Glossary

Attachment & Trauma Network

EMPOWERING TRAUMA-INFORMED FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITIES

The following tabs contain key terminology and definitions that pertain to child sexual abuse prevention. Click on each letter below to review related terms.

A

Abuser
Someone who has committed a crime against a child. not everyone who sexually abuses children is a pedophile. child sexual abuse is perpetrated by a wide range of individuals with diverse motivations. many abusers are youth themselves, or situational offenders also commonly known as: perpetrator, offender, those who offend
Active Bystander or Upstander
A person typically not involved in a situation but they may sense that something is unsafe or witness a boundary violation against a child and they act upon their suspicions to protect the child

C

Child Advocacy Center
A child-friendly environment where professionals from different disciplines work together as a team to respond to reports of child sexual abuse
Child Protection Policy
A formal, mandatory statement of safeguarding principles that should be followed by its intended audience. the policy should prioritize and integrate the safety of children into the overall purpose of the organization. the policy that aligns with the strategic objectives is strong

P

Person-First Language
When the person is mentioned before the behavior, illness, or experience that, in part, characteristics that person
Physical Injury
Death, or fracture of a bone, subdural hematoma, burns, impairment of any organ, and any other such nontrivial injury; or soft tissue swelling or skin bruising, depending on such factors as the child’s age, circumstances under which the injury occurred, and the number and location of bruises; or addiction to a drug or drugs at birth; or failure to thrive

V

Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma occurs when you are continually and indirectly exposed to someone else’s trauma. It typically is associated with those who work in the helping professions (social workers, educators, therapists, first responders, child advocates, etc.). If gone uncared for, it can greatly affect your mental health and wellbeing