Victimization of children and youth

The video in this series (NCJ 223072) features the first-person account of Nia who shares her experience as victim of child sexual abuse and the ripple effect that victimization can have on family members and the community at large. A companion online only training curriculum is also available and includes a two part facilitator manual and a participant workbook.

Despite the violence and abuse that some youth may have already experienced in their short lives, children are resilient. Every person in a child's life can play a role in helping to protect them. This video invites viewers from all walks of life to consider what they can do to help a child in need. 

Many of the behaviors that lead to children's and adolescents' involvement in the juvenile justice system can be traced to childhood maltreatment. For these young people, successful intervention requires acknowledging and understanding their traumatic histories. This video features three alternative approaches to addressing trauma in young offenders' lives while still holding them accountable for their actions. 

Exposure to violence can impede a child's ability to learn and thrive in school. Teachers, coaches, and other school staff and volunteers can play a critical role in recognizing and reporting signs of violence and trauma in a child's life. This video identifies some types of violence that children may experience at school or on their way to or from school, and highlights preventative measures that some schools are taking to protect their students. 

The physical, psychological, and emotional consequences for children exposed to violence in their homes can be especially severe. Early intervention is critical to help these children heal. This video features three programs that are working to provide a coordinated, comprehensive response to these victims and their families. 

This video discusses the important role that community- and faith-based programs, services, and agencies play in protecting and responding to children. It features three programs that exemplify a successful community-based approach to children affected by violence and trauma. However, because every community is different, it is important that service providers and allied professionals tailor their responses to most effectively meet their community's particular needs. 

This video discusses the Child Advocacy Center Model, which brings together representatives from many disciplines, including law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy, and child advocacy, to provide comprehensive services to child victims of abuse, neglect, and trauma. Child Advocacy Center multidisciplinary teams also work collaboratively to make decisions about the investigation, treatment, management, and prosecution of child abuse cases; and to support children and their families through the criminal justice process. 

This video discusses the serious consequences of children's exposure to violence and trauma, such as substance abuse and mental health and behavioral problems, and the increased severity of symptoms experienced by children who have suffered multiple forms of victimization. It also features some of the evidence-based treatment strategies for children and their families that researchers and experts consider effective.

This public service announcement, developed as part of the 2013 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Resource Guide, urges you to contact the 24-hour Childhelp hotline if you know or suspect that a child is being sexually abused. Visit the NCVRW site for more information.