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Part I of a series examining the tragedy of child abuse By Hadley Koltun Mental Health and You is pro - vided as a service of the North of Superior Programs. In the last article, child abuse was defined and statistics showed how common it is. Indeed, it is a very old and common problem in society. This article will discuss the causes of child abuse and how one can recognize the signs of child abuse. Prevention of child abuse is a high priority in today's society; much help can be given to both parents and children alike. Many parents of abused chil- dren who were responsible for the abuse were abused children them- selves. They did not receive help. They believe this style of discipline is normal and that every parent dis- ciplines children in a similar fash- ion. Counselling can help them in two ways. Firstly, it can help them come to terms with their own painfully abusive past. Secondly, counselling can help them learn more constructive and less abusive ways of disciplining children. It cannot be over-emphasized that quite often drugs and alcohol may bring the "boiling point" of a parent down to the level where even the slightest misbehavior of a child is disciplined in an extreme and abusive manner. Drug and alcohol over-consumption often go hand-in-hand with child abuse. When a concerned person calls the police or the Children's Aid Society (CAS), the worker comes to the home to investigate the claim. If anyone suspects abuse, it is his/her responsibility to phone the authorities. However, it is not one's responsibility to come to the conclusion that it is abuse. This can only be determined by a physician or a CAS worker. If it is found that there was child abuse at home, the child is usually removed from the home and placed in a safe, caring and nurturant envi- ronment. The child may require some counselling from a mental health professional. Know the signs As mentioned earlier, you do not have to be an expert to suspect child abuse. Any concerned citizen can and should report suspicion of child abuse if it might be present. Your information is kept in the strictest confidence by the police and the CAS. In addition, you may save a life and get a family back on' track. Look for: 1) Injuries such as excessive bruising or cuts. Abused children will often come up with 'far- fetched' stories or explanations. Usually, the explanation sounds rehearsed. 2) There may be a delay in the normal process of physical, intel- lectual or emotional development of the child. This is usually the result of deprivation. 3) The behaviour of the child may seem too withdrawn, inappro- priately aggressive, manipulative or demanding of attention or even of food. 4) The child might appear undernourished or overtired. He/she is dressed in torn or filthy clothes. Although these signs could sug- gest other problems, the possibility of abuse should always be consid- ered. Remember, you do not have to prove abuse; all you have to do is to report what you see. Even if the parents are "nice people," abuse should be suspected in children who show these signs. Even if the idea is 'disgusting,' the Page 9, News, Wednesday, June 29, 1988 Abuse prevention is the key child and the parents need help. Child abuse is a serious problem and that is why much has been done to educate the public on child abuse. Help is there for the victims and their parents. Most important, please do not hesitate to report a suspected case of child abuse. You may call the Children's Aid Society If you would like to comment on this or other published Mental Health and You articles, please write to the News office, P.O. Box 579, Terrace Bay, Ontario, POT 2Wo. Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the manage- ment of the North of Superior Programs. at 1+887-3035, or either the Terrace Bay or Schreiber Police Force. murray dodick Optometrist 1119 Victoria Avenue Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 1B7 Telephone (807) 622-7726 » ee Looking for a product with a lifetime guarantee? It could be something needed for your barbecue, that certain _ gift, a safe toy, saver of salads, or a keeper of sweets. "Tupperware" is that product and now available through me. No need to go to a party. Just make a call and see Betty Tate 824-2723 Friends Friends make life more beautiful In many different ways With smiles of warm affection With words of loving praise With looks of trust and tenderness Moments of deep sharing And countless little gestures That remind you someone's caring With honesty and tactfulness In the things they say and do Yes, friends make life more beautiful Especially friends like you In Terrace Bay Thank you everyone for pleasant Good Bye parties Drop into 1177 Croft Road, North Vancouver when visiting B.C. Macy Clare Kennedy 4 A] Pa s cS \ ir NOTICE | TO THE RESIDENTS OF TERRACE BAY Please be advised that the Municipal Office will be closed on Friday July 1, 1988 in celebration of Canada Day | | Remember to join in the celebrations and lets all get involved. David C. Fulton Clerk-Treasurer Administrator The Township of Terrace Bay P.O. Box 40 Terrace Bay, Ontario POT 2WO UNITED wees NIUNITED 4 A) er" Lines ae ' a , Division of 3 Bc pay ----. City Moving = and Storage Call THUNDER BAY 1-800-465-3955 UNITED White Birch 8' Wood For Sale WILL DELIVER ! 886-2404 Call Doug for Information AVIS DE VAPORISATION AERIENNE Dans le cadre du programme actuel de régénération et de protection des foréts du ministere des Richesses naturelles, des peuplements sélectionnés dans le district de Terrace Bay seront vaporisés 'avec un herbicide pour contréler la végétation indésirable a la date suivante ou vers cette date: : le | aout 1988 Pour obtenir plus de renseignements sur ce programme ou pour étudi- er les détails du project et les cartes, communiquez avec: Monsieur Peter Martindale Ministére des Richesses naturelles C.P. 309 Manitouwadge (Ontario) POT 2CO Téléphone: (807) 826-3225 ; Dans le cadre du programme d'ententes de gestion forestiére, Great West Timber Ltée réalisera des herbicides visant 4 contréler la végéta- tion indésirable. Pour des renseignements détaillés sur les projects réalisés dans les différentes régions faisant l'objet d'une entente de gestion, commu- niquez avec: Monsieur Dick Fry ou Madame Sarah Bros Great West Timber Ltée C.P. 2891 Thunder Bay (Ontario) P7B 5G3 Téléphone : Thunder Bay (807) 345-0571 Manitouwadge (807) 826-3205 Ministere des Vincent G. Kerrio Ministre Richesses Ontario _ naturelles NOTICE OF AERIAL SPRAYING As part of the Ministry. of Natural Resources ongoing program to regenerate and protect our forests, selected forest stands in the Terrace Bay District will be sprayed with herbicide to control competing vegetation starting on or about: AUGUST 1, 1988 To obtain further information about the program or to arrange to review project details and maps, contact: Peter Martindale Ministry of Natural Resources P .O. Box 309 Manitouwadge, Ontario POT 2CO Telephone: (807) 826-3225 As part of the Forest Management Agreement Program, Great West Timber Ltd. will be undertaking forest improvement projects with the application of herbicide to control competing vegetation. For specific information on projects on various management agree- ment areas, the following company can be contacted: Dick Fry or Sarah Bros Great West Timber Limited P. O. Box 2891 Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5G3 Telephone: Thunder Bay (807) 345-0571 Manitouwadge (807) 826-3205 Ministry of Vincent G. Kerrio Minister Natural Resources. Ontario