Interview+(Amber)

//Interview with Judge Elizabeth Wills// //Jordan Fields// //Amber Shouse//


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** In your own words define child abuse.


 * __Judge Wills:__** Dealing with Child abuse over the years I have developed the definition of child abuse as being any inappropriate or hurtful treatment of a child.


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** What is the difference between abuse and neglect?


 * __Judge Wills:__** I believe abuse is any overt act. Neglect is not


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** How big is the problem in Wise County specifically and southwest VA generally?


 * __Judge Wills:__** According to the latest statistics there is a 10% rate per 1,000 children abused. This statistic has doubled in the last year.


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** What procedure do you follow when you suspect a child might be abused or neglected?


 * __Judge Wills:__** Any person who suspects child abuse or neglect should immediately turn the person(s) into Social Services for investigation. In jobs such as mine, it is mandatory to do this.


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** Are there interventions that can be taken to improve a bad home situation?


 * __Judge Wills:__** First and foremost the problem should be identified, second the home should be turned into a good home, and third making sure these two expectations are met.


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** Is there a typical socioeconomics situation that is likely to produce an abuser?


 * __Judge Wills:__** Mainly child abusers come from a family in poverty. Not because they are just poor are they more vulnerable to be an abuser, but because of the fact they have a lot more emotions and a lot more anger than an average person would have. They tend to become more aggressive when addressed than someone of higher class.


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** Is there a typical personality type that is likely to lead to abuse?


 * __Judge Wills:__** I believe there is no personality type that leads to abuse.


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** Do you think that the tendency to abuse is learned inherent in ones nature?


 * __Judge Wills:__** I believe abuse is learned. I do not believe, however, it is inherent.


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** What factors contribute to abuse?


 * __Judge Wills:__** Some factors in child abuse would be Ignorance, poor training, and lack of nurturing education.


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** Is there a way to break the cycle of child abuse?


 * __Judge Wills:__** I believe the only way to break the cycle would to have better training and better roll models.


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** What are some examples of the worst kinds of child abuse?


 * __Judge Wills:__** Some examples that would lead me to suspect the worst child abuse would be burns, bruising, and excessive beating.


 * __Jordan & Amber:__** Thank you for answering our questions on child abuse, we greatly appreciate this!


 * __Judge Wills:__** No problem, anytime I can help someone learn about one of the growing problems in Wise County, and the world!