Physical abuse is a type of harm done to a child deliberately. There are no excuses for physically abusing a child this way. In 2009, the number of physical abuse cases that were reported was 16.4 percent (United States Census Bureau 2011). Many parents and caregivers think of physical abuse of a form of discipline. Examples of physical abuse are hitting, biting, burns, shaking, throwing, chocking, and many other things (Giardino, 1994). The thing that is mainly present in physical discipline is the unpredictability of lashing out in anger and using fear to control a behavior (Segal 2012).
Neglect is one of the worse forms of child abuse because the parent or caregiver is not giving the child what they need. Providing the child with limited housing, food, and inappropriate clothing for different weather are some examples of neglect. Not allowing the child to seek adequate health care and giving the child inadequate hygiene is other examples of child neglect (O’Meara 1959). There were 71.9 percent of child neglect cases that were reported in 2009 (United States Census Bureau 2011).
Sexual abuse is a deliberate act of forced sex with a child. A child that is exposed to sexual materials is also considered sexual abuse. A child that has been sexual abused might have a sense of shame and guilt therefore it’s considered the hidden type of abuse. Someone the child should trust usually does Child sexual abuse (Segal 2012). Both boys and girls suffer from sexual abuse not just girls (Segal 2012). All of the shame and guilt of sexual abuse can lead to self-loathing and sexual problems as the children get older. Sexual abuse is very hard for the child to talk about it because they are afraid that people will not believe them or that they will be angry with them (Segal 2012).
Words hurt more than actions do is a deep saying. Especially to children this saying is true. Emotional child abuse is very serious and can leave lifelong psychological scars along with severely damaging a child’s mental health or social development (Segal 2012). Emotional child abuse is when a parent or a caregiver tells the child that there not good enough, or not worth it. They don’t give the child the love they need. A parent or a caregiver that gives the emotional abuse will call the child names and make negative comparisons to others (Segal 2012). They give the child limited amounts of affection such as no hugging and kissing. The abuser can also abuse a parent, a sibling, or even a pet in front of a child (Segal 2012).
“When one is close to a child that is being abused they should watch out for some of the warning signs such as nervousness around adults, aggression towards adults or other children, in ability to stay awake or to concentrate for extended periods” (Prevent Child Abuse America 1972). There are also many other warning signs. If one thinks a child is being abused then it is important that they listen to them. The person should never make any promises, or ask leading questions. It is important to only ask four questions such as four questions such as what happened? Who did this to you? Where were you when this happened? and when did this happen? (O’Meara 1959). If a child feels comfortable in telling you, what happened then you should listen carefully, tell the child it was not their fault and just be supportive and nonjudgmental.
There are effects of child abuse and neglect. Every form of child abuse leaves long lasting scars that can last throughout life. The emotional scarring is the worse because it lasts throughout life the most making it hard to have healthy relationships, and the ability to function at home, work, and school. “The effects of child abuse and neglect can also lead to the lack of trusts and relationship difficulties, core feelings of being worthless, damaged, and having trouble regulating emotions” (Segal 2012).
Preventing child abuse is 100 percent preventable if one takes the right measures. The most number one thing someone could do is be a nurturing parent because children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams. When one is ready to have children and they know that they get angry fast they should get help for themselves and take a time out when they feel overwhelmed and out of control so they do not take it out on their kid (Prevent Child Abuse America 1972). Some positive things that can be done to help prevent child abuse is to get involved ask local leaders, clergy, the library and schools to create services to meet the needs of healthy children and families. People can also promote programs in school. Another important thing to do is to report the suspected abuse or neglect (Prevent Child Abuse America 1972).
There are treatments for children that have been abused. The first treatment one can give to any child that has been abused is to provide them with a safe environment to prevent further harm. Life- threating conditions such as the shaken baby syndrome will be treated in a hospital (Prevent Child Abuse America 1972). The other less severe injuries are treated on an outpatient basis with scheduled follow ups. Children that have been victims of abuse and neglect are recommended to go into counseling (Mason 2012 ). Play therapy is then giving to the child, which is allowing children that are emotionally disturbed to express their feelings through play (Mosby's Medical Dictionary 2009).
Conclusion
In conclusion, child abuse is something that should be taken very seriously. These child abuse children will eventually become adults with life-long scarring.
References
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