Child Abuse 5: Prevention

Child abuse is one of the most terrible experiences that can occur in a child’s lifetime. As a result, there are many different solutions to help prevent child abuse. Many state and local governments advocate prevention activities and provide an assortment of prevention services. Some prevention services are intended for everyone, such as public service announcements aimed at bringing attention to child maltreatment within the general population. Others are specifically directed at individuals and families who may be at risk for child abuse or neglect. Although there are several laws regarding child abuse in effect, there is still room for improvement. New laws need to be introduced that will provide more follow up when a complaint is registered, such as providing mandated child counseling so that the child will feel safe enough to speak to someone about the abuse so it can be recognized and stopped. If you suspect a child is being abused, it’s crucial to get them the help he or she needs. Preventing child abuse  is a community issue, but one person can make a significant improvement in the life of a child. Studies have shown that neighbors can decrease the violence and crime in a community by merely increasing their awareness and working as one cohesive unit. Similarly, neighbors can help prevent child abuse and neglect. It is imperative to notify your local law enforcement agency if you suspect a child is being neglected, sexually abused, physically abused or emotionally abused. Children are rarely ever abused only once and if you suspect it, you must report it. Reporting suspected child abuse makes getting help more accessible to a family and creates a tremendous difference in a child’s life.

 

Child Abuse 4: Emotional Abuse

Often not reported due to the insufficient amount of physical evidence or indicators, emotional abuse is exceptionally destructive to a child’s well-being. Emotional abuse has a intricate and alternating definition, but is generally defined as a pattern of punishment or exploitation by parents or caretakers that can severely interfere with a child’s cognitive, emotional, psychological or social development. The effects of emotional abuse last a lifetime, therefore we must take this classification of abuse much more seriously. Emotional child abuse can come from adults such as teachers, coaches, parents or caretakers as well as from other children. Parents or caretakers may verbally assault a child through undeviating hurtful verbal communication. This can include belittling, shaming, ridiculing, threatening, and name calling. Countless times the parent is physically there, but emotionally unavailable. They may not assert endearment or even acknowledge the child’s presence. Some people are not characteristically expressive, but parents and caretakers need to know how crucial it is for them to show affection to their child and to provide their utmost attention and interest in them. Emotional abuse leaves concealed wounds that externalize themselves in many different ways. Emotional abuse can restrain a child’s mental development, such as their intelligence and memory. A child should be able to comprehend and communicate a range of emotions as they grow older, but emotional abuse can hinder a child’s emotional development, including their ability to feel and assert a full range of emotions accordingly, and to control their emotions. Insecurity, insufficient self-esteem, detrimental behavior, delinquency, withdrawal, inadequate development of essential skills, alcohol or drug abuse, suicide and difficulty developing relationships can all be possible consequences of emotional abuse.

Child Abuse 3: Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is defined as non-accidental trauma or physical injury caused by punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning or otherwise harming a child, physical abuse is the most discernible form of child punishment. Many times, physical abuse results from improper or excessive physical discipline. A parent or caretaker who is enraged may be ignorant to the degree of force with which he or she strikes the child. Physical abuse tends to occur at moments of great stress. Many people who commit physical abuse were abused themselves as children. As a result, they often do not realize that abuse is not appropriate discipline. Other factors that can contribute to child abuse include parents’ immaturity, absence of parenting skills, miserable childhood experiences and social isolation, as well as constant crisis situations, drug or alcohol problems and domestic violence. While injuries can occur accidentally when a child is at play, physical abuse should be suspected if the explanations do not fit the injury or if a pattern of frequency is discernible. The existence of numerous injuries in various stages of healing makes it obvious that the injuries did not all occur as a result of one accident. Physical examples of abuse include bruises,  lacerations, swollen areas, and marks on the child’s face, head, back, chest, genital area, buttocks or thighs. Wounds like human bite marks, cigarette burns, broken bones, puncture marks or missing hair may indicate abuse. A child’s behavior might also signal that something is wrong. Victims of physical abuse may display introverted or hostile behavioral extremes, complain of soreness or uncomfortable movement, wear clothing that is not suitable for the weather, express displeasure with physical contact or become chronic runaways.

Child Abuse 2: Neglect

Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most noticeable, other types of abuse such as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, incessant scars. Child neglect is a pattern of failing to provide for a child’s basic needs, whether it be sufficient food, clothing, hygiene, or supervision. Child neglect is not always easy to spot. Sometimes a parent might become physically or mentally unable to care for a child. Other times, alcohol or drug abuse may seriously decrease judgement and the ability to keep a child safe. Ignoring children’s needs, putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations or making a child feel worthless are also examples of child abuse. Regardless of the classification of child abuse, the consequence is serious emotional harm. The earlier abused children receive assistance, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle as opposed to perpetuating it. Older children might not show obvious signs of neglect, becoming used to presenting a competent face to the outside world, and even taking on the role of the parent. But at the end of the day, neglected children are not getting their physical and emotional needs met. By learning general signs of abuse and what you can do to interpose, you can make a tremendous difference in a child’s life. Professionals who work with children are obliged to report reasonable suspicion of abuse and neglect. If you suspect that child neglect is occurring, first report it to the local child protective services agency in your county or state.

Child Abuse

My class was instructed to choose a topic that we were passionate about for an activism project. I was having trouble doing so as I am not particularly passionate about anything. I was racking my brain trying to think of a good topic to write about when suddenly it hit me like an abusive father, child abuse would be a fantastic topic to write about. All jokes aside, I have strong feelings on the subject of child abuse. I have two nephews and I would be completely horrified and furious if they fell victim to any kind of abuse. Although I have never been a victim of child abuse, I have seen a few cases of abuse and I believe it is one of the most atrocious things one can do as a human being. Child abuse consists of any act of violence that endangers a child’s physical or emotional health and development. Child abuse includes any damage done to a child which cannot be reasonably explained  and is often exemplified by an injury or series of injuries appearing non-accidental in nature. Child abuse is of the utmost importance and as a result there are several detailed laws and policies that address this issue. There are four major categories of child abuse: neglect, physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. Through this series of blogs I will explore these four classifications of abuse, the psychological effects of child abuse, and what can be done to prevent child abuse.