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The Frontline of Recognizing Abuse: Teachers

October 19th, 2021

The role of teachers in the lives of our children cannot be understated. We entrust teachers with the wellbeing of our children’s growth and development, and their understanding of social norms and how the world works around us. There are many roles that teachers fill which go beyond their regular scope of work. One of the most important and often overlooked roles of teachers is that of a mandated reporter.

In Massachusetts, when mandated reporters, while working in their professional capacity, have a reasonable belief to suspect abuse or neglect to a child under the age of 18, they must immediately make an oral report to the state’s child protection agency, the Department of Children and Families (DCF), followed by a written report within 48 hours of making the oral report (this is called a 51A report.). DCF then screens the cases and determines if an investigation is warranted. Even if a case isn’t found to be in the scope of work for DCF, it is then forwarded on to the District Attorney’s Office, where it is again screened, and if it is determined that a crime has been committed, an investigation is opened by law enforcement. Most of our referrals come from DCF or law enforcement, and many of those come from a mandated report.

In the early surge of COVID-19 we saw a massive drop off in referrals to Children’s Cove for investigative forensic interviews. It impacted our numbers for the entire year in a way we have never seen. Looking at the DCF Annual Report for 2020, the data shows the decrease was not specific to us. Between March and May of 2020, DCF had a reduction of reports by more than 47%. DCF also retained a lower case count than the previous two years, lowering the numbers by 12%. Additionally, per the report, with mandated reporters such as schoolteachers making up nearly 80% of all reports, “the data shows that the closure of schools accounted for much of the decline. Once school ended, the number of 51As were comparable to what the Department historically receives during the summer and school vacations.”

Following the summer of 2020, and the opening of schools in a hybrid fashion, DCF has seen the number of reports go back up. Children’s Cove has also had an increase in our referrals and a significantly higher number of cases than last year. Our referrals have increased by 44% and there has been a 54% increase in forensic interviews. Additionally, we have had a surge of referrals for cases involving commercial sexual exploitation of children by more than 86% over the previous fiscal year.

Teachers are the mandated reporters who children spend most of their time with. Teachers fill a critical role in the early recognition and reporting of suspected abuse. They are trusted confidants who children turn to for help, whether something is something is happening at home or elsewhere. With more than 60% of alleged offenders in cases last year being parents or caretakers, we know that a teacher or school staff member is often the trusted adult children will go to first.

Children’s Cove provides education, training, and professional development for any child-facing organization across the Cape and Islands at no-cost. Training for the recognition of signs and symptoms of abuse is something rarely provided for the staff at many of these organizations. With our evidence-based curriculum utilized statewide in collaboration with the Massachusetts Children’s Alliance, we can work together to stem the tide of child sexual abuse by equipping teachers with the tools they need to effectively recognize and respond to those signs of abuse and minimize the trauma to children which follows a disclosure.

Teachers are on the frontline of recognizing abuse, and Children’s Cove is here to provide support to one of their most critical roles.

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Safety, Security, Privacy, and the Victimization of Children Lost in it All

September 1, 2021

In 2018 The New York Times reported that more than 45 million images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), federally known as child pornography, existed on the internet. This number has been growing exponentially since the beginning and subsequent boom of the internet age. With nearly 48% of the global population now having smart phones, and even more with the access and ability to carry a device in their pockets, perpetrators of sexual abuse of children are more easily able to photograph or film their assaults. Furthermore, children who are being manipulated or threatened are more often able to generate their own sexual exploitation and abuse images. As access to these devices and the internet increases, the sexual abuse and exploitation of children being published online continues to grow.

Warnings and reports from the FBI and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) assert that the impacts of COVID-19 and the increased push of children into online spaces has increased the risk of online sexual exploitation of children. At Children’s Cove we saw firsthand an increase in these online cases, as did the other regional Child Advocacy Center’s in Massachusetts. And indeed, amongst our community of professionals we saw not only that children are increasing their time online, but perpetrators of abuse and exploitation are also online more.

The New York Times article also stated that in 2008 the issue of CSAM was already an epidemic (a term which holds a more household understanding now) and in 2018 it was a crisis at the breaking point. So where are we in 2021? Much like the discussion related to the climate crisis, the opioid epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic: we are at a point where urgent and decisive actions need to take place. One such action was recently taken in a controversial move by technology giant Apple.

Apple recently announced it will be completing an update to its iOS operating system which will contain a tool capable of scanning and identifying child sexual abuse materials on its platforms. Working in partnership with NCMEC, which functions as the national partner to investigators working on cases involving internet crimes against children, Apple will have an automated system scan individual devices to recognize what are known as hashes of images on their phone. Each image and video created and circulating on the internet is assigned a “hash.” When CSAM images/videos are identified, their hash is stored in the NCMEC database and flagged. The Apple system will work in tandem with the NCMEC system to trigger an alert for review if it detects 30 or more known hashes on an Apple device.

Seems straightforward, so where’s the controversy?

The controversy, as raised by privacy advocates and former NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, is this: “Where is the limit of what is monitored on individuals’ devices?” The action taken by Apple is effectively installing a system to monitor what you do on a private device. And while the scope of the monitoring is for random numbers and letters, the concern isn’t the process as designed and intended, but what could be done with the same implementation process. Even as Apple has steadfastly stated it will not allow this process to be abused, the discussion of privacy in our society with the increased push of technology to monitor our devices, is very worthwhile. But what are the costs we are willing to pay?

On one hand, we are talking about individual property, liberty and privacy. It is, in a certain manner of thought, a violation of constitutional privacy without due process; a potential violation of the 4th Amendment of the Constitution, even if it is simply looking for a series of hashes. And while the allowances of digital surveillance under the Patriot Act cleared the path for this type of autonomous screening, the challenges to these types of programs have matched the pace at which this technology grows and expands.

On the other hand, as described by the mother of one victim of CSAM, “Imagine the very worst thing that has ever happened to you was recorded and then shared repeatedly for other peoples’ pleasure.” And, that this repetitious sharing continues in perpetuity- the act is relived and reshared for days, months, years and decades by those who consume the content of exploitation; the survivor continues to be revictimized. There are more than 45 million of these images and videos in existence, and the agencies that hold the perpetrators of these crimes and those who share them responsible, are outmatched and underfunded.

We are far into an epic journey wrought with the challenges of the digital age, and rapidly expanding our use of technologies with inherent dangers akin to the wild west. What actions are we willing to take? What sacrifices should be considered to protect children from exploitation and victimization?

Consider this: we are aware that private companies follow our movements online and advertise to us based on that history. We know social media companies suggest new connections based on our current connections and interests. We know that cars, phones, and GPS systems monitor our travel and upload traffic data in real-time. We know all this information is stored, sold, shared, and used for private businesses already. And, for the most part, everyone accepts this as a part of the agreement to use these devices. Why then, shouldn’t the work to protect and prevent the exploitation of children be part of the agreement too?

UPDATE:

Shortly after the writing of this piece, on September 3rd Apple made the decision to delay the rollout of its iOS update after the backlash from privacy and cybersecurity advocates claiming there were inherent safety risks. While Apple indicated the primary reason for the backlash is the handling of information and how the process works rather than the functionality, it still made the decision to delay. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offered a statement in reply, “Apple’s decision to delay their proactive measures to detect, report and remove child sexual exploitation material is disheartening. At the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, we will continue to be a voice for children and support decisions that prioritize child safety. We hope that Apple’s conviction to implement meaningful child protection features does not waver in the months to come.

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Saying “No” is About More Than One Idea of Consent

August 19, 2021

There is seemingly no end to the debate about personal choices in our nation: for or against vaccinations, standing or kneeling for the pledge, abortion, naturalization vs. pathways to citizenship, changes to the second amendment, etc. All of these carry an inherent personal choice for or against something, but they may also lead to a secondary impact or carry a greater meaning. Whether that meaning is symbolic, or manifests change is up for debate until the test of time decides an outcome.

As the Tokyo Olympics came to an end and the United States emerged victorious it was not the medal count that struck as the monument of importance. It was the courage on display from Simone Biles in her ability to say “no” which resonated so much. Regardless of her athletic ability and whether or not she felt she had anything to prove, the lesson to take away from Ms. Biles is that bravery and self-worth isn’t pushing through challenges despite how you feel but acknowledging that sometimes a task may be too great and it’s ok to take a step back.

Recently, several articles have been published about the use of “sick time” in the United States and how prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Americans would regularly go to work sick. Nearly 25 percent of respondents in a poll stated they would go to work if they felt sick. As our country does not have a requirement for paid sick time there are many who work while sick because not doing so may mean a day of lost wages. There is a perception that if you take a sick day, that you are weak, expendable, or that you just don’t care about your job. There is a very large value system based on “work” or the responsibility you bear in your profession in our nation. The shame, guilt, and anxiety of being out sick often forces many to go into work when they feel awful, which can also impact those around them. With 1 in 5 Americans impacted in some way by a diagnosis of mental illness (depression, anxiety, PTSD, Post-Partum, etc.) how many people are forcing themselves to perform when the struggle was simply getting out of bed?

However, with the impacts of COVID-19, there has been a renewed discussion about sick time, and a much larger (though not universal) expectation that if someone is sick, feeling sick, or having any symptom of illness they should not go to work or school. This has led to impacts in the workforce, education, and numerous other sectors in our nation, but those impacts are not as devastating as believed. The discussions about being proactive in support of sick colleagues and coverage for work have accelerated and, in many cases, have positive outcomes and solutions. Are we getting closer to the discussion of the need for time off for mental health wellness as well?

Ms. Biles is a role model for us all showing immense bravery in openly discussing her struggles and her fear of not being able to perform at the level she expects of herself – which is no doubt higher than the expectations from us as spectators of the sport. Ms. Biles made a greater statement to us that sometimes, no matter how important the “job,” everyone has the choice to prioritize their own self-care and self-worth, and to say that even if others cannot see that something is wrong, there may actually be a burden being carried that is too heavy to lift at that moment.

For survivors of sexual abuse, whether it has been disclosed, undisclosed, prosecuted, dismissed, publicly known or private: the burdens deep inside can be a substantial weight to carry day to day. The adversity that Ms. Biles has endured and overcome so publicly cannot be understated. Her performance as an international athlete past and present cannot be minimized. Her true merit as a champion is her willingness to say, “I just felt it would be a little bit better to take a back seat, work on my mindfulness.” Ms. Biles’ leadership in promoting the choice to take care of herself on the world stage is as inspirational as her athletic performance.

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Technicalities, Suppression, and Brokered Deals Disrupt Justice

July 16, 2021

Due process under law is one of the great rights we are afforded as American citizens. The discussion of policing, prosecution, and penalties is at an all-time high, and the legal basis for criminal prosecution is garnering unprecedented attention. Yet, time and again in our nation, the prosecution of sexual crimes and crimes against children, as well as the rights of victims and survivors, has been overlooked and misunderstood.

The recent release of Bill Cosby from prison was a blow to sexual assault victim’s rights advocates and a gut shot to many survivors. The revelation that his due-process rights had been violated through a technicality does not exonerate Cosby of wrongdoing; it only suggests that the legal basis for his prosecution could be overturned. However, a man convicted by a jury of his peers walks free. This case has received a lot of public attention due to Cosby’s celebrity status, much like the Jeffrey Epstein case, arrest, and death in prison.

Despite the heinous circumstances and information revealed in Mr. Epstein’s last arrest, it is his indictment in 2007 and plea deal in 2008 that is so incredibly concerning. As reported by the Washington Post, “Federal prosecutors detailed their findings in an 82-page prosecution memo and a 53-page indictment, but Epstein was never indicted. In 2007, Acosta signed a non-prosecution deal in which he agreed not to pursue federal charges against Epstein or four women who the government said procured girls for him. In exchange, Epstein agreed to plead guilty to a solicitation charge in state court, accept a 13-month sentence, register as a sex offender and pay restitution to the victims identified in the federal investigation.”

In 2007 and 2008, there was more than enough evidence, witnesses, and testimony to charge and convict Mr. Epstein for numerous counts of sexual assault with minimal penalties of 10 years. However, he was able to work in prison six days a week, and travel to an office unsupervised for the entirety of his mere 13-month sentence. The identified victims who filed the complaints leading to Mr. Epstein’s indictment only found out about the deal when it was too late to contest it; they were never consulted by the prosecution. Once released, Mr. Epstein returned to the commercial sexual exploitation of children until his subsequent arrest and death.

Similarly, Larry Nassar, the now-disgraced former USA Gymnastic national team doctor, was arrested and sentenced to consecutive life sentences only recently, despite the numerous reported accusations, red flags, and victim and parent testimony to law enforcement and institutions for nearly 20 years. Additionally, in a now completed and released report, it was found that even when there was significant reports and evidenced submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) the lack of investigation and action allowed a situation where “Nassar  continued working with athletes for more than a year while the investigation languished. The report said that ‘according to civil court documents, 70 or more young athletes were allegedly sexually abused under the guise of medical treatment’ during that time. However, an attorney for survivors said Nassar molested at least 120 more women and children.”

The sheer magnitude of victims stunned the nation already on the leading edge of the #MeToo movement, but the damage from gross negligence of systems spanning states and time was already done.

While the cases of Bill Cosby, Jeffrey Epstein, and Larry Nassar are notorious and have come to the public light only after the last few years, they are endemic of a system that doubts survivors and favors ease of prosecution. These three cases are a drop in the proverbial bucket of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and commercial sexual abuse cases in our nation. Much like the conversation of racial bias in policing and prosecution, we still have a long, long way to go for the greater public and legal systems to understand the neurobiology of trauma in children and the credibility of survivors of sexual assault and abuse. With increased education and exposure, we can change public perception and the way cases are investigated and prosecuted, removing barriers and allowing for adequate legal representation for victims.

One of the regular questions we get from a community perspective when detailing the investigations we support is: “Do children have to testify in court?” and the answer to that is: yes. The follow-up question is usually, “Well, what if they are 5- or 6-years-old?” And the answer is still: yes. “What if the alleged abused is a family member, or a parent?” Yes.

It is often that because of all of these “yes” answers, when a family or child is asked if they want to continue with prosecution, the answer is “no.”

In a time when we are discussing the full extent of the law, legal process, due process, investigations, and prosecution as a country and a community we should also be asking: how are victims of crime being represented? Are they being represented enough? In the public eye, we are often seeing that the answer to that is “no.” What about outside of the public eye? How many more instances of abusers walking free on technicalities are there? How many more reports are going uninvestigated? How many more deals are being made without the voice of the survivor involved?

At Children’s Cove, we work collaboratively with multidisciplinary partners to ensure that children have a voice that is heard. We work to empower survivors and support them in finding the healthiest outcome in their lives. At times, this comes at the expense of seeing the individuals who abused or exploited them receiving a fitting consequence for their actions. Other times we do see it. For all these instances, it is a long and difficult process for survivors.

We can do better for justice.

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Are we back to “Normal?” We hope not.

June 10, 2021

In Massachusetts, the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency is over. For those who chose to get vaccinated, this means much of life can return to normal: dining out, shopping, visiting with friends and family, and giving hugs. As we move forward into this post-pandemic world, it’s not uncommon to hear, “I’m so glad things are getting back to normal.” However, it would be unwise to assume that everything is going to return to the way that it was. Technological innovation, for example, has permanently changed the way we work, go to school, socialize, and connect. And this integration of technology into our everyday lives will continue to expand—along with the associated risks.

This year, we have been diligent in addressing the increased risk of online sexual exploitation, as our children—and sexual predators–have spent more time online now than ever. The numbers of newly reported cases of child sexual abuse by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have only continued to climb since the onset of COVID-19. There has also been a surge in childhood exposure to internet pornography and unsolicited child sexual abuse material in their online interactions. These issues will pervade during what we had dubbed the “new normal,” and we urge you to keep the conversation open and ongoing.

One of the amazing things we at Children’s Cove experienced during the stay-at-home order was the sense of community online and a willingness to reach out for help. In response to this significant call for action, we launched our #IU2U, It’s Up To You, campaign, which included a commitment that parents and children discuss together to focus on the importance of their online safety, called The Pledge. We also started a new video series, kicked off by our Virtual Block Party event on April 27, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, which can be found on our YouTube channel. We have implemented these programs and resources because we know there is a demand for them. The risks for children online and in their digital lives are only going to increase. Just like body safety, discussing online safety is equally important for children now, and setting that tone for the future as well.

Please, take the time to have the conversation with your children about body safety AND online safety. Have these conversations early and often. We are excited that we can reconnect and reengage with our community, but there are some elements of returning to normal that we do not want back. We do not want to continue to be reactive to abuse after its happened. Instead, we hope to make the shift to being more proactive in the prevention of the child sexual abuse and advocating for our children’s health and safety, both in-person, and online.

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Summer Planning Safety and Prevention

May 17, 2021

It is May; birds are singing, the bees are emerging and buzzing, flowers are blooming, and spring is more than in the air. However, what is beginning to creep into the minds of parents is: summer break! Last year guidance from the state made many summer camps and programs either unable to open or offer day programming only. With many parents working from home, a lot of children did not go to programming over the summer. With the successful roll out of vaccines increasing, reopening plans emerging, and many aspects of life returning to “normal”, the opportunity for increased summer programming for children also seems to be a reality. Whether you are looking into programs and activities for your child, or if you are a friend or family member of someone who is, we ask you to invite a question in your search: “how seriously does this program take the safety and prevention of child sexual abuse?”

Yes, we know, this is probably not on your top 10 list. Price, hours of programming, overnight vs day, are there swimming or sailing lessons are typically more in the minds of parents and caregivers. However, how an organization responds to emergencies should be part of this decision making, and discussed by camps and programs. But rarely do organizations openly discuss their prevention strategies, protocols, and procedures regarding child sexual abuse. There are many reasons this happens; the belief that it doesn’t happen, the increased pressure for focuses elsewhere, the excessive requirements for compliance from oversight boards in other areas, and stigma. However, this should not detract from an organization’s responsibility for the protection of the children in their care.

As we discussed in March, we believe that every child serving organization has an inherent responsibility to address child sexual abuse. However, without the pressure beyond required minimums there is no other force to ensure organizations are following through on the prevention of child sexual abuse: except for the parents and caregivers who send their children to their programs. As with many other instances in our society, the power of the consumer of services and products share a collective voice. If there is a large enough voice addressing the need for safety, prevention and dialogue about child sexual abuse, we will make a community that is safer for children and deny the ease of opportunity for predators to work in child serving organizations.

When looking into summer programs and camps this year, here are some questions you could add as a part of your process:

• “What type of training does your staff receive to recognize and respond to possible sexual abuse?”
• “What are your reporting guidelines for alleged sexual abuse involving a staff member?”
• “Do you allow staff members to be alone with children?”
• “Do you have a copy of the staff handbook I can review for your procedures and guidelines?”
• “What background checks do you have in place for your staff during hiring?”
• “How are children kept safe and given privacy during times they may be changing, showering or using the restroom?”

These questions are no different than inquiring about protocols around sports, swimming, archery, working with animals, or science: they are about safety. Parents and caregivers cannot take the risk of not knowing what child serving organizations are doing to keep their children safe, as much as the organizations themselves cannot take the risks of making it easy for predators to enter their employment. Mutual accountability, transparency and discussion is how we reduce the stigma and increase the safety for children. These approaches are how we will create a community where children are free of abuse, have a voice that is heard, and where they enjoy healthy, safe, and empowered lives.

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