LUMBERTON INDEPENDENT

SCHOOL DISTRICT

BULLYING, SEXUAL HARASSMENT,

DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL
VIOLENCE AND CHILD ABUSE

September 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bullying, Sexual harassment, Dating Violence and Sexual Violence .....................3
Your Right to File a Complaint ......................................................................................3
Instructions....................................................................................................................3
Bullying Incident Report Form .......................................................................................4
Bullying Incident Follow-up Form ..................................................................................5
Sexual Harassment, Dating Violence & Sexual Violence Report Form .........................6
Notice of Parent and Student Rights .............................................................................8
School-Based Stay-Away Agreement .........................................................................11
Student-On-Student Altercation Response Chart........................................................14
Child Abuse ...............................................................................................................16
Child Abuse Reporting Information & Law from the Texas Family Code.....................17
Recognizing Child Abuse ............................................................................................19
The Child .......................................................................................................19
The Parent......................................................................................................19
The Parent and Child .....................................................................................19
Types of Abuse ...........................................................................................................20
Signs of Physical Abuse..............................................................................................20
Signs of Neglect ..........................................................................................................20
Signs of Sexual Abuse ................................................................................................21
Signs of Emotional Maltreatment ................................................................................21
Resources on the Child Welfare Information...............................................................22
Appendix....................................................................................................................23

LUMBERTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Instructions for reporting incidents of
BULLYING, SEXUAL HARASSMENT,
DATING VIOLENCE and SEXUAL VIOLENCE

A counselor or administrator who receives a report of bullying, sexual harassment,

dating violence, or sexual violence will address the following issues with the student
who was the target of the reported behaviors in a private meeting before assisting the
student in completing the Complaint Form.
Your Right to File a Complaint
The policy of Lumberton ISD is that all students and employees be free from bullying,
sexual harassment, dating violence, and sexual violence. All charges of bullying, sexual
harassment, dating violence, and sexual violence are to be taken very seriously by
students, faculty, staff, administration, and parents/guardians. The District will make
every reasonable effort to handle and respond to every charge and complaint filed by
students and employees in a fair, thorough, and just manner. Every reasonable effort
will be made to protect the due process rights of all targets and all alleged perpetrators.
Instructions: Use the Bullying Incident Report Form to report bullying. Use the Sexual
Harassment, Dating Violence and Sexual Violence Report Form to report sexual
harassment, dating violence, or sexual violence. These reports are necessary so that
school officials may investigate and take appropriate actions to increase your safety.
Complete the proper form, providing as much detailed information as possible so that
the complaint may be properly investigated.
It is important that you report the facts as accurately and completely as possible and
that you cooperate fully with the persons designated to investigate the complaint.
Where to file: Complaint forms will be available from any administrator or counselor.
Confidentiality: To conduct this investigation in a confidential manner, the school will
disclose the contents of your complaint only to those persons who have a need to know.
In signing the complaint form, you authorize the school to disclose, as needed, the
information you have provided; and may in the future provide, regarding your complaint.
Your complaint form will not be shown to the alleged perpetrator.
Retaliation prohibited: Retaliation against a person who files a formal complaint is
strictly prohibited and is grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to
detention, suspension, and expulsion.

BULLYING INCIDENT REPORT FORM

Date of Incident:

_____________

Repeat Incident?

YES

Time of Incident:

_____________

NO

Location of Incident (circle all that apply):

Hallway
Bus Stop
Social Media

Restroom
On Bus
Other:

Classroom
Parking Lot

Name of Targeted Student(s):

Gym
To/From School

Lunchroom
Afterschool

Name of Student(s) Bullying:

Playground
School Event

Locker Room
Text/Phone

Name(s) of Witnesses/Bystanders

Type of Bullying:
Verbal

Result in Injury?

YES

NO

Physical

Reported to School Nurse?

YES

NO

Relational

Reported to Police?

YES

NO

Bullying Behaviors:
Shoved/Pushed

Hit, Kicked, Punched

Threatened

Stole/Damaged Items

Excluded

Taunting/Ridiculing

Writing/Graffiti

Told Lies/False Rumors

Staring/Leering

Intimidation/Extortion

Demeaning Comments

Inappropriate Touching

Text Messages

Social Media

Email

Racial

Sexual

Religious

Disability

Other

Reported to School By:

Teacher

Student

Bystander

Target/Target

Parent

Bus Driver

Anonymous

Other

Describe the Incident:

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Physical Evidence:
Notes

Email/Text

Graffiti

Video/Audio

Social Media

Other

Action Taken (Refer to Student Code of Conduct):

Consequences: _______________________________________________________________________
Remediation: _________________________________________________________________________
Referral for Additional Support Services: ___________________________________________________
Parent Contact: Date: __________

Time: _________

Person Making Contact: ____________

Result: ________________________________________________________________

Todays Date: __________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Bullying Incident Follow-up

Follow-up Conference

Date:_________________________

Time:____________________________

Conducted By: _____________________________________________________________________________

People Present:
Administrator

__________________________________________________

Counselor

__________________________________________________

Social Worker

__________________________________________________

Teacher

__________________________________________________

Student

__________________________________________________

Parent

__________________________________________________

Witness (s)

__________________________________________________

Other

__________________________________________________

According to student, the situation is:

________ Better

_________ Worse

_________ No Difference

Comments:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent Contact:

Date: ___________ Time: ___________ Person Making Contact: ______________

Additional Action/Notes:
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________

LUMBERTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

SEXUAL HARASSMENT, DATING VIOLENCE and SEXUAL VIOLENCE
INCIDENT REPORT FORM
Name: ____________________________________ Student ID: _________________
Grade: ________ Date: _____________ Time: __________ School: ___________
Please answer the following questions about the most serious incident:
List the name of the alleged perpetrator(s) of sexual harassment, dating violence, or
sexual violence:
______________________________________________________________________
Relationship between you and the alleged perpetrator:
______________________________________________________________________
Describe the incident:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
When and where did it happen?
______________________________________________

Were there any witnesses? [ ] yes

[ ] no
If yes, who
______________________________________________________________________
Is this the first incident?

[ ] yes

[ ] no

If no, how many times has it happened before?

_____________________________________________________________________
Other information, including previous incidents or threats:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Student or parent declines to complete this form:
Initial: _____________________ Date: ___________________

I certify that all statements made in the complaint are true and complete. Any
intentional misstatement of fact will subject me to appropriate discipline. I
authorize school officials to disclose the information I provide only as necessary
in pursuing the investigation.
Signatures
Student: _____________________________________________ Date: ___________
School official receiving complaint: ________________________ Date: ___________
School official conducting follow-up: _______________________ Date: ___________
Notes of action taken:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Additional information from student or staff

Signature of Student/Staff
Date
Documentation/Follow-Up
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

LUMBERTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PARENT AND STUDENT RIGHTS:
BULLYING, SEXUAL HARASSMENT,
DATING VIOLENCE and SEXUAL VIOLENCE
The Lumberton Independent School District (LISD) is committed to providing a positive learning
environment for all students that enhances personal safety and promotes respect, dignity, and
equality among students. High standards are expected for both academic achievement and for
behavior.
LISD strives to ensure that all students and employees are free from bullying, sexual
harassment, dating violence, and sexual violence. All charges of bullying, sexual harassment,
dating violence, and sexual violence are to be taken very seriously by students, faculty, staff,
administration, and parents/guardians. LISD will make every effort to handle and respond to
every charge and complaint filed by students and employees in a fair, thorough, and just
manner. Every effort will be made to protect the due process rights of all targets and all alleged
perpetrators.
According to Board Policy FFI (Local) Bullying occurs when a student or group of students
engages in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical
conduct that occurs on school property, at a school sponsored or school-related activity, or in a
vehicle operated by the District and that: (1) has the effect or with have the effect of physically
harming a student, damaging a students property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of
harm to the students person or of damage to the students property; or (2) is sufficiently severe,
persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening,
or abusive educational environment for a student. The conduct is considered bullying if it: (1)
exploits an imbalance of power between the student perpetrator and the student victim through
written or verbal expression or physical conduct; and (2) interferes with a students education or
substantially disrupts the operation of a school.
Harassment is defined as conduct that threatens to cause harm or bodily injury to another
student, is sexually intimidating, causes physical damage to the property of another student,
subjects another student to physical confinement or restraint or maliciously and substantially
harms another students physical or emotional health or safety.
Sexual harassment is conduct that is severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive in such a
manner that it can be said to deprive the targeted student of access to the educational
opportunities or benefits provided by the school. It is a form of harassment that includes
touching someone in ways that are not wanted, sexual jokes, pressuring someone to have sex,
threats or intimidation from a dating partner, or any other form of harassment of a sexual nature
that would make a reasonable person uncomfortable.
Dating violence is defined as the intentional use of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse
by a person to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control another person in a dating relationship.
Dating violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that one partner exerts over the other for the
purpose of establishing and maintaining power and control.
Sexual violence is defined as sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sexual stalking of a minor child or
teenage, including sexual violence committed by perpetrators who are strangers to the targeted
person and by perpetrators who are known or related by blood or marriage to the target. This

definition includes behavior including but not limited to incest, molestation, child abuse, stranger
rape, and non stranger rape.
A student or employee, who believes they have been harassed, bullied, or otherwise targeted
by fellow students or LISD employees are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to the
campus principal or other campus professional. To the greatest extent possible, complaints
shall be treated as confidential. Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough
investigation.
A student or parent/guardian who has a complaint alleging bullying, harassment, dating
violence, or sexual violence may request a conference with the principal or the principals
designee. If the student or parent/guardian is not satisfied with the response form the campus
staff, they may request a conference with the Superintendent or designee, or LISDs Title IX
Coordinator.
Complaints will be documented and investigated in accordance with LISD policy and guidelines.
Any staff member who observes an incident that involves physical or sexual assault or threats
will report the incident immediately to the principal. Any staff member who learns of an incident
or threat may submit a Complaint Form on behalf of the target.
Campus Complaint Procedure:
1. Students and staff members will complete a Complain Form available from the campus
administration or counseling office.
2. The Complaint Form will be submitted to the principal or designee immediately.
3. The principal or designee will investigate complaints by meeting separately with each
student involved in the situation.
4. The campus administration or counselors will conference with the targeted student and
parent/guardian to discuss safety and community resources.
5. The administrator will have a conference with the alleged perpetrator and
parent/guardian to discuss appropriate behaviors and consequences. With the prior
consent of the targeted student, the administration may issue a School-Based StayAway Agreement to the alleged perpetrator during the parent/guardian conference.
6. Documentation of Complain Forms, Follow-Up Actions, and Stay-Away Agreements will
be available to the General Counsel at all times.

Please review this information and return this signed page to the school, retaining the prior two
pages for your records.
For more information about your rights and responsibilities concerning bullying, harassment,
dating violence or sexual violence, please contact LISDs Title IX Coordinator.

___________________________

________________________________

____________________

Parent/Guardian Name

Parent/Guardian Signature

Date

________________________
Student Name

____________________________
Student Signature

__________________
Date

________________________
Administrator Name

____________________________
Administrator Signature

__________________
Date

10

LUMBERTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

SCHOOL-BASED STAY-AWAY AGREEMENT
BULLYING, SEXUAL HARASSMENT,
DATING VIOLENCE and SEXUAL VIOLENCE
The intent of this agreement is to increase safety for students who have been the target
of severe or repeated bullying, sexual harassment, dating violence, or sexual violence.
It is to be administered in a conference with the alleged perpetrator and his or her
parent/guardian.
Name of student: _______________________________________________________
Date of most serious incident: _____________________________________________
Description of behaviors involved in incident:

______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Date of assessment: ____________________________________________________
Date of parent/guardian notification: ________________________________________
In order to protect the rights and safety of all members of our school community,
you are required to stay away from (name of target)
_____________________________________________________________________
at all times during the school day and at any school-sponsored event. This means
that you may not approach, talk to, sit by, or have any contact with (name of target)
_____________________________________________________________________
at school or on school property, school buses, and bus stops.

In addition, the following actions are effective immediately:

Arrival/Departure
Time: ______________Entrance:__________________________________________
Bus/Parking: __________________________________________________________

11

Current Schedule
New Schedule __________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Lunch: ________________________________________________________________
Locker: _______________________________________________________________
Extracurricular Activities: _________________________________________________
Other disciplinary actions:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Violations of this agreement and acts of retaliation directly or indirectly toward
the target or the targets friends or family members will be taken seriously and
will result in further disciplinary actions. Your compliance will be monitored by
(name and staff title):

______________________________________________
Agreement is valid from ________________________to _______________________
date
date
This agreement will be reviewed on ________________________________________
date
Signatures
Student: __________________________________________ Date:________________
Parent/Guardian: ___________________________________ Date: ________________
Administrator: ___________________________________ __ Date: ________________

cc: Principal * Assistant Principal * Counselor

12

LUMBERTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

STUDENT-ON-STUDENT ALTERCATION RESPONSE CHART

All charges or reports of a student-on-student altercation (e.g., sexual harassment, harassment,

bullying, dating violence, or sexual violence) should be referred to the appropriate district official
in accordance with Board Policy FFH (LOCAL). This checklist has been provided to assist the
district official in ensuring that necessary steps are taken when incidents have been brought to
the principals attention. To the greatest extent possible, confidentiality should be maintained
when investigating reports.
DATE

ACTIONS
1.
2.
3.

Take necessary steps to separate alleged perpetrator and targeted individual.

Call the Police if appropriate. If the altercation is assaultive in nature, see legal
and policy guidelines for reporting and discipline, as well as CPS requirements.
TARGET: Conference with the targeted individual outside of the presence of the
alleged perpetrator.
Use every reasonable effort to protect the due process rights of the alleged
perpetrator.
Contact parent/guardian. The student may be accompanied by a parent/guardian
or other representative.
a. Provide the parent/guardian and/or student with a Notice of Parent and
Student Rights. Inform the student of his or her right to file a complain
alleging sexual harassment directly with the Title IX Coordinator or Officer
of General Counsel and with the Office for Civil Rights. Obtain signature if
possible.
b. Assist the student in documenting the incident on a complain form. If the
student or parent/guardian declines to document the incident, note this on
the complaint form.
c. Identify immediate actions that can be taken to increase the targets safety
and ability to participate in school without being subject to harassment.
Refer to a school counselor as appropriate.
d. Record your observations related to the student conference.

4.

ALLEGED PERPETRATOR: Conference with the alleged perpetrator out of the

presence of the target. Use every reasonable effort to protect the due process
rights of the alleged perpetrator. Contact parent/guardian. The student may be
accompanied by a parent/guardian or other representative.
a. Allow the student an opportunity to respond in writing to the allegations.
b. Provide the parent/guardian and/or student with a Notice of Parent and
Student Rights. Obtain signature if possible.
c. Refer the student to a school counselor as appropriate.
d. Record your observations related to the student conference.

5.

Further investigate the complaint by interviewing any witnesses separately.

Document findings.

13

6.

Communicate in a confidential manner with the School Resource Office and

counselor and principal or designee.

7.

Make determinations regarding alleged conduct, ordinarily within 5 (five) days. If

extenuating circumstances delay the investigation, inform the target and
parent/guardian.
Record determination and actions, as follows (check box):
[

Findings indicate that a student-on-student altercation occurred.

a) TARGET: Conference with the targeted student and parent/guardian.

Possible interventions:
Identify actions to increase the targets safety and ability to
participate in school without fear or intimidation.
Inform the student and parent/guardian of support services.
Ensure the target has access to support when needed (e.g.,
administrator or counselor gives his/her business card to the
student to carry and writes on the back: Please allow NAME
to see me when requested.)
Inform the student of his or her right to request a Stay-Away
Agreement.
Encourage the target to report further incidences.
Parent/guardian has right to pursue transfer as target of
bullying.
Share form and process as appropriate. Requires verification
of harassment/bullying from administration. See FDB
(LEGAL)
Document conference and action plans.
b) ALLEGED PERPETRATOR: Conference with the alleged perpetrator and
parent/guardian. Possible interventions:
Emphasize expectations for positive behavior.
Identify and implement disciplinary consequences and other
actions that will be taken to prevent further incidences.
Inform the student and parent of support services.
Ensure the alleged perpetrator has access to support when
needed (e.g., administrator or counselor gives his/her
business card to the student to carry and writes on the back:
Please allow NAME to see me when requested.)
Address the seriousness of retaliation.
If harassment was severe or repeated, a Stay-Away
Agreement may be issued.
Depending on the nature of the offense, disciplinary action
may be warranted or mandated.
Increase supervision of the alleged perpetrator as appropriate.
Behavior contract.
c) REMINDER: If there is a finding that the altercation involved physical or
sexual assault or threats, notify the School Resource Officer immediately
and follow legal and policy guidelines for reporting and discipline, as well

14

as CPS requirements.
[

8.

9.

10.

11.

Unable to determine that inappropriate behavior occurred, but

there has been a determination that the situation justifies the
communication of warnings, recommendations, and/or
information regarding support services.

[
]
There are no findings of inappropriate behavior.
After determination made:
Give notice of the outcome to the parties follow FERPA
guidelines.
Advise the parents and students that they may appeal the
decision of the principal or designee regarding the outcome of
the investigation into the allegation. Inform the student or
parent/guardian that he or she may request a conference with
the Superintendent or designee and that a written complaint
must be submitted. The appeal notice must be filed in writing,
on a form provided by the District. Refer to Board Policy FFH
(LOCAL) and FNG (LOCAL).
If findings indicate that inappropriate behavior has occurred:
Monitor the safety of the targeted student.
Encourage the target to immediately communicate any safety
concerns that may arise to an administrator or counselor or
School Resource Officer.
Document subsequent follow-up actions and complaints in the
space provided on the complaint form.
Advise Title IX Coordinator by email or memo of all incidents of sexual
harassment that occur on your campus. Label correspondence regarding sexual
harassment issues Attorney-Client Privileged Information. Include (a) the date
of the incident, (b) the names of the students involved in the incident, (c) actions
taken to address the matter, and (d) whether the matter is closed or remains
open. Use form titled Reports of Allegations of Sexual Harassment (Title IX).
Store complaint forms in a separate, confidential file.

15

CHILD ABUSE

16

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING INFORMATION

& LAW FROM THE TEXAS FAMILY CODE
What are Reported / To Whom?
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Physical Neglect
According to Section 261.101 of the Texas Family Code Child abuse, whether past or present, child neglect, or a child death
should be reported to any local or state law enforcement agency, or, to the
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Why Report?
To protect the child
To comply with Texas law
To get help for the family
According to Section 261.109
A person commits an offense if the person has cause to believe that a
childs physical or mental health or welfare has been or may be adversely
affected by abuse or neglect and knowingly fails to report it. This offense
is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and /or jail up to 180 days.
Can I be sued?
According to Section 261.106, you will not be held liable for any report
made in good faith.
What about past abuse?
There is no statute of limitations on the reporting law; however, most
states have differing statutes of limitation regarding prosecution of abuse.
Can I report anonymously?
Section 261.101(d) states: Unless waived in writing by the person making
the report, the identity of an individual making a report under this chapter
is confidential and may be disclosed only: (1) as provided by Sec.
261.201; or (2) to a law enforcement officer for the purposes of conducting
a criminal investigation of the report.
Does the confidentiality privilege apply?
Section 261.101 (c) states: The requirement to report under this section
applies without exception to an individual whose personal
communications may otherwise be privileged, including an attorney, a
member of the clergy, a medical practitioner, a social worker, a mental

17

health professional, and an employee of a clinic or health care facility that

provides reproductive services.

18

CHILD ABUSE
The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs
of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is
occurring in a family, but a closer look at the situation may be warranted when these
signs appear repeatedly or in combination.
If you do suspect a child is being harmed, reporting your suspicions may protect the
child and get help for the family. Any concerned person can report suspicions of child
abuse and neglect.
Recognizing Child Abuse
The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.
The Child:

Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance

Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents
attention
Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to
specific physical or psychological causes
Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
Lacks adult supervision
Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go
home

The Parent:

Shows little concern for the child

Denies the existence of - or blames the child for - the childs problems in school
or at home
Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child
misbehaves
Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome
Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional
needs

The Parent and Child:

Rarely touch or look at each other

Consider their relationship entirely negative
State that they do not like each other

19

Types of Abuse
The following are some signs often associated with particular types of child abuse and
neglect: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. It is important to
note, however, that these types of abuse are more typically found in combination than
alone. A physically abused child, for example, is often emotionally abused as well, and
asexually abused child also may be neglected.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:

Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes

Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
Shrinks at the approach of adults
Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the childs injury

Describes the child as evil, or in some other very negative way
Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
Has a history of abuse as a child

Signs of Neglect
Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:

Is frequently absent from school

Begs or steals food or money
Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses
Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
Abuses alcohol or other drugs
States that there is no one at home to provide care

Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:

Appears to be indifferent to the child

Seems apathetic or depressed
Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
Is abusing alcohol or other drugs

20

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:

Has difficulty walking or sitting

Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
Reports nightmares or bedwetting
Experiences a sudden change in appetite
Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14
Runs away
Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the childs contact with other
children, especially of the opposite sex
Is secretive and isolated
Is jealous or controlling with family members

Signs of Emotional Maltreatment

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:

Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior,

extreme passivity or aggression
Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or
inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example)
Is delayed in physical or emotional development
Has attempted suicide
Reports a lack of attachment to the parent

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult
caregiver:

Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child

Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the
childs problems
Overtly rejects the child

21

Resources on the Child Welfare Information

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Prevention_and_Early_Intervention?Programs_Available_In
_Your_County/default.asp
The following Web sites might help you become more aware of child sexual abuse:
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index.aspx?id=2820
http://sapn.nonprofitoffice.com/
http://www.taasa.org/member/materials2.php
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse1.shtml
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse2.shtml

22

APPENDIX

23

INDICATORS
OF CHILD ABUSE
PHYSICAL ABUSE

SEXUAL ABUSE

PHYSICAL INDICATORS
Surface Area Injuries
Non-accidental Bruising Patterns
Loop or Wrap Around Injuries
Injuries in Various Stages of Healing
Complications from Old Injuries
Imprint of Instrument on Skin
Cigarette Burns
Shows Signs of Overall Poor Health

PHYSICAL INDICATORS
Headaches, Stomach Ache, and
Overall Not Feeling Well
Pain in Anal or Genital Area
Recurring Vaginal or Bladder Infections
Sexually Transmitted Disease
Oral, Genital or Anal Bleeding
Redness, Swelling, Itching or Trauma
to the Genital/Anal Area
Pregnancy

BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS
Unable to Explain Injury or Explanation
Inconsistent with Injury
Unusually Fearful, Non-spontaneous
Overly Eager to Please Adults
Discomfort About Undressing in Front
of Peers

BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS
Sudden Change in Behavior
Fears/Phobias, Retreat to Fantasy
Disturbed Sleeping Patterns
Changes in Relationships to Adults
(Avoidance or Clinging)
Problems in School
Withdrawal from Friends/Family
Running Away
Inappropriate and Obsessive Sexual
Awareness, Promiscuity
Compulsive Masturbation
Depression, Low Self-esteem, Self
Critical
Child States an Adult is Bothering Him
or Her
Verbalization of Sexual Assault
Discomfort About Undressing in Front
of Peers
Discomfort or Extreme Sensitivity to
Physical Contact
Friends who are Several Years Older
Acquisition of Unexplainable Toys,
Money or Clothes
Regression to More Childish Behavior
Delinquent Acts
Suicidal Gestures or Attempts
Plays Parental Role

24

*NOTE: Please remember that all of the signs/symptoms above could be related to other
problems and/or emotional issues that the child is encountering. So, it is important to not
assume that just because a child is exhibiting the behaviors above that they have definitely
been sexually abused. It is believed that it is always best for someone to show concern for the
child by taking the time to ask the child if there is something wrong, or is they can help in some
way; remembering to take a calm, accepting approach when talking with the child. Many
children will not tell until they are asked. And, even if they choose not to tell when they are first
asked, they will know that there is someone that cares and that they can talk to when they are
ready.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE THAT MIGHT BE OBSERVED

SEXUALLY ACTING OUT BEHAVIOR (ESPECIALLY IF IT IS BEYOND THE

NORMAL REALM OF EXPLORATION; SUCH AS: ACTING OUT SPECIFIC ADULT
SEXUAL ACTS)

WITHDRAWAL/ISOLATION (FROM FRIENDS, FAMILY, ACTIVITIES, ETCTHAT

THE CHILD USED TO TAKE PART IN AND ENJOY)

CHANGE IN APPEARANCE (EX: TOO MUCH MAKEUP WHEN CHILD USED TO

NOT WEAR ANY; NOT ANY MAKEUP WHEN CHILD USED TO WEAR MAKEUP; BIG
BAGGY CLOTHES; REVEALING CLOTHES)

CHANGE IN EATING HABITS (EXCESSIVE WEIGHT GAIN OR LOSS)

DISTURBANCE IN SLEEPING PATTERNS (SLEEPING DURING CLASS;

IRRITABILITY BECAUSE OF LACK OF SLEEP)

PROMISCUITY

FALLING GRADES (ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A STUDENT THAT EXCELS AND

NOW THEY ARE FAILING OR FALLING BEHIND)

SELF ABUSE (EX: CUTTING THEMSELVES; PULLING HAIR OUT WHICH IS

CALLED TRICHOTILLOMANNIA)

RUNNING AWAY (ESPECIALLY IF THE ACUSED IS LIVING IN THE SAME HOME

WITH THEM)

TALKS ABOUT SUICIDE

EXPRESSES FEELINGS OF HELPLESSNESS AND/OR HOPELESSNESS

EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF UPSET STOMACHS, NAUSEA, ETC

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BEND DOWN TO THE CHILDS LEVEL

MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT. (SOME CULTURES WILL
NOT MAINTAIN EYE CONTACT. IN THEIR CULTURE, IT
IS A SIGN OF DISRESPECT.)
SMILE FREQUENTLY.
SPEAK CLEARLY, USING A SOFT VOICE.
USE WORDS THE CHILD UNDERSTANDS AND BRIEF
SENTENCES.
PHRASE MESSAGES SO THAT THEY REFLECT A
FRIENDLY, POSITIVE, AND UNBIASED ATTITUDE.
ACCEPT THE LANGUAGE A CHILD USES.
PRAISE THE CHILD

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My 8 Rules for
* Safety. *
1.

Before I go anywhere, I always check first with my

parents or the person in charge. I tell them where I am
going, how I will get there, who will be going with me,
and when Ill be back.

2.

I check first for permission from my parents before

getting into a car or leaving with anyone - even
someone I know. I check first before changing plans or
accepting money, gifts, or drugs without my parents
knowledge.

3.

It is safer for me to be with other people when going

places or playing outside. I always use the buddy
system.

4.

I say NO if someone tries to touch me in ways that make

me feel frightened, uncomfortable, or confused. Then I
go and tell a grown-up I trust what happened.

5.

I know it is not my fault if someone touches me in a way

that is not O.K. I dont have to keep secrets about those
touches.

6.

I trust my feelings and talk to grown-ups about problems

that are too big for me to handle on my own. A lot of
people care about me and will listen and believe me. I
am not alone.

7.

It is never too late to ask for help. I can keep asking until
I get the help I need.

8.

I am a special person, and I deserve to feel safe. My

rules are:

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