Child abuse refers to any emotional, sexual, or physical mistreatment or neglect by an adult in a role of responsibility toward someone who is under 18 years of age. Show
It refers to any kind of action or failure to act that results in harm or possible harm for a child. The adult may be a parent or other family member or another caregiver, including sports coaches, teachers, and so on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify the types of child abuse as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect. Abuse often involves one or more of these types. Bullying is not included in these categories, but it is a way of delivering different kinds of abuse. The action may or may not be violent. It can happen at home or elsewhere, and it occurs in all cultures, countries, and economic classes. It usually involves a family member or friend, rather than a stranger. It can also happen for a variety of reasons, for example, mental health problems affecting the person who delivers the abuse. This article looks at the types of abuse what they involve, and some signs to look out for. Share on PinterestMany children experience some kind of abuse as they are growing up. This can lead to feelings of fear and isolation. In the United States, child protective services (CPS) received 676,000 reports of individuals experiencing abuse or neglect in 2016. One study has suggested that 1 in 4 children experience some kind of neglect or abuse at some time. Child abuse is a serious problem that resulted in 1,750 child fatalities in the U.S. 2016. Observers may be unwilling to get involved when they are not sure or do not know the whole story. Sometimes, people are afraid to speak up because of the existing balance of power. The child may fear that the person who is abusing them is too important or powerful. They may also fear that they will not be believed. They may also feel ashamed, embarrassed, or worry that they are to blame. Abuse can be hard to spot. Some of the signs, such as bruising, can be part of normal growing up. Sometimes, the abuse results, in part, from problems that parents or caregivers face, which also need addressing. These could be financial pressure, unemployment, mental health problems, or substance abuse issues. They, too, may have experienced abuse as children. Speaking up about signs that something is wrong can help children, but it may also help their caregivers. Physical abuse may include intentionally: Share on PinterestIntentionally hitting or otherwise physically harming a child is considered abuse, including, in many countries, for punishment.
It can also involve fabricating a symptom or deliberately inducing illness in a child, as in Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy, now known as factitious disorder imposed on another (FDAI). In many countries, corporal punishment is increasingly seen as a form of physical child abuse. Signs of physical abuseIndications that physical abuse may be occurring include the following, but it is important to note that these are not necessarily signs of abuse, and they can occur for other reasons.
If an adult is carrying out abuse, they may:
Emotional abuse happens when people consistently say things and behave in a way that conveys to the child that they are inadequate, unloved, worthless, or only valued as far as the other person’s needs are concerned. This can have a profound, long-term impact on the child. Examples include:
All types of maltreatment will include some level of emotional abuse, but it can also occur on its own. Signs of emotional abuseSome of these signs may indicate that a child is experiencing emotional abuse:
Sexual abuse is defined as any act that forces or entices a child or young person to participate in sexual activities. It is sexual abuse, even if the child does not understand what is happening and there is no force, violence, or even contact. If the child is forced or invited to participate in any activity that causes the other to be aroused, this is considered sexual abuse. Such activities may include:
The person who carries out the abuse may be an adult male, adult female, or another child, usually a teenager who has already reached puberty, although younger children may also carry out abuse. Signs of sexual abuseSigns in the child that may indicate sexual abuse include:
Physical signs that may indicate sexual abuse include difficulty walking or sitting down. Sexual abuse usually involves someone the child knows. Often, the child will be told to keep the relationship a secret. They may be threatened with something bad happening if they tell anyone. An adult who carries out sexual abuse with a child may have received the same treatment in the past. Breaking the cycle may help prevent it passing down to the next generation. Share on PinterestThe long-term effects of abuse include loneliness, isolation, and low self-esteem.Child neglect is when a parent or caregiver persistently fails to meet the basic physical and psychological needs of a child, resulting in impairment of the child’s health or development. It can involve:
Neglecting or not responding to a child’s basic emotional needs could constitute neglect. Signs and symptoms of neglectIf a parent or caregiver is behaving in a way that is neglectful, the child may:
Signs that a parent is neglecting a child include a lack of interest in the child’s progress and wellbeing, but the parent, too may be experiencing difficulties. They may need help, for example, with:
Single, teenage parents and those who experienced difficulties in their own childhood may struggle as parents. In some cases, identifying parents who need help and offering support and training can enable parents to avoid abuse in bringing up their children. Share on PinterestChildren may express their experiences through drawings or play.An individual who suspects or believes a child is experiencing abuse should take action, for the child’s immediate and long-term safety. You do not need to be sure abuse is occurring or to know which type. In the long term, abuse can lead to problems with trust and relationship difficulties, a feeling of worthlessness, and difficulty regulating emotions. In some cases, the child may grow into an adult who abuses children in their care. If it is your own child, you should remove the child from the person’s presence, for example, by cancelling a babysitter temporarily or possibly permanently, if fears appear to be grounded. One sign that may indicate that abuse has taken place is children making drawings that represent their experience, or acting out what has happened to them in play. Researchers have said there is a lack of objective measures that can be used to confirm the use of drawings as evidence for use in a legal case. However, if a child draws unusual images, these may be worth attention, especially if there are other signs. It is worth noting that no two cases will be the same. The signs, too, may overlap. Aggressive behavior changes, for example, could be a sign of either physical or emotional abuse. In addition, other factors can trigger similar symptoms. The loss of a loved one, separation, or divorce, among other things, can also cause signs of emotional stress. Children who may have experienced abuse should visit a doctor or hospital, as physical medical help or counseling may be needed. Anyone who believes they are abusing, have abused, or might abuse a child should remove themselves from the child and place the child somewhere safe, for example, by asking someone else to look after them, then find someone to confide in. Counseling may be necessary. There are helplines available, and the local police or health services can help. Calls can be made anonymously. The appropriate people will take action to investigate. To report a suspected case of abuse, you can call 9-1-1 or this number: (1-800)4-A-CHILD or (1-800) 422-4453. Talking to children can raise their awareness and prepare them to recognize and possibly avoid future problems. Tips include:
Building relationships with the people who look after your children, including teachers, babysitters, and parents of friends, can help in several ways. It makes it easier to establish guidelines for safety and appropriate behavior, for example, what to do if a child misbehaves. It may help detect and prevent possible abuse. It also helps build a community around your child that can provide additional support and vigilance. What is typically involved in all types of maltreatment of a child?It includes all types of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence and commercial or other exploitation, which results in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.
What are the potential child vulnerability factors that may lead to child maltreatment?Age; health; and physical, mental, emotional, and social development are factors that may increase a child's vulnerability to maltreatment.
Which of the following is the least commonly reported type of child maltreatment?Physical abuse was the most common form of maltreatment (37%). One-quarter of these children were victims of sexual abuse. One-fifth were victims of educational neglect. The least common forms of maltreatment involved physical neglect (9%) and emotional abuse (13%).
What are 5 effects of abuse?mental health disorders such as anxiety, attachment, post-traumatic stress and depression disorders. self-harming or suicidal thoughts. learning disorders, including poor language and cognitive development. developmental delay, eating disorders and physical ailments.
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