Amy Russell

Attorney, Nationally Certified Counselor, Expert Witness, Consultant, Trainer, Forensic Interviewer. Comments are my own.

[Amy Russell @AJRuss9921]

So excited to announce that my chapter, “The People in Your Neighborhood: Working with Sexual and Gender Minority Youth as Victims of Sexual Violence“ has been published online! It is part of “The Handbook of Interpersonal Violence.“
https://t.co/eIsikCXtvI
#LGBTQ #SexualAbuse

[Amy Russell @AJRuss9921]

It was an honor to present yesterday at the #ArmyCriminalInvestigationDivision Symposium, "Victim Focused: Coordinated Community Response to Violence, Abuse, and Trauma," cosponsored by @IVATCenters. I am humbled by these dedicated professionals who seek to put #victims first.

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

Come to the #Vancouver #Peace&JusticeFair this Saturday, Sept 9th, 9 am - 4 pm at #EstherShortPark. Learn more about how #CJC gives a voice to suspected #childvictims & holds offenders accountable. Stop by our table for a safety activity for children & tips to #protectchildren.

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

If a child discloses to you #abuse of any kind, stay calm and #listen. Give emotional support, reminding the child that s/he isnot at fault. Do not promise the child that you will not tell anyone. #Report it as soon as you can. See @waDCYF
#IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

In Washington State, if an adult discloses abuse or neglect that occurred during her/his childhood, the mandate to #report still applies if you have reason to believe other children are or may be at risk of #abuse or #neglect by the suspected abuser. More @waDCYF

#IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

Did you know? Any person who, in good faith, makes a #report or gives testimony in regard to possible #childabuse or #neglect is immune from civil or criminal liability. See more @waDCYF
#IAmPrevention #ProtectChildren
#ReportAbuse

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

Who can report #childabuse? Anyone who has reason to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect can, in good faith, report. If you are a #mandatedreporter, you MUST report your concerns to the police or a child abuse agency where the suspected abuse occurred. See @waDCYF

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

Youth programs should employ the buddy system at all times. Encourage self-selection with no more than 2 years age or maturity differences between the youth. #ProtectChildren #KeepKidsSafe #IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

#Hazing, #bullying & #sexualharassment of youth by peers in #sports & other clubs and groups is NOT team-building. Group leaders should explicitly ban these behaviors and hold offenders accountable. More @StopHazing #ProtectChildren #KeepKidsSafe #IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

Know some of the indicators of possible #abuse / #maltreatment in #sports. They include: child missing practices, frequent illness, signs of self-treated injuries, loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from others & performance notably below child’s abilities.
#IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

Question educational, group or sports leaders who demand time alone with your child. All 1:1 time should be in rooms where parents, caregivers or other staff can observe interactions through a window or from across the room. #IAmPrevention #ProtectChildren

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

Demand #prevention education for caregivers and youth from #schools, #sport programs and #youth groups to promote the safe physical, emotional, educational and #spiritual development of youth. #ProtectChildren #KeepKidsSafe #IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

Abuse occurs in all #sports. Approximately half of student athletes have experienced anything from "mild" #harassment to severe #abuse. Abuse is preventable when we educate #coaches & #volunteers, parents & youth. #ProtectChildren #IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

#Criminal #backgroundchecks are not the cure-all to screen adults who will be working w/ youth. Most #offenders of #childabuse, #exploitation & #maltreatment have never been arrested. Programs should also check #childabuse registries & interview candidates using #abuse scenarios.

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

Require 2-deep leadership in #youth programs whenever feasible to eliminate opportunities for #abuse. Prohibit 1:1 contact between leaders & youth – including digital communications like email, text message & IM. Parents or all group members should be copied. #ProtectChildren

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

If your children are in #extracurricular, #sports or other summer programs, ask about the programs’ policies if a child needs personal care such as showering and toileting. If they don’t have policies in place, offer to assist in developing them.
#ProtectChildren #IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

If you work in a #youth-serving organization, you are most likely a #mandatedreporter. If you have not had training, ask to receive #training and education on recognizing #bullying, #assault, #sexualabuse and other forms of #childmaltreatment. #ProtectChildren #IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

When people think #maltreatment doesn’t happen in their #school, #church, team, #neighborhood or group, their denial helps protect #predators. Know the signs of #abuse and #victim manipulation. For more information, visit https://t.co/qHoKGyHxjm
#ProtectChildren #IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

#ChildAbuse #offenders are attracted to institutions in which they have immediate access to potential #victims in an atmosphere of complete trust, such as #sports clubs or #church groups. Appropriate #screening & supervision of paid & #volunteer staff are critical. #KeepKidsSafe

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

#ChildAbusePreventionMonth is over, but we cannot forget. #Childabuse #prevention requires daily action to raise awareness & create change. What will you do to #protectchildren today?
#KeepKidsSafe #IAmPrevention

[Child Justice Center @ChildJusticeCtr]

#Summer is coming! When signing your children up for extracurricular or summer programs, ask about child protection policies, and what steps they take to protect your children from #abuse, #bullying and #hazing.
#ProtectChildren #KeepKidsSafe #IAmPrevention