Child abuse: Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment
What are Child abuse?
Any intentional harm or mistreatment to a child under 18 years old is classified as child abuse.
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Child abuse can take many forms, often occurring at the same time.
Physical abuse.Physical child abuse occurs when a person deliberately injures or puts a child at risk of harm.
Sexual abuse.Sexual abuse is any sexual activity involving a child, such as fondling, oral-genital contact, intercourse, or exposure to child pornography.
Emotional abuse.Emotional child abuse includes hurting a child's feelings or emotional well-being. It can include verbal and emotional attacks, such as constantly criticizing or berating a child; as well as isolating or ignoring a child.
Medical abuse.Medical child abuse occurs when someone makes up lies about a child's illness in order to get them into the hospital and receive unnecessary medical care.
Neglect.Child neglect is the failure to provide enough food, shelter, affection, and supervision.
If you think someone is abusing a child, report the abuse to the authorities. Child abuse can happen by someone the child knows and trusts.
Medical terms
- Child abuse (also called toddler endangerment or toddler maltreatment) is physical, sexual, and/or psychological maltreatment or forget of a toddler or youngsters, particularly by using a figure or a caregiver. Child abuse can also consist of any act or failure to act by a figure or a caregiver that results in actual or ability damage to a toddler and may occur in a baby's home, or in the organizations, colleges, or groups the child interacts with.
- The phrases toddler abuse and baby maltreatment are frequently used interchangeably, although some researchers make a difference between them, treating infant maltreatment as an umbrella term to cover forget, exploitation, and trafficking.
- Different jurisdictions have one of a kind requirements for mandatory reporting and feature advanced one of a kind definitions of what constitutes baby abuse, and therefore have distinct standards to dispose of kids from their families or to prosecute a crook charge.
Types of child abuse
There are 5 standard varieties of infant abuse:
Physical abuse: all kinds of bodily violence;
Emotional or psychological abuse: an adult regularly berates the kid, acts in a dismissive and hostile way towards the kid or deliberately scares the kid.
Physical overlook: the kid does no longer receive the care and nurturing that it wishes.
Emotional or psychological overlook: continuous loss of fantastic interest for the kid. Ignoring the kid’s want for love, warm temperature and protection. This class additionally covers cases wherein children are witnesses to violence between their mother and father or caregivers.
Sexual abuse: sexual contact which an adult forces upon a baby.
Symptoms Child abuse
If you think a child is being abused, they may feel scared, ashamed, or confused. They may want to keep the abuse a secret and avoid telling anyone because the abuser may be someone they know - like a parent, other relative, or friend. It's important to watch for red flags such as:
It may be difficult to leave friends or activities that are usual.
Behavior changes, such as becoming angry or hostile, or having difficulty attending school regularly, are common signs that a child may be in trouble.
Depression, anxiety, or unusual fears can be signs that someone is feeling very down or anxious.
An apparent lack of supervision
Frequent absences from school
Not wanting to leave school activities as if he or she does not want to go home
Attempts at running away
Rebellious or defiant behavior
Self-harm or attempts at suicide
The signs and symptoms of abuse will vary depending on the type of abuse, but keep in mind that warning signs are just that — warning signs. The presence of warning signs doesn't mean that a child is being abused.
Physical abuse signs and symptoms
Injuries that don't make sense, such as bruises, fractures, or burns, are common.
There are some injuries that don't match the given explanation.
Sexual abuse signs and symptoms
Sexual behavior or information about sex that is not appropriate for the age of the child.
Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection can cause changes in the body.
Blood in the child's underwear
This passage mentions something that my second grader may have experienced in his or her life- sexual abuse.
Sexual contact with other children that is not appropriate.
Emotional abuse signs and symptoms
Not having emotional development that is appropriate for his age or stage.
Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
When someone withdraws from social activities or loses interest or enthusiasm, it is called social withdrawal.
Depression
Do not avoid going to school or riding the bus, because that will make your problems worse.
Desperately seeks affection
If school is not going well, it can be because there is a decrease in performance or an interest in school has been lost.
Loss of skills that were learned in the past.
Neglect signs and symptoms
If a person is having poor growth, weight gain, or being overweight, it might be because they are not getting enough nutrients.
Poor hygiene
There is a lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs.
Taking food or money without permission
Hiding food for later
Poor record of school attendance
If you have dental or psychological problems, you should get the attention you need. If necessary, follow up with your doctor or therapist to make sure that your care is ongoing.
Parental behavior
Some behaviors or attitudes that might indicate child abuse include a parent who:
Shows little concern for the child
The examiner does not appear to be able to detect physical or emotional distress in the child.
Blames the child for the problems
The parent consistently criticizes or berates the child, calling them worthless or evil.
The person expects the child to pay attention to him or her and seems jealous when the child receives attention from other family members.
Uses harsh physical discipline
This passage asks for too much physical or academic performance.
This means that the child's contact with others is severely limited.
The doctor does not offer a clear explanation for the child's injuries, or they give conflicting explanations.
Some child health experts condemn the use of any violence, but some parents still use corporal punishment such as spanking as a way to discipline their children. This type of punishment can leave emotional scars. Parental behaviors that cause physical pain or emotional trauma — even if it is only for a short time — are harmful to a child's development. When discipline is done in the name of a child, it could be considered child abuse.
When to see a doctor
If you think that your child has been abused, you should contact a doctor, health care provider, or local child protective agency right away. There are many options for contacting someone if you're concerned about abuse, including the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. (1-800-422-4453). This is a phone number that can help you with something.
If the child needs immediate medical attention, call 911 or your local emergency number.
It is important to remember that health care professionals are legally obligated to report any suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate county or police authorities.
Risk factors Child abuse
Some factors that may increase a person's risk of becoming abusive include:
This passage describes someone who has been abused or neglected in the past.
Mental illness, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a physical or mental illness.
A family crisis or stress, such as domestic violence and other marital conflicts or single parenting, can lead to problems.
A child in the family who is developmentally or physically disabled is special.
Financial stress, unemployment, or poverty can cause stress in a person's life.
Social or extended family isolation
If you have poor understanding of child development and parenting skills, your child will likely have similar problems.
Alcohol, drugs or other substance abuse
Complications Child abuse
Some children are able to overcome the physical and psychological effects of child abuse, while others may experience physical, behavioral, emotional, or mental health issues as a result. The effects of decoupage will last for a long time. Here are some examples.
Physical issues
Premature death
Physical disabilities
Learning disabilities
Substance abuse
Some health problems, such as heart disease, immune disorders, chronic lung disease, and cancer, are common.
Behavioral issues
Delinquent or violent behavior
Abuse of others
Withdrawal
Suicide attempts or self-injury
Some risky sexual behaviors or teen pregnancies are high-risk.
If you have problems in school, or if you don't finish high school, this is why.
Limited social and relationship skills
Problems with work or staying employed
Emotional issues
Low self-esteem
It is difficult to form or maintain relationships.
Challenges with intimacy and trust
An unhealthy view of parenthood
Stress and frustration can be a problem for people who are unable to cope.
It is ok to have violent relationships. Many people in relationships experience violence at some point.
Mental health disorders
Eating disorders
Personality disorders
Behavior disorders
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Sleep disturbances
Attachment disorders
Prevention Child abuse
There are many things you can do to protect your child from exploitation and abuse, including preventing abuse in your community. The goal is to provide safe, nurturing relationships for children. For example:
Offer your child love and attention.Listen to your child and be involved in their life. This will help to develop trust and good communication. If your child has a problem, encourage them to tell you. A supportive family environment and strong social networks can help your child feel good about themselves.
Don't respond in anger.If you feel overwhelmed or out of control, take a break. Do not let your anger get the best of you. Talk to a doctor or therapist about ways you can learn to cope with stress and better interact with your child.
Think supervision. When your child is alone, please keep an eye on them. When you are not around, have your child stay with other people they know. When your child is old enough and can go out without you, encourage them to stay away from strangers and spend time with people they know. Children want to be with friends, rather than be alone. So it is important to know where your child is at all times, and to have someone you can trust to keep an eye on them.
Know your child's caregivers.Check references for babysitters and other caregivers. Be prepared to make unannounced visits to check on your child's care. Don't use a substitute if you don't know the person well.
It's important to emphasize when to say no. Make sure your child knows that it is okay to leave a scary or uncomfortable situation immediately. Encourage your child to talk to you or another trusted adult if something happens. Talk to an adult about the episode. Let your child know that it's OK to talk and that he or she will not get in trouble.
Help your child stay safe online. Teach them how to protect themselves from online dangers.Make sure the computer is in a common area of your home, not the child's bedroom. Use parental controls to restrict which websites your child can visit and check your child's privacy settings on social networking sites. It may be a sign that something is wrong if your child is secretive about online activities.Follow the ground rules when communicating with online contacts. Tell your child to let you know if they receive a message from an unknown person, and to not respond without first getting permission from you.If you experience online harassment or inappropriate communication, report it to your service provider and local authorities.
Reach out.Visit the families in your neighborhood. Meet the parents and their children. Consider joining a parent support group so that you can share your frustrations with other people. Develop a network of supportive friends and family. If someone in your neighborhood looks like they are struggling, offer to baby-sit or help out in some other way. In another way, decoupage is a white glue that turns clear when it dries.
If you are worried that you might mistreat your child, please talk to a trusted adult.
If you are worried that you might abuse your child, please seek help from an organization such as these:
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available to help children who are experiencing abuse.
If you ever see child abuse, call 1-800-CHILDREN. They can help you get the child safe.
You can talk to your family doctor or health care provider about the best way to deal with your anger. If you are abusing alcohol or drugs, you can ask your doctor about how to get help. There are a variety of treatment options available.
If you were abused as a child, get counseling to help you avoid returning to the abuse cycle or passing on your abusive behaviors to your child.
Abuse can be prevented by asking for help today. Remember, if you think someone is being abused, you can speak up and get help.
Diagnosis Child abuse
It can be difficult to identify abuse or neglect. To determine if there is abuse or neglect, you must carefully evaluate the situation and look for physical and behavioral signs. The authorities may also get involved in investigating cases of suspected abuse.
When determining if child abuse has occurred, some factors that may be considered include:
A physical exam will include evaluating any injuries or signs of suspected abuse or neglect.
Lab tests, X-rays or other tests
This information includes the child's medical history and development.
This passage describes how the child behaved.
Watching how parents or caregivers interact with the child is important.
Discussions with parents or caregivers
Talking, when possible, with the child
If you know about child abuse, you can help keep children safe by stopping the abuse before it happens.
Treatment Child abuse
Treatment can help both children who have been abused and their parents. The first priority is making sure the safety and well-being of the child is taken care of. Treatment focuses on preventing future abuse and reducing the long-term psychological and physical consequences of abuse.
Medical care
If your child gets hurt, you should help them go to the doctor. If your child is not feeling well, or if they have any signs of an injury, you should contact a doctor right away. It may be necessary for you to follow up with a doctor or another health care provider.
Psychotherapy
Talking with a mental health professional can help improve your mental health.
Helping a child who has been abused learn to trust again can be difficult, but it is important work.
Help your child understand normal behavior and relationships.
Help a child learn conflict management and boost their self-esteem.
There are many types of therapy that may be helpful, such as:
Cognitive behavioral therapy that is focused on helping people who have been through a traumatic experience.This type of therapy helps a child who has been abused to better manage upsetting feelings and traumatic memories. Eventually the supportive parent who has not abused the child and the child are seen together so the child can tell the parent exactly what happened.
Child-parent psychotherapy.This treatment is designed to improve the relationship between a parent and child.
Psychotherapy also can help parents:
Discover the roots of abuse
Some things in life are frustrating, but there are ways to deal with them effectively.
Learn healthy parenting strategies
If the child is still living at home, social services may schedule visits to make sure that essential needs such as food are available. Children who are placed in foster care because their home situation is too dangerous often need mental health services and therapies.
Places to turn for help
If you think someone is abusing or neglecting a child, there are organizations that can provide you with information and support.
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is available to help children. If you have any information about child abuse, please call 1-800-CHILDREN. They will be able to help you.
Coping and support
If you know a child is being abused, take the situation seriously. The child's safety is your top priority. Here are some steps you can take:
Ask the child what happened. When talking to a child who has been threatened, remain calm. Listen attentively and don't ask leading questions. Let the child tell you what happened and leave questions to them. Professional chefs.
Tell the child that he/she is not responsible for the abuse.It's not your fault if someone abuses you. Repeat the phrase "It's not your fault" over and over again.
Offer comfort.I'm sorry you were hurt. I'm glad you told me, and I'll do everything I can to help you. You can always talk to me or just listen at any time.
Report the abuse.If you think someone is abusing or neglecting a child, you should contact a local child protective agency or the police department. They will investigate the report and if necessary take appropriate action to ensure the child's safety.
Help the child remain safe.Make sure the child's safety by separating the abuser from the child and by providing supervision if the child is in the presence of the abuser. If necessary, get medical attention for the child.
Consider additional support.If the child needs counseling or other mental health treatment, you can help them find a support group that is appropriate for their age.
If the abuse has occurred at school,Make sure the school principal is aware of the situation, as well as reporting it to the local or state child protection agency.
