NCJ Number
56060
Date Published
1977
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THREE COMMON TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE--BATTERED CHILD, FATHER-DAUGHTER INCEST, AND WANTON NEGLECT--ARE DRAMATIZED IN THIS FILM FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL WITH EMPHASIS ON THE LEGAL ASPECTS.
Abstract
THE FIRST SECTION OF THE FILM POINTS OUT KEY INDICATORS IN BATTERED CHILD CASES, TELLS HOW TO DISTINGUISH INFLICTED INJURIES FROM ACCIDENTAL ONES, AND EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF REPORTS ON SUSPECTED CASES BY DOCTORS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL. THE DRAMATIZED CASE SHOWS THAT A SPOUSE CAN TESTIFY IN CHILD ABUSE CASES AND OUTLINES THE PROTECTION OF WARRANTLESS TEMPORARY CUSTODY. THE INCEST CASE ILLUSTRATES THE RIGHT IN CHILD ABUSE CASES TO WARRANTLESS SEARCH AND SEIZURE IN AN EMERGENCY AND EXPLAINS THE ADMISSIBILITY OF SUCH EVIDENCE AS HEARSAY STATEMENTS BY HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS, STATEMENTS BY THE VICTIM, AND PHOTOGRAPHS. THE FILM POINTS OUT THE HIGH INCIDENCE OF DRUG ABUSE, PROSTITUTION, AND SUICIDE AMONG INCEST VICTIMS, PLUS THE LATER PROBABILITY OF CHILD ABUSE BY THE VICTIM HERSELF. IN THE THIRD VIGNETTE, A WANDERING PRESCHOOLER IS FOUND LATE AT NIGHT AND TAKEN TO HIS HOME WHERE OFFICERS HEAR A CRYING INFANT; THIS THIS COMBINATION OF EVENTS JUSTIFIES WARRANTLESS ENTRY AND SEARCH OF AN UNOCCUPIED RESIDENCE. THE FILM DEFINES FELONY CHILD ENDAGERING, SHOWING THAT ACTUAL INJURY NEED NOT BE PROVEN. A TEACHING MANUAL ACCOMPANIES THE FILM. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--DAG)