The Hidden Hurt: Unreported child and youth abuse examined
studied personal accounts of abuse, neglect and violence that were revealed on anonymous evaluation forms collected through Canadian Red Cross RespectED classroom presentations. The research was funded by the Government of Canada's National Crime Prevention Strategy.“A large number of children and youth experience abuse and do not report it. This is the first time research has looked at why they tell or don’t tell,” explains Sheri McConnell, a researcher from Memorial University in Newfoundland who spent more than two years analyzing the data. “This research shows that if youth are given a language to talk about abuse and a safe, confidential environment, they will talk about it.”
To read the full report, click here: The Hidden Hurt research project: (PDF, 741kb)
The research showed that a number of barriers prevent kids from seeking help, including a lack of knowledge about what constitutes abuse and a fear that they will get swept up in a system that takes away their control. McConnell says youth are most likely to begin the process of telling if they can maintain some control over what happens.
RespectED presentations never solicit disclosures, but often youth take the opportunity to share their experiences on the evaluation form. Others disclose their abuse more formally, and seek intervention and help.
The types of abuse disclosed by the youth were split fairly evenly between sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect and emotional abuse. Additionally, the team of researchers from Memorial, Dalhousie and the University of Calgary, conducted focus groups and interviews with teenagers, teachers and RespectED presenters.
The words of one 15 year old victim of familial abuse illustrate that even anonymous disclosure has benefits: This is the first time that I’ve admitted it to anybody. You don’t have to do anything—it just feels good to tell somebody.
The Hidden Hurt raises questions about whether the current systems and mandatory reporting laws are sufficient, and how to build better safety nets for young people who want to access informal resources. McConnell believes the research highlights the need for changes. “We need to improve the system and remove the barriers so that young people are not compelled to keep this secret until they're lucky enough to be asked the right question, in the right setting where anonymity is guaranteed and they can trust the response.”
Research into The Hidden Hurt also provided an opportunity to determine best practices when presenting prevention. By analyzing the comments of youth and teachers who had attended RespectED youth maltreatment or dating violence prevention presentations, and through conversations with RespectED educators, Memorial University researcher Sheri McConnell uncovered common themes that shine light on what works best in prevention education.
To read the full report, click here: The Hidden Hurt research project: (PDF, 741kb)
