Children as Victims

Over the last few years many studies have beenright questions are not being asked. Interviewers
done concerning various forms of child and youthtend to focus on "conventional crime experiences"
victimization. These studies have included; physicaland therefore fail to properly interview victims and
and sexual abuse, bullying, sexual harassment,their families. Another problem with the approach
exposure to community violence and the witnessingused to gather information for these reports is that
of domestic violence. What's scary about all thesethey fail to identify multiple infractions within the
studies is the end result. Rather than discussing all thesame offense. For example, when a child is "Bullied",
statistics, which would only confuse you as they didphysical abuse and sexual harassment often occur at
me, consider this; only 29% of children had NOTthe same time but only "bullying" is reported.
been victimized either directly or indirectly. Let meDomestic violence is another example. Frequently,
repeat that. Only 29% of children had NOT beenviolent parents attack multiple family members. When
victimized either directly or indirectly. That is anlaw enforcement is called out on a domestic violence
amazing statistic in itself and based on that there isdisturbance and arrests the 'parent", child abuse is
no need to discuss the other numbers. However, theoften overlooked and unreported. Fragmentation in
problems may be a lot worse than the publishedthese studies is made worse when interviewers
reports indicate. The guidelines set for the purposesfocus on age groups such as teenagers or, more
of these studies tend to overlook certain activitiesoften, elementary school children. Focusing on a
and therefore do not present a clear picture. Forparticular age group can result in a misperception that
instance; studies on community violence will report oncrime occurs primarily to that group. It is our
the overall picture but fail to report individual cases ofresponsibility as adults to ensure that are children are
child neglect and emotional abuse. Additionally,properly cared for. If you know or suspect that a
"property crimes" against children, such as theft orchild is not being properly treated you should report
vandalism, are usually not included in these studiesit. If you have children and depend on babysitters,
even though children are affected in high numbersnannies or even siblings to care for them, get a
and are affected emotionally if not physically.hidden camera or recorder NOW! They are easy to
Assaults by brothers and sisters, non-sexual assaultssetup and use and may save your child emotionally if
on the genitals (touching), violence on dates and hatenot physically.
crimes are often not included in reports because the