|
Definitions enable us to have a common understanding o word and key concepts; they help us to be on the same page with others when discussing or reading about a specific subject, and this is particularly important when discussing topics of child safety.
We can all do something to help make the world safer for children. An important first step is to learn about important concepts and tools that will better equip us to stand up for children as well as empower them to be speak up, say no when the don't feel comfortable and know how to ask for help when they need it. |
Some important concepts we should all know about:
- Child abuse:
Is any form of physical, emotional and/or sexual mistreatment that causes emotional damage to the child. The misuse of power and/or a breach of trust are part of all types of child abuse." - Red Cross Canada
- Negative Grooming:
Grooming usually starts with behaviours that don't look inappropriate and that even could be seen as the adult being very good with children. Abusers target children that are vulnerable and start filling their needs - affective, economic, role model, etc. At this point it is the underlying motivation of a behavior that is the issue, as opposed to the overt actions that most people see.
- Gaslighting:
Is a type of emotional abuse where the bully or abuser misleads and confuses the victim, creating a false narrative and making the victim question his/her own judgment. The victim of gaslighting starts to feel unsure about how things happened, to the point where they will believe whatever their abusers tell them, instead of the actual facts.
- Active Bystander:
Being an active bystander can literally save a child's life; a trained bystander can recognize an unsafe situation and is able to take the required action to safely intervene. Prevention is key when we talk about abuse. There are specific behaviors that we should all learn to recognize.
- Family Well-being:
Family well-being requires that each member reaches a balance between pursuing personal aspirations, such as careers and studies, and contributing to the well-being of other family members. Family well-being is more than the absence of discord; it is the presence of supportive, affectionate and gratifying relationships that serve to promote the personal develop.
- Safe Person:
A Safe Person is someone who:
- can get them help if they’re ever hurt or unsafe.
- doesn’t break the safety rules, or try to get the child to break them.
- never asks them to keep a secret.
- the child feels comfortable with and can easily talk to about things that may be difficult to talk about.
- the child can trust them to keep him/her safe.
- Child abuse:
Is any form of physical, emotional and/or sexual mistreatment that causes emotional damage to the child. The misuse of power and/or a breach of trust are part of all types of child abuse." - Red Cross Canada
- Negative Grooming:
Grooming usually starts with behaviours that don't look inappropriate and that even could be seen as the adult being very good with children. Abusers target children that are vulnerable and start filling their needs - affective, economic, role model, etc. At this point it is the underlying motivation of a behavior that is the issue, as opposed to the overt actions that most people see.
- Gaslighting:
Is a type of emotional abuse where the bully or abuser misleads and confuses the victim, creating a false narrative and making the victim question his/her own judgment. The victim of gaslighting starts to feel unsure about how things happened, to the point where they will believe whatever their abusers tell them, instead of the actual facts.
- Active Bystander:
Being an active bystander can literally save a child's life; a trained bystander can recognize an unsafe situation and is able to take the required action to safely intervene. Prevention is key when we talk about abuse. There are specific behaviors that we should all learn to recognize.
- Family Well-being:
Family well-being requires that each member reaches a balance between pursuing personal aspirations, such as careers and studies, and contributing to the well-being of other family members. Family well-being is more than the absence of discord; it is the presence of supportive, affectionate and gratifying relationships that serve to promote the personal develop.
- Safe Person:
A Safe Person is someone who:
- can get them help if they’re ever hurt or unsafe.
- doesn’t break the safety rules, or try to get the child to break them.
- never asks them to keep a secret.
- the child feels comfortable with and can easily talk to about things that may be difficult to talk about.
- the child can trust them to keep him/her safe.
For more definitions please click HERE