P4 Describe the signs and symptoms of child abuse

It isn't also easy to see physical abuse, abusers can be very clever when abusing. They can be clever not to leave markings or they do the abuse where others will not see it. Bruises, black eyes and broken bones are obvious signs of physical abuse. Other signs include which aren't so obvious are:

* Injuries that the child cannot explain or explains unconvincingly

* Untreated or inadequately treated injuries

* Injuries to parts of the body where accidents are unlikely, such as thighs, back, abdomen

* Bruising which looks like hand or finger marks

* Cigarette burns, human bites

* Scalds and burns

Other signs of physical abuse can be a change in a child's behaviour which could be seen by them withdrawn from situations or people; they may become sad or depressed. They may have trouble sleeping as the situation is playing on their minds while they are asleep. They could also turn to alcohol or drugs depending on their age to block out what is happening.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is defined as abuse that is not physical but emotional in nature such as name calling. Emotional abuse can include anything from verbal abuse and constant criticism to intimidation and manipulation. Emotional abuse works by systematically wearing away at the child's self-confidence, sense of self-worth and trust in their own perceptions. This will be done by either constantly telling them off or belittling them or by intimidation the results are similar in either case.

Emotional abuse can come in the aggressive forms of abuse which can include name-calling, accusing, blaming, threatening, and ordering. This behaviour is generally direct and obvious. Aggressive abuse can also take a more indirect form and may even be disguised and "helping." Criticizing, advising, offering solutions, analyzing, proving, and questioning another person may be a sincere attempt to help. In some instances however, these behaviours may be an attempt to belittle, control, or demean rather than help. The underlying judgmental "I know best" tone the abuser takes in these situations is inappropriate and creates unequal footing in peer relationships.

Denying

* One form of Invalidating seeks to distort or undermine the recipient's perceptions of their world. Invalidating occurs when the abuser refuses or fails to acknowledge reality. For example, if the recipient confronts the abuser about an incident of name calling, the abuser may insist, "I never said that," "I don't know what you're talking about," etc.

* Withholding is another form of denying: Withholding includes refusing to listen, refusing to communicate, and emotionally withdrawing as punishment. This is sometimes called the silent treatment.

* Countering occurs when the abuser views the recipient as an extension of them and denies any viewpoints or feelings which differ from their own.

Minimizing

* Minimizing is a less extreme form of denial. When minimizing, the abuser may not deny that a particular event occurred, but they question the recipient's emotional experience or reaction to an event. Statements such as "You're too sensitive," "You're exaggerating," or "You're blowing this out of proportion" all suggest that the recipient's emotions and perceptions are faulty and not be trusted.

* Some notable form of trivializing occurs when the abuser suggests that what you have done or communicated is insignificant or unimportant, is a more subtle form of minimizing.