The Importance of Early Intervention in Cases Of Child Abuse
Child Abuse There are many forms of child abuse. Children can experience physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect. Learn the signs of child abuse so you can recognize them. If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse, seek professional help and keep the child away from the abuser. What is child abuse? Child abuse is hurting a child. It occurs when a child experiences harm or neglect. Often, the abuser is someone the child knows. It may be a parent, family member, caregiver or family friend. Most child abuse laws agree on this definition of child abuse: Any intentional harm or mistreatment of a child under age 18 is abuse and a criminal offense. Another term for child abuse and neglect is Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). If untreated, these experiences can impact a child’s lifelong health and well-being. What are the types of child abuse? Child abuse can come in many forms: Physical: Slapping, pushing, punching, kicking, shaking or burning a child or not allowing a child to eat, drink or use the bathroom. Emotional: Frequently verbal, involving insults, constant criticism, harsh demands, threats and yelling. Sexual: Rape, incest, fondling, indecent exposure, using a child in pornography or exposing a child to pornographic material. Medical: Intentionally trying to make a child sick or not treating a medical condition. Is child neglect a form of child abuse? Yes. Child neglect is a form of abuse. Neglect is failing to provide a child with food, shelter, education, medical care and emotional support. What is incest? Incest is a sexual act between family members who are too closely related to be legally married. The sex act can be anything from fondling to intercourse. Any sexual act with a child is abuse. How does sexual abuse affect a child? Researchers have noted certain characteristics in children who have experienced abuse. Some behaviours may be more noticeable, such as: Acting out sexually in inappropriate ways. Chronic belly pain, headaches or other physical complaints. Return to childish behaviours such as thumb-sucking and bedwetting. Running away. Self-destructive behaviour, such as cutting and self-harm. Severe behavioural changes. Other characteristics may be harder to identify, such as: Anxiety and depression. Difficulty learning and concentrating. Evidence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Lack of emotional development. Poor self-esteem. Recurring nightmares. Suicidal thoughts and/or attempts. How common is child abuse? Child neglect and child abuse are common. At least 1 in 7 children has experienced neglect in the past year. The actual figure is likely higher. In the United States in 2018, nearly 1,770 children died of abuse and neglect. (The case is worse in Ghana) Who is more at risk of child abuse and neglect? Some children are at higher risk of experiencing abuse and neglect. Risk factors include children who: Live in poverty. Rates of child abuse are five times higher for children in families with low socioeconomic status. Are younger than 4 years of age. Have special needs, which increase the burden on caregivers. What are signs of child abuse? Signs of child abuse may not be obvious. You may first notice a shift in the child’s behaviour. Or they may react differently to situations. Any change in a child’s behaviour or temperament without an obvious trigger can be a sign of abuse. Other signs of child abuse include: Physical signs: Looking unclean or neglected. Unexplained bruises, welts, sores or skin problems that don’t seem to heal. Untreated medical or dental problems. Pain in the genital area. Vaginal bleeding other than a menstrual cycle (period). Unusual discharge or pain. Emotional signs: Fear of one or both parents or caregivers (including babysitters, day care workers, teachers and coaches). Fear of an activity or place. Crying often or in situations that seem inappropriate. Regression (returning to behaviours typical of a younger child). Behavioural signs: Acting different from other children, especially if it’s a sudden change. Frequent absences from school. Being withdrawn. Bullying peers or younger children or being bullied themselves. Trouble learning and paying attention. Avoiding physical contact with adults, peers or older youth. Overachievement or being overly eager to please. Unusual sexualized behaviours or comments, especially ones that seem more mature or pornographic. Who can be an abuser? Frequently, the abuser is someone the child knows and is close to, including; Parent or other family member. Family friend. Caregiver. Anyone close to the child (teacher, coach, religious leader). Peers or older children who have experienced abuse themselves and are re-enacting what happened to them. Why do people abuse children? Several situations can result in a person abusing a child: History of abuse: Parents or other adults who hurt children may have experienced abuse themselves. Experiencing abuse can also lead an adult to look the other way if their child is in an abusive situation. However, not all people who experienced abuse will abuse others. Most survivors of child abuse do not harm children. Difficulty with caring for children: Some adults hurt children because they don’t know how to discipline them. Or they have unrealistic expectations for the child’s behaviour. Feelings of anger: Some people who abuse have overwhelming feelings of anger when faced with a problem. They may have problems with family, money, work or relationships. Their frustration and anger can result in abusive actions. In some cases, the person sees the child as the source of the problems, causing them to act out against the child. Untreated mental health conditions: People who have depression, substance use disorder or personality disorders are at higher risk for abusing children. If you have abused or neglected a child or witnessed signs of child abuse, seek help from a local mental health agency. Getting help can prevent or reduce the child’s long-term trauma. How does a healthcare provider detect child abuse? The healthcare provider will carefully evaluate the child, looking for physical and behavioural signs of abuse. Authorities may also take part in the investigation. The diagnosis may involve: Physical exam. Lab tests.
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