It is important to remember that the following changes are seen in many children as a result of many different kinds of stressful situations and are not specific to child abuse and neglect. Fearful behavior nightmares, depression , unusual fears. In most cases, children who are abused or neglected suffer greater mental health than physical health damage. Emotional and psychological abuse, physical abuse, and neglect deny the child the tools needed to cope with stress , and to learn new skills to become resilient , strong, and successful.
So a child who is maltreated or neglected may have a wide range of reactions and may even become depressed or develop suicidal , withdrawn, or violent behavior.
As they get older, they may show learning difficulties, use drugs or alcohol, try to run away, refuse discipline, or abuse others. As an adult, they may develop marital and sexual difficulties, depression, or suicidal behavior. Not all children who are abused have severe reactions. Usually the younger the child, the longer the abuse continues.
The closer the child's relationship with the abuser, the more serious the mental health effects will be. A close relationship with a very supportive adult can increase resiliency , reducing some of the impact. If you suspect your child has been abused, get help immediately through your pediatrician or a local child protective agency.
Physicians are legally obligated to report all suspected cases of abuse or neglect to state authorities. Your pediatrician also will detect and treat any medical injuries or conditions, recommend a therapist, and provide necessary information to investigators.
The doctor also may testify in court if needed to secure legal protection for the child or criminal prosecution of the person suspected of perpetrating the abuse or neglect. If your child has been abused, you may be the only person who can help them.
There is no good reason to delay reporting your suspicions of abuse. Denying the problem will only make the situation worse. It allows the abuse or neglect to continue unchecked and lowers your child's chance for optimal physical and mental health and well-being.
In any case of abuse or neglect, the child's safety is of primary concern. They need to be in a safe environment, free of the potential for more abuse and neglect. The major reasons for physical and psychological maltreatment of children within the family often are a parent's feelings of isolation, stress, and frustration.
Parents need support and as much information as possible in order to raise their children responsibly. But you can learn new ways to manage your emotions and break your old patterns. Help and support are available:.
Learn what is age appropriate and what is not. Having realistic expectations of what children can handle at certain ages will help you avoid frustration and anger at normal child behavior. For example, newborns are not going to sleep through the night without a peep, and toddlers are not going to be able to sit quietly for extended periods of time.
Develop new parenting skills. Start by learning appropriate discipline techniques and how to set clear boundaries for your children. Parenting classes, books, and seminars offer this information.
You can also turn to other parents for tips and advice. Take care of yourself. Sleep deprivation, common in parents of young children, adds to moodiness and irritability—exactly what you are trying to avoid.
Get professional help. Breaking the cycle of abuse can be very difficult if the patterns are strongly entrenched. Your children will thank you for it. Learn to control your emotions. If you were abused or neglected as a child, you may have an especially difficult time getting in touch with your range of emotions. You may have had to deny or repress them as a child, and now they spill out without your control.
What should you do if you suspect that a child is being abused? Or if a child confides in you? Child abuse is a difficult subject that can be hard to accept and even harder to talk about—for both you and the child. When talking with an abused child, the best way to encourage them is to show calm reassurance and unconditional support. Avoid denial and remain calm. A common reaction to news as unpleasant and shocking as child abuse is denial.
However, if you display denial to a child, or show shock or disgust at what they are saying, the child may be afraid to continue and will shut down. As hard as it may be, remain as calm and reassuring as you can. This may confuse and fluster the child and make it harder for them to continue their story. Reassure the child that they did nothing wrong. It takes a lot for a child to come forward about abuse. Reassure them that you take what they said seriously, and that it is not their fault.
Safety comes first. If you feel that your safety or the safety of the child would be threatened if you tried to intervene, leave it to the professionals. You may be able to provide more support later. The more information you can provide, the better the chance of the child getting the help they deserve. Reality: Child abuse and neglect is NOT merely a family matter, and the consequences of staying silent can be devastating for the child.
Parents may be first offered support, such as parenting classes or anger management counseling. Reality: Reporting can be anonymous. In most places, you do not have to give your name when you report child abuse. Authors: Melinda Smith, M. Prevent Child Abuse America.
Nemours Foundation. Stop It Now! Emotional Abuse — Recognizing and responding to emotional child abuse. Types of abuse Abusive behaviour involves treating someone with cruelty or violence. Read more about physical abuse here. Sexual abuse : Any type of sexual involvement or contact between a child and an adult. Sexual abuse can be voyeurism spying on or watching a child , sexual acts and incest sex between family members. For more information on sexual abuse, read our article about sexual assault.
Emotional abuse : A pattern of denying a child love, approval and security, or mistreating a child in the way an adult speaks to them or acts towards them. Bullying, yelling, isolating, criticising, terrorising, ignoring and shaming are all examples of emotional abuse. Neglect : Failing to provide a child with the things they need to survive and grow, such as shelter, food, hygiene, supervision, medical attention, education or safety.
Why are children abused? Some reasons people give as to why they abuse children include: a desire to feel powerful they themselves experienced abuse as children they don't understand that children have a right to feel safe they think it's okay or appropriate it's not, ever. Effects of child abuse Child abuse is a form of trauma, and your response to that trauma can show up in your life in different ways.
Child abuse and the law Child abuse is illegal. Talk to someone you trust about it. This could be a friend or family member. Anxiety Depression Low self-esteem Withdrawn Dissociation Difficulty with making and maintaining relationships Experiences flashbacks Hypervigilant Persistent fear What are some behavioral effects of child abuse and neglect? Self-harm Eating disorders Alcohol and drug use Trouble sleeping Uncomfortable with physical contact with others Repeating school grades Absent from school often Criminal activity What are common effects on children who witness domestic violence?
The effects include: Anxiety Depression Academic problems Fearful. There are resources available for you.
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