Women of Grace
If you think you may be a victim of domestic or sexual violence or someone you know, seek help soon and learn how to stop or prevent it from escalating further.
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention (TDVAP) Month
Teen Dating Violence can be defined as the physical, sexual, psychological/emotional violence, or stalking within a dating relationship. It can occur in person or electronically and may occur between a current or former dating partner. Bullying is one type of youth behavior that threatens young people’s well-being. Cyberbullying is bullying done digitally, and can result in physical injuries, social and emotional difficulties, academic problems, and even death.
Nearly half of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online, with physical appearance being seen as a relatively common reason why. The social media landscape has shifted and these aggressive behaviors have escalated with the increase use of technology. Teens use 10 specific online platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, WhatsApp, Reddit, and Tumblr. (Pew Research, 2022)
Schedule a free Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention presentation for teens, parents, and concerned adults in schools, teen service organizations, groups, and church ministries. Take action. Contact us through the website or call 314-652-2572.
Help is Only One Phone Call Away.
Women of Grace is on a mission to end all types of abuse by providing supportive and advocacy services. Our services include a 24 hour hotline, crisis intervention, case management, professional counseling, and more. Our trained staff and volunteers are committed to helping victims of abuse find freedom and healing.
| Number | Percent | |
| Neglect | 2,520 | 53.8% |
| Physical Abuse | 1,563 | 33.3% |
| Sexual Abuse | 1,526 | 32.6% |
| Emotional Abuse | 654 | 14.0% |
| Medical Neglect | 135 | 2.9% |
| Educational Neglect | 52 | 1.1% |
Percent is the percentage of 4,688 total substantiated children. Percent total is greater than 100 because a child may be substantiated for up to six categories of abuse/neglect.
Negelct
Number: 2,520 | Percent: 53.8%
Physical Abuse
Number: 1,563 | Percent: 33.3%
Sexual Abuse
Number: 1,526 | Percent: 32.6%
Emotional Abuse
Number: 654 | Percent: 14.0%
Medical Neglect
Number: 135 | Percent: 2.9%
Educational Neglect
Number: 52 | Percent: 1.1%
Percent is the percentage of 4,688 total substantiated children. Percent total is greater than 100 because a child may be substantiated for up to six categories of abuse/neglect.
What is Abuse?
“Abuse is defined as any action that intentionally harms or injures another person.”
There are different types of abuse including:
Physical
Sexual
Emotional
Verbal abuse
Neglect is a form of abuse. It is normally perpetrated by the person that is responsible for the care of another. The caregiver fails to provide needed food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision to the degree that the victim’s health, safety, and well-being are threatened with harm.
Abuse usually happens with someone the victim knows and is familiar with, i.e a family member.
Abuse is about control.
Abuse usually happens when someone is trying to control the victim.
Abuse happens when someone intentionally harms another person in the attempt to control or manipulate them. There are many different forms of abuse including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological. Abuse can also take the form of neglect. Neglect happens when someone who is responsible for another person is unable to or does not meet their needs.
Children and the elderly are often victims of neglect because they are dependent on others to provide for them.
Abuse often happens in close relationships. Many victims are abused by people they know, like a family member. Abuse in any form can be hard to identify. Victims often have a difficult time recognizing that they are being abused. This can be the result of a close relationship with the abuser. Abusers may manipulate the victim into believing the abuse is their fault. Victims may be scared to tell anyone about the abuse. So they will hide and pretend that nothing is wrong.
If you are a victim of abuse or neglect remember that what you are going through is not your fault and it is not ok.
You don’t have to put up with it. There is help available to you.
Domestic Abuse
What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse encompasses violence or abuse by one person against another in a domestic context or intimate-partner context. Includes, but is not limited to criminal or non-criminal acts constituting intimidation, control, emotional and psychological abuse. Domestic abuse can also include sexual abuse. Sexual abuse consists of non-consensual conduct of a sexual nature. It’s purposeful and done through threat,coercion, exploitation, deceit, and force.
About 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and reported some form of intimate-partner violence (IPV) related impact.
(CDC’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey – NISVS, 2020)
If you are being abused by a partner or family member, the first thing you need to know is that abuse is not your fault. You also need to know that there is help available.
Important Note: If you are in immediate danger from your partner you need to call 911.
Making the decision to leave an abusive relationship is not easy. It takes a lot of courage. You may often feel alone and confused. Getting help is crucial. You need to connect with an advocate who can help you navigate your next steps.
Women of Grace is here to help. If you need help getting out of an abusive situation, please call our Hotline (314) 652-2572. We will listen to your situation and connect you with the resources you need. You will get help in developing a safety plan and resources to help you move forward after you leave.
You don’t have to put up with abuse. You are not alone. Help is available.
Elder Abuse
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is an intentional or unintentional act that causes harm to an adult over the age of 60. Elder abuse usually happens at the hands of a family member or other person who has been entrusted with the care of an older adult. The abuse may be intentional. This may include physical assault, emotional manipulation or abuse, name calling, sexual assault, or misappropriation of property. Elder abuse may also take the form of unintentional neglect. This happens when someone charged with the care of an older adult is unable to provide their basic needs.
%
More than 10% of adults 65+ will experience abuse or neglect in a year
What Are the Signs of Elder Abuse?
If you suspect an older adult is the victim of abuse or neglect it is important to pay attention to the following warning signs.
- Many bruises or broken bones.
- They become distant or withdrawn without any explanation.
- There is a sudden change in their financial situation.
- You notice a strained relationship between them and their primary caregiver.
- You may notice signs of trauma. They may be anxious or easily agitated.
- Their living conditions are dirty and unsafe.
What Should I Do if I or Someone I Know is Being Abused?
If you think an older adult is being abused or neglected you need to get help right away. If they are in immediate danger please call 911. For non-emergency situations our elder abuse hotline is available: (314) 652-2572. We will answer any questions you may have about how to help an elder abuse victim.
Child Abuse
What is Child Abuse?
There are four commonly recognized types of child abuse.
Physical abuse is the use of intentional physical force, such as hitting, kicking, shaking, burning, or other show of force against a child.
■ Sexual abuse involves engaging a child in sexual acts. It includes fondling, rape, and exposing a child to other sexual activities.
■ Emotional abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well- being. Examples include name calling, shaming, rejection, withholding love, and threatening.
■ Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic needs. These needs include housing, food, clothing, education, and access to medical care.
■ Child Maltreatment is a term often used by scientists and prevention specialists to include all types of abuse and neglect of a child under age 18.
In 2018, nearly 1,770 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States. Children living in poverty experience more abuse and neglect. Rates of child abuse and neglect are 5 times higher for children in families with low socio-economic status compared to children in families with higher socio-economic status. At least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse and/or neglect in the past year, and this is likely an underestimate. (CDC 2018)
Child abuse and neglect are preventable. Everyone benefits when children have safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments.
In 2019, there were 64,920 maltreatment cases reported in Missouri.
(Department of Social Services)
What Are the Signs of Child Abuse or Neglect?
It may be hard to tell that a child is being abused or neglected at first. Children may not want to talk about it. They may feel scared or ashamed. They may be afraid of the consequences of telling someone about a parent or family member abusing or neglecting them. It is important to watch out for warning signs. Please note, however, that these are just warning signs. The presence of these things may or may not indicate abuse.
- You may notice regular bruises, scars, and broken bones. The child is in the hospital with broken bones with inconsistent or no explanation.
- You notice changes in their behavior. They may be more aggressive or depressed.
- Their academic performance may suddenly change.
- They may not want to go home after school.
- They are fearful or anxious.
- You may notice they have sexual knowledge that is inappropriate for their age.
- Poor hygiene and unexplained weight loss may be signs of neglect.
What Should I Do if I Suspect a Child is Being Abused?
If a child is in immediate danger, please call 911 right away.
If the child is not in immediate danger, but you suspect they are being abused or neglected there are several ways you can help. Teachers, school staff, childcare staff, and healthcare providers are all required to report child abuse if they suspect it. Anyone, however, is able to report child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you can contact local authorities or child protective services. You can learn more about how to respond to child abuse by contacting Women of Grace.
The toll free phone numbers for mandatory reporting and reporting an incident to the Missouri Children’s Division are…
Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
1-800-392-3738
For hearing and speech impaired, please contact Relay Missouri
1-800-735-2466/voice or 1-800-735-2966/text phone.
Women of Grace Hotline
314-652-2572
How Does Women of Grace Help?
The Women of Grace organization offers advocacy services to anyone victimized by physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse.
We provide services including:
24 Hour Hotline
Our 24 hour hotline is available for anyone who needs help. We are here to provide counseling and crisis intervention any time of the day.
Crisis Intervention
Crisis intervention allows us to help clarify issues and provide support for your self-defined crisis and needs.
Case Management
Your case manager is your advocate. They are here to provide the resources you need. Together you will come up with a safety plan and they will help you coordinate all services you need.
Counseling and Therapy
Moving on from an abusive relationship is hard. Our licensed professional counselors are here to help you heal.
Contact Women of Grace
If you need assistance or would like to learn more about Women of Grace please reach out.
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