MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS BRING HOPE TO SUVIVORS
DURING NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

SAN DIEGO April 2006 -Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) are able to detect abuse and can assist families with preventive measures to help reduce the number of child abuse cases.

An estimated 906,000 children in the United States were victims of abuse and neglect, according to the 2003 Child Maltreatment Data Report, conducted by the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. Data also indicated that 18.9% of the children were physically abused over the course of the year, while 9.9% were sexually abused. In addition, nearly 61% of the children suffered from neglect. Other children surveyed were emotionally and psychologically maltreated.

Physically abused children exhibit symptoms that include unexplained bruises and cuts, depression, and a fear of adults. Emotionally abused children often develop a lack of concentration, eating disorders, or other symptoms that require hospitalization. Sexually abused children generally have nightmares, wet the bed, and display uncharacteristic knowledge of sexual acts. Neglected children can appear extremely hungry, and may be absent from school and/or lack supervision.

Action steps to take if you suspect a child is being abused:

1. Report your suspicions to the authorities. In California, you can report child abuse by calling the California Department of Social Services at (916) 445-2771 or call your local child protective services agency.

2. California law allows minors to consent to their own mental health treatment or counseling on an outpatient basis. If a minor is 12 or older, he/she can seek medical treatment if he/she has been an alleged victim of child abuse or incest, or is in danger of serious mental or physical harm without such treatment.

3. Seek help from a mental health professional, such as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). Many MFTs are trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals who have been impacted by abuse. Insurance plans in California often cover mental health services.

Parents should ensure that their child feels safe enough to disclose abuse. When a child does so, parents should take such accusations seriously and seek treatment from a qualified therapist. You can also contact any of the following organizations to seek treatment and learn more about child abuse prevention.

California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
www.CounselingCalifornia.com
National Children's Advocacy Center
Phone: (256) 533-KIDS (5437)
http://www.nationalcac.org
Prevent Child Abuse of America
Phone: 312-663-3520
www.preventchildabuse.org

About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with 27 chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization, representing the interests of licensed marriage and family therapists. CAMFT provides CounselingCalifornia.com as a resource to the public looking for marriage and family therapists located in California. For more information about CAMFT, please
call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Amber Albrecht
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7015 or (949) 500-2535
E-mail: amber.albrecht@porternovelli.com