# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Children share their stories, from experiencing child abuse or neglect, to struggling with their mental health or being bullied, and how they found hope for the future.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-we-do/childrens-stories-about-abuse/fionas-story/
My thoughts: When she said " It felt like it was all my fault. My name was brought into everything and he made sure I heard everything." It hit me because I know how it feels to have everything blamed on you. She was emotionally abused by her moms new boyfriend and she thought it was because he was jealous of the relationship that her mother and she had. She said this and it honestly made me angry, because how can a man be jealous of what a child and her mother have. That's insane.
How I feel:
She said this: "I was set a rule that I only ever went into the kitchen for food, at certain times – and if I missed that slot, I went without – but I was too afraid to go downstairs in case he chased into the kitchen after me as he always did. Bawling at me, backing me into the corner until I was whimpering and crying, he would just laugh at me and walk away, satisfied by my distress." This is absolutely terrible, that her mother let this happen.. but if she was getting abused herself and was scared of him I guess nothing could of happened. I feel bad for Both Fiona and her mother.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-we-do/childrens-stories-about-abuse/gareths-story/
My thoughts: Gareth is a lot like me... He said this... "He was my father and I thought that whatever he was doing to me was normal." His dad sexually abused him when he was young and since he was young and didn't know any better he thought what his dad was doing to him was completely normal and happened to every child, but as he got older he started to realize it wasn't normal at all. This is another thing Gareth said and I couldn't agree with him more... "I want to protect other children from going through the awful abuse I did."
How I Feel:
I completely understand where Gareth is coming from and know what he's been through and its not easy at all.... It sucks to go through that and I agree with a lot of what he said.. especially when he said that he wanted to protect other kids from going through the awful thing he did, and I want to do the same thing.

# data[].attributes.body
My Thoughts: This is truly heart breaking, yes its happened to me, but I didnt think it happened that often to others. Even though I know its a problem, a report about child abuse every ten seconds, which in ONE SINGLE DAY is 8,640 children a day that get abused that get reported. "state agencies identified an estimated 1,580 children who died as a result of abuse and neglect — between four and five children a day." This is a quote I pulled directly from the article, and for it to be that many young kids that die daily from abuse and neglect...
How I feel:
I feel that this is a rising problem everywhere in the world. It sucks that this happens to kids, and no one deserves it. These statistics destroy me, because I was one of those kids in the shoes that many are in today. I wish I was a superhero, or some sort of person that had the right to end child abuse and neglect... No one deserves being treated like that.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Last month, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital released an outstanding, optimistic, and solution-oriented video about child abuse, which they define as physical, sexual, verbal abuse and domestic violence.

What makes the video so strong are the stories told by three very brave people:

Amanda Marsh, who was sexually abused by her stepfather from the time she was 13 to 17 years old. She and her sister eventually reported him, and he is now in prison.

Crystal Risely, physically and sexually abused by her physician father from infancy until she was 22 years old, molested by a teacher when she was 12, and molested by a principal when she was 16.

One man who was physically abused by his father from infancy until he was 16 years old. It ended when he left home. In the video, he prefers to remain anonymous.

Dr. Clare Sheridan-Matney, director of the division of

forensic patients at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital; Dr. Kiti Freir Randall, pediatric neurodevelopmental psychologist; and Marie Dawson, coordinator of the hospital's Child Protection Center; and Mary Jo Vollmer-Sandholm, forensic pediatric nurse practitioner provide good background information about the frequency of child abuse and the long-term consequences of adverse childhood experiences. Dr. Vincent Felitti, one of the co-principal investigators of the CDC's Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE Study), also appears in the video.

The only place where this video falls down is in the recommendations of what to do if you see abuse or you are being abused: Call the police or child protective services, leave the unsafe situation, find a safe place to go, tell someone you trust.

I can think of so many situations in which none of the options are viable. This is not a failing of Loma Linda, but more in the fact that our society doesn't yet know how to deal with child maltreatment. You'd think that at least the last one - tell someone you trust - would be the easiest. But I don't think enough people talk about child maltreatment so that someone who sees or experiences abuse would feel comfortable talking, or, having said something to someone once, pursue it if nothing happens. If you doubt that, just think about Penn State, abuse by priests and nuns in the Catholic Church, and by Boy Scout leaders.

The video ends rightly with a pitch for increasing awareness of the problem and talking more about it. "It's the secrecy and the shame that goes along with this that often keeps this problem continuing," said Dr. William Murdoch, chair of Loma Linda University Department of Psychiatry. "We don't talk about it. It's something that we don't want to believe happens next door. It does."

If child maltreatment were regarded the same way as a broken leg - something serious that needs fixing - that would certainly give people more options. Our shame/blame/punishment system, however, usually requires that parents (who are responsible for most child maltreatment) are labeled as "bad" so that a child may be "rescued" and removed from the home, which just causes more toxic stress for everyone involved.

A healthier system would be one where we can talk about child toxic stress and maltreatment in terms of an entire family who desperately needs help, and talk about it openly enough so that a family is helped long before child abuse escalates.

Vollmer-Sandholm said it well: "It seems, unfortunately, that in just about every segment of our society, people will avoid talking about the topic of abuse. They say you can't ask those questions in a medical office. And when it comes to churches and schools and other community groups, people would just rather not think about it."

That's ironic, considering that most of us have experience at least one type of adverse childhood experience.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Video: End It Now - Understanding and Preventing Child Abuse

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Last month, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital released an outstanding, optimistic, and solution-oriented video about child abuse, which they define as physical, sexual, verbal abuse and domestic violence. What makes the video so strong are the stories told by three very brave people: Amanda Marsh, who was sexually abused by her stepfather from the time...

# data[].attributes.body
My thoughts: This is a major problem, and this university is trying its best to make it known about what happened. I found it interesting when someone started talking about how you can have relationship problems, multiple sex partners, and mental health issues, and physical issues, all because of trauma that happened during your childhood such as rape and abuse. I have also noticed that the all of these problems are leading back to the ACE study, and test. Something I found interesting is that if you have a high score on the ACE test you are more likely to die 20 years younger then that of the average. Also, that if a person has a high ACE score they are 2x more likely to become a smoker, 5x more likely to experience depression, 7x more likely to become an alcoholic, 10x more to try injected drugs, and 12x more likely to attempt suicide. Thats absolutely mind-blowing.
How I Feel:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nadine Burke Harris: How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Childhood trauma isn't something you just get over as you grow up. Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris explains that the repeated stress of abuse, neglect and parents struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues has real, tangible effects on the development of the brain.

# data[].attributes.body
New test called " Adverse Childhood Experiences" aka. ACE.
67% of every kid tested had at least one ACE, 12.6% or 1 and 8 kids tested had four or more ACE
The higher the ACE score the more health problems they could have in the future.

# data[].attributes.body
This is so true in everything she says, I've been in that place and wish I could take the ACES.
Why in the beginning did she just focus on the low poverty kids?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
"Most Horrifying thing I've ever seen"

A 4-year-old, Teghan Skiba, was terrorized, tortured and tormented for 10 days in a shed behind her home by her mom's boyfriend, Jonathan Douglas Richardson. Teghan's mom was away during this time for training with the army reserves. When arrested, Richardson kept a smirk on his face and mocked officers by saying "what are y'all gonna do? Tie me down and cut me up?".

Teghan died three days after being admitted to the hospital.

Read the full news story here: http://www.wral.com/deputy-tortured-child-s-injuries-most-horrifying-thing-i-ve-ever-seen-/13452150/
2. An Urge Leads to Child Abuse
A Milwaukee man is accused abusing his child when he had an urge to squeeze the baby tightly, which resulted in her face turning red and eyes becoming bloodshot and several rib fractures. He also had an urge and pushed his index finger all the way down the child's through.

Read the full news story here: http://fox6now.com/2015/07/08/26-year-old-father-charged-in-horrific-child-abuse-case-some-say-it-could-have-been-prevented/
3. Found in the Freezer
In detroit, police were serving an eviction order and were clearing the apartment. Inside of the freezer was a bag that included the bodies of two small children. One was an 11-year-old boy and the other was a 14-year-old girl.

Read the full story here: http://www.inquisitr.com/1953068/detroit-children-found-dead-in-freezer-after-reportedly-being-missing-for-the-last-year-mother-arrested/

4. Babysitter Texts Reveal Child Abuse
Ashley Dack always volunteered to help babysite people's kids. Everyone thought that Ashley was one of the best babysitters around and never imagined she could do such horrible things. Dack would consistently send pictures and texts to her boyfriend, Patrick Schuneman, of her sexual assaults on the children she was babysitting.

Read the full story here: http://www.inquisitr.com/1953247/texas-babysitters-shocking-texts-show-horrifying-pattern-of-abuse-what-charges-should-be-served/

5. Eating Toothpaste to Stay Alive
Sharon Glass and Michael Marshall were arrested in March of 2012 for abusing Marshall's 13-year-old son. This case of abuse includes locking the boy up in closets and zip tie him to his bed, starving him for days. Glass could get more than 100 years in prison and Marhsall is facing 20 to 40 years in prison.

Read the full story here: http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/brevard-county/trial-continues-for-woman-accused-of-starving-13yearold/23862158

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"Most Horrifying thing I've ever seen" A 4-year-old, Teghan Skiba, was terrorized, tortured and tormented for 10 days in a shed behind her home by her mom's boyfriend, Jonathan Douglas Richardson. Teghan's mom was away during this time for training with the army reserves.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Every child has a right to adequate care and supervision and to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Abuse can be defined in terms that are both physical and emotional.

Physical abuse is defined as non-accidental trauma or physical injury caused by punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning or otherwise harming a child. Physical abuse often results from inappropriate or excessive physical discipline. Emotional abuse is defined as a pattern of behavior by parents or caregivers that can seriously interfere with a child's cognitive, emotional, psychological or social development. This would also include ignoring, rejecting, exploiting, corrupting, terrorizing, or neglecting the child.

In the United States there are several departments that handle situations in which a child is not being properly cared for: Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (OCAN), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Child Protective Services (CPS).

Of these the main one that attempts to combine the different agencies is Child Protective Services (CPS). Since the late 1970's this Department has published a Manual known as the Child Abuse and Neglect User Manual Series that provides guidance on child protection to multidisciplinary professionals and concerned community members. The manual includes definitions of child maltreatment, risk factors, consequences, and the Federal and State basis for intervention, within their ranks are substance abuse treatment providers, domestic violence victim advocates, educators, and law enforcement personnel.

CPS is a division within State and local social services, and in most jurisdictions it is the agency mandated by law to conduct an initial assessment or investigation of reports of child abuse and neglect. When parents cannot and will not fulfill their responsibilities to protect their children, CPS has the right and obligation to intervene directly on the children's behalf.

Both child advocates and practitioners generally agree that a "child-centered", family focused, and culturally responsive framework for a child's welfare will promote the best outcomes for children. With this in mind there maybe circumstances that need to be understood in which the child has the right to call CPS at any point in time if they feel they are in an unsafe environment. The child has the right to make a child abuse report in circumstances where there is physical abuse or neglect is taking place such as a lack of food, clothes, basic proper health care and so on.

If the circumstances is physical abuse then the child would need to get pictures of any type of injuries that can be helpful in a CPS report. Photos are something a CPS worker would ask about if the victim did decide to make a report. If the case is neglect, such as a lack of food, CPS would ask a lot of questions about what is going on at home. They would need to talk with the victim(s) in person as well as everyone involved. Here are some very helpful websites and telephone numbers that will be helpful for those who would like to learn more:

www.1800runaway.org, www.childhelp.org, or 1800-422-4453, Partnerships for Child Welfare, (they publish a newsletter by the Council on Social Work Education), their website is www.cswe.org; for those interested in Child Welfare Training, information and materials can be found at www.childwelfaretraining.org

In conclusion, most parents and child guardians are providing the best possible care and love for their children. In some circumstances, the lines for proper care are not something that would be defined as abuse or neglect. Within the United States alone there are 15 and a half million children under the age of 18 that live in a household where food cannot adequately be provided on a regular basis. Such households are consider food-insecure. Such households may need to be provided for with government and community services to help alleviate such burdens that life sometimes brings in providing the most basic needs.

When it comes to children, we all must be child advocates in some form or another. Until then, no one will be able to understand the extent of the problem or even acknowledge that such a problem exists unless we live for them, through them, and because of them. Children are the most important cause for life and extension of love we will ever have to offer to humanity!
About the Author
Gordon Jeremiah Berry, is an avid reader and intense researcher. Mr. Berry looks for the deeper meaning behind all things. His favorite saying is "Love must always win out!"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Laws of Child Abuse and Child Protective Services - Word Matters!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
by Gordon Jeremiah Berry Every child has a right to adequate care and supervision and to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Abuse can be defined in terms that are both physical and emotional. Physical abuse is defined as...Read more →

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
- A Lady Lake woman is facing child abuse charges after deputies say she hit kids who were staying at her home for a sleepover.

One mother, who asked us not to name her in this report, says her two kids - 7 and 12 years old - were victims.

"My daughter's got scratches on both of her arms from the metal spoon. My son's got welts on his legs and on his behind. His whole back end is black and blue," the woman said. "My son came running home to my mother and told her what was going on and called the police."

Deputies say 29-year-old Erin Pierce got physical with five kids who were at her house.

According to an arrest report, one child says she hit them with a belt, a metal spoon and shoes.

"What was really disturbing was in one case - I guess one of the children tried to leave and she held her down and wouldn't let her leave and that's why the additional charge of false imprisonment kicked in," said Lake County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Fred Jones.

Investigators say Pierce admitted that she "popped" one child with a belt. She claimed he gave her the middle finger.

Deputies also say they think Pierce was drinking.

"It's sad when you have alcohol come into the mix of someone who's responsible for taking care of these kids. You're the person these kids should go to and say, 'this is what I need.' Now, you're the reasons they're victims," Jones said.

Pierce was locked up and charged with five counts of child abuse. A lot of parents were left seeing red after that night - saying she had no right to touch their kids.

"I'm mad. I just don't understand it. I don't understand why," the Lake County mom said.

The News Station was unable to reach Pierce for comment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Woman facing child abuse charge after slumber party

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A Lady Lake woman is facing child abuse charges after deputies say she hit kids who were staying at her home for a sleepover. One mother, who asked us not to name her in this report, says her two kids - 7 and 12 years old - were victims. "My daughter's got scratches on both of her arms from the metal spoon.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Read "Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect" at NAP.edu

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read chapter 6 CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT: The tragedy of child abuse and neglect is in the forefront of public attention. Yet, without a c...