CHILD ABUSE

INTRODUCTION
How could anyone abuse a defenseless child? Most of us cant imagine what would make an adult abuse a child. The worse the behavior is, the more unimaginable it seems. Yet sadly, child abuse is much more common then you might think. Child abuse cuts across social classes and all ethnicities.

DEFINITION

The physical or psychological or emotional mistreatment of children.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts or commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.

PHYSICAL ABUSE >Physical aggression directed at a child by an adult. It can involve striking, burning, choking or shaking a child, and the distinction between discipline and abuse is often poorly defined.

SEXUAL ABUSE Any sexual act between an adult and a child, including penetration, oral sex and forced nudity in front of the adult.

PHYCHOLOGICAL / EMOTIONAL ABUSE Involve belittling or shaming a child, inappropriate or extreme punishment and the withholding of affection.

TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE

HISTORY OF CHILD ABUSE

Unfortunately, the patterns we learn in childhood are often what we use as parents. Without treatment and insight, sadly, the cycle of child abuse often continues.

Parents caring for children without support from family, friends or the community can be under a lot of stress. Caring for a child with a disability, special needs or difficult STRESS AND LACK OF SUPPORT. behaviors is also a challenge.

ALCOHOL OR DRUG ABUSE

Alcohol and drug abuse lead to serious lapses in judgment. They can interfere with impulse control making emotional and physical abuse more likely. Due to impairment caused by being intoxicated, alcohol and drug abuse frequently lead to child neglect.

CAUSES OF CHILD ABUSE