Criminal Justice Capstone Project Partial Draft One

Criminal Justice Capstone Project Topic Proposal

Heather Hambleton

Criminal Justice Capstone

Unit 2

Capella University

January 21, 2017

Victims of Child Abuse: Healing and Justice

Children abuse is a diverse criminal offence that violates children rights. The neglecting of the children by their parents and guardians attribute to child abuse. Additionally, alcoholism and drug abuse by the parents make children very vulnerable to child abuse. Child abuse ranges from sexual abuse, physical and well as mental torture. Prevention of child abuse is a task that involves various stakeholders such as the parents, the community and the criminal justice practitioners. Different ethnic groups have different perceptions on child abuse; it is therefore necessary for the children rights practitioners to integrate research, experience and knowledge while making decisions concerning child abuse.

Consequences of child abuse range from emotional, behavioral to psychological and cognitive. These consequences can be both short-term and long-term according to the clinical research for the last thirty years. Physically are the long lasting effects especially when the injuries are very detrimental, they may lead to brain damage that later leads to death. Psychological effects have negative implications on the self-esteem as well as the confidence of the victim. The victims also reduce their social relations due to denial and shame. Behavioral consequences are indicated by poor relations among the peers of the child abuse victims. Finally, cognitive effects include poor performance in school due to lack of concentration while learning.

Justice for victims of child abuse is of very great significance. Solving the problem of child abuse can be done practically through economic empowerment of families thereby improving the financial security of these families. Additionally, policies that lead to a friendly environment at homes should also be adopted. Supportive and positive parenting that is integrated in education is very essential. The role of the legislature to reduce the level of corporal punishments among children will also solve the problem of child abuse. Intervention from all the stakeholders should be adopted to ensure that child abuse is prevented by all means. Justice should be enforced through punishing those who abuse children.

Recovery of the victims of child abuse starts with conflict resolution which is a process that involves various steps. The resolution is meant to equip the children with necessary skills that they use in their lifetime. The children that go through the resolution process include the pre-scholars and the school going children. The resolution techniques therefore include steps such as; looking for a room that is quit in which children can share their experiences away from the venue from which the situation occurred. The discussion in the quiet room should not be interrupted.

During the conflict resolution rules that acts as guiding principles should be set. Everybody should be given a chance to express themselves. When the problems are clearly outlined, each participant should be asked to recommend a solution. The criminal justice practitioner should help the group in making the right decision. The made solution should be put to effect while the practitioner monitors the progress of the solution.

The criminal justice practitioner should understand the cultural beliefs and ethnic values of the community that the child comes from. They should first investigate the matter before concluding or making any decision. The decision made should be in line with child rights as well as the cultural values that govern the child (Paxton, 2016). The leaders in child abuse prevention should be careful and attentive in order to make the most appropriate decision.

Professional communication skills such as listening to the children as they narrate their experiences should be put in action by the justice practitioners. Motivational interview should be used to question the victims. As the practitioner help the children in conflict resolution they should show compassion and attention as they make the most effective decision.

References

Ameyaw-Akumfi, N. (2013). What Social Factors May Increase Children Vulnerability To Abuse? Journal of Children Rights, 5-28.

Harris, J. (2015). Child Abuse and Neglect: Ethical Issues. Journal of Medical Ethics, 138-141.

Marylyn, T. (2009). Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect. Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect, 207.

Nguyen, A. (2015). Ways Child Care Providers Can Teach Young Children to Resolve Conflicts. Child Care Extension Journals, 8-19.

Paxton, K. (2016). What Can We Do About Child Abuse. The Attorney General of Texas, 52-54.

Underhill, M. (2015). The effects of Child Abuse and the Process of Recovery. HAVOCA, 5-13.