Kerri Baldwin BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care U10; P4
Signs and symptoms of child abuse
Working as a student nurse in the Accident and Emergency Department you need to know what to look for when it comes to recognising the signs and symptoms of child abuse. The first step for helping children who are being neglected or abused is the learn how to recognise these signs and symptoms of child abuse. There are four different types of abuse, these are physical, sexual, emotional and neglect. If you are unsure or worried about the welfare of a child you should do something about it, don’t keep it to yourself.
Physical Abuse
This type of abuse is intentional and non-accidental to the child. The abuser purposely sets out to hurt the child with physical force and violence. Physical abuse includes throwing, hitting, shaking, poisoning or suffocating. It can also involve the adult providing the child with alcohol and inappropriate drugs.