A change...to build a healthier tomorrow's Interests
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http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/cierras-law
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petition overview | letter
Cierra's LawTarget:TN Senate and then the PresidentSponsored by: Candace___________________________ As of now, when a parent is convicted for abusing their own children, they will receive an array of services to "help" them. They will re receive a bed to sleep, clothing, shelter from the cold,three meals a day, education, legal services, health care, dental care, a right to work, therapy, and any other services deemed as necessary. The program is set up to see that the offender receives everything needed. The government even makes sure the offender is where he/she needs to be to get the services.
Victims and non-offending parents or caregivers are left to live and attempt to maintain in schools, work, and in the community with a mountain of emotional disturbances left from the abuse and trauma. As you may well know children suffering from emotional disturbances will have severe behavior problems that teachers, schools, and after school programs can not handle. This situation leaves the care-giver with major work-family conflict while facing the trials of emotionally unstable children.
There is no financial support for these families. All children need and deserve financial support. Children and families in this situation need it in a harsh way. They are being left out. This must change! The offender is cared for for and the victims are left to pay a greater price. What are we saying with this resultant effect?
Offenders that rob banks and stores must pay restitution in attempt to restore the damage done. A parent turns their own child into a victim and pays nothing? Are we saying financial damage is the only thing deserving of restitution? Are we saying banks and stores hold more value than children and families?
Cierra's Law will ensure that when a parent is convicted and sentenced to prison, restitution will be set. The amount will be based on the cost to raise a child, the age of the child or children abused, and extent of trauma inflicted upon the child.
Our future needs us now! These children will become active part of our society. They need support to heal, grow, and learn to live free from the bondage of abuse of their parent/parents. With financial support and wrap around services for the victim and family (as the offender is receiving) these children can break cycles, live free from alcohol and drug addictions, maintain jobs and healthy homes. If we, the citizens of America do some sewing, we will reap the benefits!
Please stand with me to make this change. Thank you!
Music
~~WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE~~
Child abuse is the physical, psychological or sexual maltreatment of children. While most child abuse happens in the child's home, a significant portion also occurs in organizations involving children, such as churches, schools, child care businesses, and residential schools. There are four major categories of child abuse: neglect, physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse and sexual abuse. There are different subcategories within each type of abuse. It's easy to identify some forms of child abuse, but difficult for other forms. The fact that a child experienced harm doesn't necessarily reveal abuse. Child abuse is an action or inaction that harms a child. The person responsible should have known their action or inaction was likely to cause harm. Well, that's a very legalistic point of view. Let me give you another one.
Child abuse, from the standpoint of the victim, is anything that harms you!!
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~~SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE~~
* Unexplained bruises
* Self-destructive behaviors
* Welts, human bite marks, bald spots
* Unexplained burns, especially cigarette burns
* Unexplained fractures, injuries or abrasions
* Nervous, hyperactive, aggressive, disruptive and destructive behaviors
* Unusually wary of physical contact
* Unduly frightened of parent or caretaker
* Expresses little or no emotion when hurt
* Unduly shy, withdrawn and passive
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~~Signs of physical abuse #1: Bruising~~
Bruising is the most common of abuse injuries. There are four factors to take into account when determining whether or not the bruising is suspicious: location, size, colour and frequency.
Location
Normal bruising can be found on the knees, shins, elbows, and the forehead. Toddlers are especially vulnerable to forehead bruising, as they frequently bump into furniture, counters, anything that is at their head level. But the size of the bruise(s), the colour, and the frequency in which bruising occurs can turn even normal bruising into suspicious bruising.
Suspicious bruising can be found on the face, head, chest, back, arms, genitalia, thighs, back of the legs, and buttocks.
Size
The size of the bruise(s) can tell us what object or body part the child was struck and/or harmed with. See under Beatings and Choking for more details on size of bruising.
Color
The color of the bruise(s) can tell us how fresh the bruise is and the force with which the child was struck. With Caucasian people, a bruise takes on a red, purple, black or blue appearance when it first appears, depending on the force of the blow. As the bruise heals it will turn green, then become a jaundice yellow before fading away completely. Though it seems obvious, I'll say it anyway: these changes in color will be difficult to see in dark-skinned children. Just remember that bruising is only one sign; keep reading for other signs.
Frequency
The more frequent the bruising incidents occur, the more likelihood of physical child abuse. The child may have a legitimate reason for the bruising, but if there are too many incidences, then the red flags of suspicion should go up.
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~~Signs of physical abuse #2: Beatings~~
The pattern of bruising and/or abrasions will resemble the shape of the object or body part used. The most common are belts, sticks, bats, bottles, and fists), but children are frequently attacked with firearms and knives.
If a belt is used, there will be red welts that are the width of the belt. There may also be bruising, and/or bleeding. The length of the welt depends on how much of the belt came in contact with the skin. Typically, caregivers who use a belt will strike the buttocks, the back, and the backs of the legs.
If a child is beaten with a fist, the shape of the bruise(s) can be that of a whole fist, or the bruising can show up as a cluster of lines (the imprint of the fingers of the fist). If the knuckles were used, bruising will be a line of roundish discolorations that are somewhere between the size of a dime and a quarter, depending on the size of the fist. Caregivers who use their fists generally give blows to the face, head, chest, stomach, and arms. Injuries are often to the face and head: black eyes, bloody and/or broken nose, fat and split lips, swelling of the eyes, cheeks or jaw, bruising and abrasions to the side of the head. Broken ribs and internal injuries can also result with severe blows to the chest and stomach.
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~~Signs of physical abuse #3: Burning~~
Burning is the third most frequent cause of death in children from 1 - 14 years of age, and the fourth most frequent in children under one year of age. 70 - 90% of childhood burns occur in the home during the winter months, early morning and late afternoons being the most vulnerable times.
There are several kinds of burns: chemical, cigarette, electrical, heat, and water burns. Each present their own unique signs of physical abuse.
With chemical burns on the skin's surface, depending on the chemical used, there can be a rash, blistering, and/or open sores that are pussing and/or bleeding. When caustic substances such as lye or acid are thrown, they are typically aimed at the child's face. If a child is forced to ingest chemicals, there will likely be nausea, vomiting, cramping, chest and abdominal pain, distention, and possibly unconsciousness.
Cigarette burns will be the size and shape of the cigarette tip. Typically, caregivers who burn children/youth with cigarettes do so on the backs of the arms, the buttocks, and the backs of the legs.
Electrical burns appear as black marks at the site of the burn, and can extend beyond, depending on the electrical appliance used, and the volts of electricity the child is exposed to. Size and shape are also determined by these latter two factors.
Heat burns such as that from a flame and/or flammable liquid can encompass any part of the body. If clothing is ignited, the whole body can be burned. Victims of this type of burning are often older children.
It is important to note here that not all water burns constitute signs of physical abuse. Accidental water burns generally appear as a splatter of splash burns. With non-accidental water burns, excessive splash marks will appear above the site of the primary impact, on body parts where accidental burning is unlikely. A child who is held under flowing hot water or immersed in scalding water will learn that the pain is lessened if they keep perfectly still. What results is what the medical profession calls the red sock or red glove. There will be a clear margin of bright red skin starting where the water line was and continue to all parts of the body that were immersed. Typically, the buttocks, legs, feet, and hands. Eventually, there will be peeling of skin layers.
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~~Signs of physical abuse #4: Choking and Hanging~~
With these signs of physical abuse, a child who is choked will have bruising around the front and back of the neck that will resemble the fingers and thumb of the caregiver doing the choking. The bruising can also take the shape of a red band, depending on the pressure used, the length of time the pressure was exerted, and how much of the hand came in contact with the skin. If the caregiver is facing the child, the bruises at the front of the neck will be two thumb imprints, while the bruising at the back of the neck will be a tier of finger marks. This will be reversed (finger marks at the front, thumb marks at the back of the neck) if the caregiver is behind the child when doing the choking.
Bruising and possibly 'rope burns' around the neck will be evident when a child is hanged. The bruising will take on the imprint of the rope or material used to hang the child.
With these two signs of physical abuse, the child may be hoarse and/or have a cough, especially immediately and shortly after the choking or hanging incident. Damage to the larynx can occur in more severe cases. In extreme incidences', the neck may be broken.
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~~Signs of physical abuse #5: Smothering and Drowning~~
During smothering, a child's breathing may be compromised, but other than this immediate effect, there may not be any noticeable physical abuse evidence. There can be bruising around the face, especially the nose and eyes, and upper chest area, depending on the item used to do the smothering, and the force exerted to asphyxiate the child.
With drowning, there may be hand or finger bruising at the back or side of the neck, or at the shoulders where the child was held under water with force.
The child's breathing may be jeopardized on a more long-term basis when these two signs of physical abuse are done regularly. If the child's breathing is raspy or the child has difficulty catching his/her breath, this may be a sign of smothering or drowning.
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~~Signs of physical abuse #6: Poisoning~~
Poisoning may be difficult to detect because quantity is what determines the ill effects. Children can be poisoned with drugs, dish liquid, gas (i.e., combination of ammonia and bleach), and other noxious substances. A child who has been poisoned may suffer from nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, lethargy, sleepiness, light-headedness, dizziness, and, in more severe cases, unconsciousness. When noxious substances are force-fed to a child, depending on the substance, signs of physical abuse are: redness, chemical burns or bleeding in and around the mouth. If a child is forced to ingest dish liquid, the child will not be able to control his/her bowels, and a rash may be present around the mouth and lips.
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~~Signs of physical abuse #7: Hair-pulling~~
Thinning hair and bald patches on the scalp may be present with severe hair-pulling. The child may experience headaches, and may also exhibit neck pain if the hair-pulling incidents are accompanied with jerking or snapping of the child's head.
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~~Signs of physical abuse #8: Pushed from Heights~~
Bruising and broken bones are the most common abuse injuries when a child is pushed from heights. If a child is pushed down a flight of stairs, bruising may be present anywhere and everywhere on the child's body.
A change...to build a healthier tomorrow's Details
Status:
Married
Here for:
Networking
Orientation:
Straight
Body type:
Average
Religion:
Christian - other
Zodiac Sign:
Gemini
Smoke / Drink:
Yes / No
Children:
Proud parent
Education:
In college
Occupation:
Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor
A change...to build a healthier tomorrow God is all up in my kool-aid, and i thank him for knowing the many flavors! Posted at 5:05 PM Nov 12 from Mobile view more
About me: _
Thank God for Kids.....
I believe we all have our own separate little missions and obstacles in our time here; all are as important as the others just different. All obstacles are equally challenging, they just seem more difficult to the individual trying to get through them.
I do not believe in judging others. I believe in staying away from people that are no good in order to protect ourselves, but I do not believe in cutting people down at all. I believe in making positive changes by building upon strehgths, and with as many people here on earth there is no reason change can not be made. I believe abusers should be sent to an island separate from the rest of the world. I believe children that overcome great obstacles and heal from damage will build character traits that will make an amazing impact on our world...Love our babies to life America!
Please leave a comment...give ideas..constructive critizism...is it hard to read, easy to read, too much? Please let me know...Thanx a bunch for stopping by!
please follow this link to sign Cierra's Law
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/cierras-law
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Perhaps on of the most gut wrenching facts to face in America today is that we have children being abused by the hands that are meant to love and nurture them, their parents! Often times the offending parent will be incarcerated (which is how it should be). The result leaves these babies suffering the simultaneous effects of two consequences from their parent's behavior. These children are faced with trying to heal, the loss of one or both parents, and the loss of financial support. WE, the citizens of America, must push for this law that will ensure financial support for children and families in this situation.
All children need and deserve financial support. When these children and families need it most, they are not only being left behind---THEY ARE BEING LEFT OUT!!!
Who I'd like to meet:
The effects of child abuse from a parent bruises children to the core of their soul!Why is it our business to try and make a change? Let’s take a look at the long term effects of parental abuse. We are once again talking about our future. These little victims will become an active part of society.
This is our America! If you look at the numbers of prostitutes, alcoholics, drug addicts, murders, prisoners, rapists, robbers, abusive parents, and even women that stay in abusive relationships, you will see that most of them were victims of abuse and neglect as children. (Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services; ChildHelp 2006), finds that:
2/3rds of the people in treatment for drugs and alcohol were victims of child abuse.I work in this field as a counselor so I see it every day. This is true---not only a statistic but true.
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80% of young children that had been abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder (depression, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and even eating disorders) I know because I have worked as an Advocate in this field also---most of the children and families on my case load were victims of child abuse.
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Children who are abused are 59% more likely to be arrested as an adolescent or an adult. And yes, believe it or not, I worked in this field also. I worked in a detention center for women. 80% of those women were also victims of abuse.
Statistics say 36.7% of women in prison and 14.4% of men in prison were abused as children
The next time you see a prostitute, homeless person, drug addict, prisoner, or simply a woman that can't leave an abusive relationship, I beg you not to judge. You never know where they came from. I understand the thought behind "a bad child hood is no reason to live dysfunctionally." I also see the other side... These people may have never had the chance to learn how to love, trust, laugh at good things, and live. We all do what we know until we learn better! If they never learned, how will they know? 1/3 of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children....Continuing This Horrible Cycle Of Abuse
Parents are the number one teachers and life guides to their children.
All parents have a responsibility to teach their children about life, relationships, trust, stability, responsibility, morals, and even dependability.
If you take the effects of child abuse and put it together with the effects of parental incarceration, well, it is a recipe for disaster.
There is no way of finding out how many parents are incarcerated for abusing their own children...The number does not exist at this time. It happens alot more than the general publis knows.
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The group of children with one or both parents being incarcerated suffers immensely. These “hidden victims” have high levels of emotional disturbance and tend to find themselves in an array of negative circumstances (Seymour 1998).
Some findings in the few studies that have been done show that this group of children lack the ability to develop trust and attachment. They have trouble with achieving their identity. They may also lack initiative, productivity, and other developmental tasks (Seymour 1998). While I understand you may have read over that as quick check list; I ask you to read it one more time while paying close attention to what these words mean to you. Trust, relationships, identity, productivity, initiative... I don’t know about you, but to me, those words are the true meaning of life.
Another study, (Breen 1995) states, “Children of incarcerated parents have reported symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome analogues to children whose parents have died.” (Breen 1995) also finds that these children are confused. They may not know how to address their feelings of loss when their parent is alive and yet physically and emotionally absent. The list of emotional strain on these children goes on. To put it lightly, they truly are the “hidden victims!” Now, I remind you those are studies done on children with incarcerated parents. Put that with the studies done for abused children......
A change...to build a healthier tomorrow's Friend Space (Top 37)
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Thanksgiving Blessing: For my family, my health, a nice soft bed My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head. I'm thankful right now to be surrounded by those Whose lives touch me more than they'll ever possibly know. Have a blessed Thanksgiving. Thank you so much for your friendship. Peace,God bless ~Angelica~
we can't go back and change the beginning of our life and we shouldn't worry about the ending, rather we should be living our lives in the moment as we fill the pages in between that are waiting to be written on.
to really genuinely care about others and give back to them comes from within the heart; the true art of giving requires pure selflessness and humility; the work you do should speak for itself where others will see the results without you saying a word about it.
The other day when I was walking, I saw a beautiful butterfly flittering in the sky. I was struck by how beautiful yet graceful and fragile it appeared to be. Then the thought occurred to me that although we may see a butterfly as having fragile wings and being this delicate creature, the butterfly is also very very strong. For the butterfly had to have strength when it was a caterpillar to break through that cocoon and learn how to fly. Survivors are the same way. Yes, our hearts are fragile and delicate in some areas from the pain we went through. Yet at the same time, we have so much strength to us for breaking away from the life we once had and for shattering our silence as we create this new life for ourselves. We've moved on from that part of our lives and now we begin to embark on a new journey as we live a life free from abuse.
when we are caught in the middle of the storm, face to face with our toughest challenges, about to lose everything, that is when we find out how strong we really are.
from every negative thing that happens in our lives, something positive has an opportunity to come from it as long as we maintain a positive outlook on life and never give up but stand strong amidst the storms, fighting it out and believing in what can be in our lives
We are getting ready for something HUGE! So stay tuned.
The more people coming together and helping spread awareness is more powerful.
I started writing Just over FOUR Months ago and it is already a huge success! People from every were are sending there success story’s to me how I have inspired them in so many ways! It is so wonderful! I am moving forward in telling my story, spreading awareness.
Thank you for joining me!
You must be a wonderful person to care enough to take your time to spread awareness.
I look forward to knowing you.
I have triumphed over Domestic Violence.
My horrific story is in my blog.
Please read and feel free to post it on your website. To help spread awareness.
I am almost finished with my book of my life and how I overcame DV thru practicing what I know about the law of attraction. My passion is to teach others how they can do it as well.
I have written most of it in my blog on an almost daily basis for the past FOUR months!!! LOOK AT HOW FAST OUR SITE HAS GROWN! There is a pest that is trying to stop me, and he is a politician!!!! Check it out! I suggest starting on the oldest blog so it makes sense and you know who the people are.
To find the story of how I came to start writing, look for “THE BIG BANG, My husband tried to kill us both then when he failed, he killed Himself” Or “My Story” It will blow you away! You will find that on my main page.
There is a lot more to the story than that. I was abused as a child then it followed me into my relationships as an adult. I HAVE TRIUMPHED OVER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.
Online Now!
