Child abuse is when someone, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm, or risk of serious harm to a child.

TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE

There are five general types of child abuse:

1. Physical abuse: all forms of physical violence;

2. Emotional or psychological abuse: an adult regularly berates the child, acts in a dismissive and hostile manner towards the child or intentionally scares the child.

3. Physical neglect: the child does not receive the care and nurturing that it needs.

4. Emotional or psychological neglect: continuous lack of positive attention for the child. Ignoring the child’s need for love, warmth and security.
This category also covers cases in which children are witnesses to violence between their parents or caregivers.

5. Sexual abuse: sexual contact which an adult forces upon a child.

Myths and facts about child abuse and neglect

Myth 1

It’s only abuse if it’s violent.
Fact: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Child neglect, or sexual and emotional abuse can inflict just as much damage. Since the signs are not always as obvious, other people may be less likely to intervene.

Myth 2

Abuse doesn’t happen in “good” families.
Fact: Abuse and neglect doesn’t only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. These behaviors cross all racial, economic, and cultural lines. Sometimes, families who seem to have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind closed doors.

Myth 3

Most child abusers are strangers.
Fact: While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or others close to the family.

The warning signs of child abuse and neglect aren’t always obvious. But by learning to recognize the signs of a problem, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life.

WARNING SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

1. Be excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong.

2. Show extremes in behavior (extremely compliant, demanding, passive, aggressive).

3. Not seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver.

4. Have frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts. Their injuries may appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt.

5. Be always watchful and “on alert,” as if waiting for something bad to happen.

6. Shy away from touch, flinch at sudden movements, or seem afraid to go home.

7. Have untreated illnesses and physical injuries.

8. Be frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations.

9. Display knowledge of sexual acts inappropriate for their age, or even exhibit seductive behavior.

10. Make strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an obvious reason.

Stop Child Abuse and Neglect

#YSMANG