your cash register. It could be used against you.
- The cash register is not a safe. Keep only the amount of money needed to make change.
Change your route and time to the bank daily. - In the event of a robbery, don't be a hero. No money is worth your life. The odds are against you. Also, in the event of a robbery, be calm, be alert, and remember as much as you can about the suspect.
During a robbery the behavior of the employees and customers should have safety as its objective.
Above all, cooperate with the robber.
Remember, there isn't anything on the premises of your business worth more than your life or the life of another human being.
- Tell the robber about anything that might startle or surprise him. If somebody is in the back room, tell the robber of their presence.
- If you have to move or reach in any way, tell the robber exactly what you are going to do. By telling the robber what to expect, you won't startle him. Your nervousness often makes the robber nervous.
Follow the robber's instructions. - Observe the robber(s) carefully for physical description, peculiarities of behavior, and method of operation.
- Be conscious of the presence of physical evidence and avoid obliterating evidence such as fingerprints.
Every detail is important. Notice large and small items that may not seem important at the time and report them.
Call Your Local Law Enforcement Agency First
Identify yourself, state that there has been a robbery and at what address, state whether anyone was hurt, state the number of robbers and give a brief description of them and their weapons, give the exact time the robbers left and in which direction and how they left, describing the car if you can.
Close your business, lock up and don't let anyone in but a law enforcement officer.
- Ask all witnesses to stay until the authorities arrive.
- Keep everyone still to protect clues and fingerprints, don't disturb anything involved in the crime.
- Remember - Write it down. Don't rely on your memory.
- Exact time of departure of the robber.
- The number of robbers.
- An accurate description of each robber, referring to them as robber No. 1, robber No. 2, etc.
- Be alert to distinguishing characteristics of the getaway vehicle such as vinyl top, dents, missing hubcaps, antenna, decals, bumper stickers, chrome, or pinstriping.
- The make, year, color, style, and license plate of the getaway car and direction in which it departed.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A VICTIM OR WITNESS TO A CRIME AND THEN WERE ASKED TO DESCRIBE THE SUSPECT?
Observations techniques and terminology can make it easier.
If you are a victim or witness to a crime you will no doubt be asked to view photo files for possible identification of the prerpetrator. If the suspect's picture is not contained in the photo files the next possibility would be the prepartation of a composite rendition by a police artist or composite expert to produce a "Look Alike" of the suspect.
OBSERVE THESE FACIAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Hair style
- Forehead
- Eyebrows
- Eyelids
- Indentation at temples
- Nose
- Sunken cheeks
- Wrinkles/scars
- Lips
- Head shape
- Length of chin
IMPORTANT: It is natural to look at a persons eyes! With this thought - Look around them!
If more than one suspect is involved, concentrate on one suspect.
Correct terminology will establish faster communication with the police artist or composite expert and the chance of producing a good "look alike" is greatly enchanced. The basic changes and variations should be noted and relayed to the artist for modification.
HEAD SHAPES
The above basic head shapes and variations should be observed. The shape can be relayed to the artist for modification.
EYES
EYEBROWS
NOSES
There will be many variations of noses. Generally if you can see the nostrils it is an uptilt, if not it is downtilt.
LIPS
Variations could consist of a thinner upper or lower lip, a crooked mouth, or teeth that show.
Hair style will vary greatly. Describe it the best way you can.
It may be necessary to refer to police photo files or hair style charts in the position of the police artist or composite expert.
REMEMBER:
*BE CALM
*BE ALERT
*BE OBSERVANT
Your memory may apprehend a criminal.
Finding Out About Substance Abuse Now
What should a kid say after “NO” to drugs?
Peer pressure to try drugs, alcohol, or tobacco doesn’t end when kids say no. In fact, pressure can increase when “friends” try harder to make kids feel like dorks, wimps, chickens, or outcasts when they don’t go along with the crowd. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Kids now have a socially acceptable excuse that can stop pushy peers in their tracks. The words “my parents test me” are the equivalent of saying I’m 100% certain I’ll get caught, get in trouble, and asked where I got the stuff.
Parents can access helpful information and get testing kits for detecting drugs at no charge (limit one per family, only shipping fees apply) using electronic vouchers provided by TestMyTeen.com on our Internet site at http://www.testmyteen.com/freehomedrugtestkit.aspx?AffiliateID=54365.
Electronic vouchers require no interaction with police. They protect the anonymity of parents who redeem them online. Ordering is done online and shipping is done using non-descript packaging to protect privacy.
On-going random testing continues to provide kids with the excuse they need and parents with the piece of mind they deserve.