discussion title:
Signs of abuse
How do I know if a child has been abused?
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse includes all acts of omission or commission which result in the absence of a nurturing environment for the child. It occurs when the caregiver continually treats the child in such a negative way that the child's concept of "self" is seriously impaired. Emotionally abusive behaviour by the caregiver can include constant yelling; demeaning remarks; rejecting, ignoring or isolating the child; or terrorizing the child. Emotional abuse can be the most difficult to identify and prove.
Behavioural indicatorsPhysical indicators
severe depression, bed wetting that is non-medical in origin, extreme withdrawal or aggressiveness, frequent psychosomatic complaints, headaches, nausea, abdominal pains, overly compliant, too well mannered, too neat or clean, child fails to thrive, extreme attention seeking, displays extreme inhibition in play
Neglect
Most caregivers do not intend to neglect their children. It usually results from ignorance about appropriate care for children or an ability to plan ahead. Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide basic needs such as adequate food, sleep, safety, supervision, clothing or medical treatment.
Behavioural indicatorsPhysical indicators
pale, listless, unkempt, poor hygiene, frequent absence from school, unattended physical problems or medical needs, eg dental work, glasses, inappropriate clothing for the weather, dirty clothes, consistent lack of supervision, engaged in delinquent acts, alcohol/drug abuse, frequently forgets a lunch
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is any sexual exploitation of a child by an older person where the child is being used for a sexual purpose.
sexual interference;
an invitation to sexually touch;
sexual exploitation of a young person;
parent or guardian procuring sexual activity from a child;
householder permitting sexual activity;
exposing genitals to a child; and
incest.
Behavioural indicatorsPhysical indicators
age inappropriate play with toys, self or others displaying explicit sexual acts, unusual or excessive itching in the genital or anal area, age inappropriate sexually explicit drawing and/or descriptions, torn, stained or bloody underwear (may be observed if the child needs bathroom assistance), bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge, pregnancy, prostitution, injuries to the genital or anal areas, eg bruising, swelling or infection, seductive behaviours, venereal disease
Physical abuse
Physical abuse is any harm to a child caused by an action or omission of action by the child's caregiver. Injuries may include
bruises;
welts;
cuts;
fractures;
burns; or
internal injuries.
Physical abuse can be one or two isolated incidents or can occur over a prolonged period of time.
Behavioural indicatorsPhysical indicators
cannot recall how injuries occurred or offers an inconsistent explanation, injuries that are not consistent with explanation, wary of adults, presence of several injuries that are in various stages of healing, may cringe or flinch if touched unexpectedly, presence of various injuries over a period of time, infants may display a vacant stare, facial injuries in infants and preschool children, extremely aggressive or extremely withdrawn, injuries inconsistent with the child's age and developmental phase, indiscriminately seeks affection, extremely compliant and/or eager to pleaseMy son recently asked me if I remembered changing God's diapers... I told him that I hadn't been around then but I remembered the dinosaurs.
I think he was trying to tell me I am getting old.
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