What is child abuse?

Child abuse is defined as a Variety of Harmful Behaviors Directed Against Children.

Child abuse or child maltreatment is physical, sexual, and/or psychological maltreatment or neglect of a child or chil-

dren, especially by a parent or a caregiver. Child abuse may include any act or failure to act by a parent or a caregiver
that results in actual or potential harm to a child and can occur in a child's home, or in the organizations, schools, or
communities the child interacts with.

Child abuse refers to any behavior or action by an adult or older adolescent that causes harm or potential harm to a
child, which may be physical, emotional, or sexual. Child abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emo-
tional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.

Physical abuse involves intentionally causing physical harm to a child, such as hitting, kicking, shaking, or burning
them. Emotional abuse involves verbal or non-verbal behaviors that can cause harm to a child's emotional well-being,
such as belittling, humiliating, or threatening them. Sexual abuse involves any form of sexual contact between an adult
and a child, such as touching, fondling, or penetration, and it can have long-lasting and severe psychological effects.
Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to provide adequate care, such as not providing enough food, shelter, or medical at-
tention, and it can lead to physical, emotional, or developmental harm.

Child abuse is a serious problem that can have significant and long-lasting effects on a child's physical and emotional
health. It is important to recognize the signs of child abuse and to take action to protect children from harm. Anyone
who suspects that a child is being abused should report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.

Causes of child abuse

In the family, marital discord, domestic violence, unemployment and poverty, and social isolation are all factors that
can precipitate abuse.
Patterns of abusive behavior may result in the physical or mental impairment of the child or even death. Small children
are especially vulnerable to physical injury such as whiplash or shaken infant syndrome resulting from battery. Abused
children are more likely to experience generalized anxiety, depression, truancy, shame and guilt, or suicidal and homici-
dal thoughts or to engage in criminal activity, promiscuity, and substance abuse.

The causes of child abuse are complex and can vary from one situation to another. However, research has identified
several common risk factors that can contribute to child abuse:

1. Parental stress: Parents who are experiencing high levels of stress, such as financial problems, marital problems, or
mental health issues, may be more likely to engage in abusive behaviors.

2. Substance abuse: Parents who struggle with addiction to drugs or alcohol may be more likely to abuse their children.

3. History of abuse: Adults who were abused as children themselves may be more likely to become abusers.

4. Lack of parenting skills: Parents who lack knowledge and skills to appropriately discipline their children or to meet
their basic needs may unintentionally harm their children.

5. Social isolation: Parents who lack a support system or social network may become overwhelmed and frustrated, lead-
ing to abusive behaviors.

6. Cultural beliefs: Certain cultural beliefs or traditions may contribute to abusive behaviors, such as a belief that physi-
cal discipline is necessary to teach children right from wrong.

It is important to note that none of these factors alone can cause child abuse, and not all parents who experience these
risk factors will become abusive. However, recognizing these risk factors can help identify families that may need addi-
tional support and resources to prevent abuse.

Effects of child abuse

PHYSICAL EFFECTS- The immediate physical effects of abuse or neglect can be relatively minor (bruises or cuts) or
severe (broken bones, hemorrhage, or even death). In some cases, the physical effects are temporary; however, the pain
and suffering they cause a child should not be discounted. Rib fractures may be seen with physical abuse, and if present
may increase suspicion of abuse, but are found in a small minority of children with maltreatment-related injuries.

Child abuse can have significant physical effects on a child, which can vary depending on the type and severity of the
abuse. Here are some common physical effects of child abuse:
1. Bruises and injuries: Physical abuse can cause bruises, cuts, burns, broken bones, and other injuries.

2. Delayed growth and development: Chronic neglect, malnutrition, or lack of medical attention can lead to delayed
growth and development.

3. Chronic pain: Repeated physical abuse can lead to chronic pain and disabilities.

4. Sexual health problems: Sexual abuse can cause physical injuries, infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

5. Sleep disorders: Children who have experienced abuse may have difficulty sleeping or suffer from nightmares.

6. Substance abuse: Some children who have experienced abuse may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with
their trauma, leading to physical health problems.

7. Eating disorders: Children who have experienced abuse may develop eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

8. Psychosomatic symptoms: Children who have experienced abuse may develop physical symptoms, such as
headaches or stomach aches, as a result of the psychological trauma they have experienced.

These physical effects can have long-lasting and even permanent consequences on a child's health and well-being. It is
important to seek medical attention for any child who has been abused to ensure they receive appropriate treatment and
care.

The long-term impact of child abuse and neglect on physical health and development can be:
• Shaken baby syndrome. Shaking a baby is a common form of child abuse that often results in permanent neurological
damage. Damage results from intracranial hypertension after bleeding in the brain, damage to the spinal cord and
neck, and rib or bone fractures.
• Impaired brain development. Child abuse and neglect have been shown, in some cases, to cause important regions of
the brain to fail to form or grow properly, resulting in impaired development. Structural brain changes as a result of
child abuse or neglect include overall smaller brain volume, hippocampal atrophy, prefrontal cortex dysfunction, de-
creased corpus callosum density, and delays in the myelination of synapses.
• Poor physical health. In addition to possible immediate adverse physical effects, household dysfunction and child-
hood maltreatment are strongly associated with many chronic physical and psychological effects, including subse-
quent ill-health in childhood, adolescence and adulthood, with higher rates of chronic conditions, high-risk health be-
haviors and shortened lifespan. Adults who experienced abuse or neglect during childhood are more likely to suffer
from physical ailments such as allergies, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, and ulcers.
• Exposure to violence during childhood is associated with shortened telomeres and with reduced telomerase activity.
The increased rate of telomere length reduction correlates to a reduction in lifespan of 7 to 15 years.

“CHILDHOOD SHOULD BE CAREFREE, PLAYING IN THE SUN; NOT LIVING A NIGHTMARE IN THE
DARKNESS OF SOUL…”

MENTAL EFFECTS- Child abuse can cause a range of emotional effects. Children who are constantly ignored,
shamed, terrorized or humiliated suffer at least as much, if not more, than if they are physically assaulted. Brain devel-
opment of the child is greatly influenced and responds to the experiences with families, caregivers, and the commu-
nity. Abused children can grow up experiencing insecurities, low self-esteem, and lack of development. Many abused
children experience ongoing difficulties with trust, social withdrawal, trouble in school, and forming relationships.

Babies and other young children can be affected differently by abuse than their older counterparts. Babies and pre-
school children who are being emotionally abused or neglected may be overly affectionate towards strangers or people
they have not known for very long. They can lack confidence or become anxious, appear to not have a close relation-
ship with their parent, exhibit aggressive behavior or act nasty towards other children and animals. Older children may
use foul language or act in a markedly different way to other children at the same age, struggle to control strong emo-
tions, seem isolated from their parents, lack social skills or have few, if any, friends. Child abuse can have significant
and long-lasting effects on a child's mental health and well-being. Here are some common mental effects of child abuse:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Children who have experienced abuse may develop PTSD, which can cause
symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intense anxiety.

2. Depression: Child abuse can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, which can lead to depres-
sion.
3. Anxiety disorders: Children who have experienced abuse may develop anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, gen-
eralized anxiety disorder, or social anxiety disorder.

4. Behavioral problems: Children who have experienced abuse may exhibit behavioral problems, such as aggression,
defiance, or acting out.

5. Substance abuse: Some children who have experienced abuse may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with
their trauma, which can lead to addiction and other mental health problems. It has been discovered that childhood abuse
can lead to the addiction of drugs and alcohol in adolescence and adult life. Studies show that any type of abuse experi-
enced in childhood can cause neurological changes making an individual more prone to addictive tendencies. A signifi-
cant study examined that a large sum of the children who were abused are now currently addicted to alcohol. This case
study outlines how addiction is a significant effect of childhood abuse.

6. Self-harm: Children who have experienced abuse may engage in self-harming behaviors, such as cutting or burning
themselves, as a way to cope with their emotional pain.

7. Eating disorders: Child abuse can contribute to the development of eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.

8. Low self-esteem: Children who have experienced abuse may have low self-esteem, feel ashamed, and have difficulty
forming healthy relationships with others.

These mental health effects can have long-lasting consequences, and it is important to seek help from a mental health
professional if a child has experienced abuse. Early intervention and treatment can help mitigate the impact of abuse on
a child's mental health and well-being.

Types of DOMESTIC ABUSE-

Domestic abuse refers to any pattern of behavior used by one person to control and exert power over another person in
the context of an intimate relationship. It can take many different forms, including:

1. Physical abuse: Any use of physical force that causes bodily harm, injury, or pain. This can include hitting, slapping,
pushing, or choking.

2. Emotional or psychological abuse: Any behavior or action that undermines a person's self-esteem or sense of self-
worth. This can include verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, or controlling behavior.

3. Sexual abuse: Any sexual activity that is forced or unwanted, including rape, sexual assault, and sexual coercion.

4. Financial abuse: Any behavior that controls or manipulates a person's financial resources, including withholding
money or access to money, stealing money, or forcing a person to work against their will.

5. Stalking: Any pattern of behavior that is intended to harass, intimidate, or threaten a person, including following a
person, making threatening phone calls or texts, or leaving unwanted gifts or messages.

6. Spiritual or cultural abuse: Any behavior that undermines a person's spiritual or cultural beliefs, including ridiculing
or belittling a person's religious or cultural practices.

It is important to note that domestic abuse can take many different forms, and it is not always physical. Any pattern of
behavior that is intended to exert power and control over another person can be considered domestic abuse.

Types of psychological or emotional abuse

• Enforced social isolation – preventing someone accessing services, educational and social opportunities and
seeing friends
• Removing mobility or communication aids or intentionally leaving someone unattended when they need assis-
tance
• Preventing someone from meeting their religious and cultural needs
• Preventing the expression of choice and opinion
• Failure to respect privacy
• Preventing stimulation, meaningful occupation or activities
• Intimidation, coercion, harassment, use of threats, humiliation, bullying, swearing or verbal abuse
• Addressing a person in a patronising or infantilising way
• Threats of harm or abandonment
• Cyber bullying

Types of discriminatory abuse

• Unequal treatment based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy
and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation (known as ‘protected characteristics’ under the Equal-
ity Act 2010)
• Verbal abuse, derogatory remarks or inappropriate use of language related to a protected characteristic
• Denying access to communication aids, not allowing access to an interpreter, signer or lip-reader
• Harassment or deliberate exclusion on the grounds of a protected characteristic
• Denying basic rights to healthcare, education, employment and criminal justice relating to a protected charac-
teristic
• Substandard service provision relating to a protected characteristic.

Types of neglect and acts of omission

• Failure to provide or allow access to food, shelter, clothing, heating, stimulation and activity, personal or medi-
cal care
• Providing care in a way that the person dislikes
• Failure to administer medication as prescribed
• Refusal of access to visitors
• Not taking account of individuals’ cultural, religious or ethnic needs
• Not taking account of educational, social and recreational needs
• Ignoring or isolating the person
• Preventing the person from making their own decisions
• Preventing access to glasses, hearing aids, dentures, etc.
• Failure to ensure privacy and dignity

Types of self neglect

• Lack of self-care to an extent that it threatens personal health and safety
• Neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings
• Inability to avoid self-harm
• Failure to seek help or access services to meet health and social care needs
• Inability or unwillingness to manage one’s personal affairs

TREATMENTS
Several treatments are available to victims of child abuse. However, children who experience childhood trauma do not
heal from abuse easily. There are focused cognitive behavioral therapy, first developed to treat sexually abused chil-
dren, is now used for victims of any kind of trauma. It targets trauma-related symptoms in children including
PTSD, clinical depression and anxiety. It also includes a component for non-offending parents. Several studies have
found that sexually abused children undergoing TF-CBT improved more than children undergoing certain other thera-
pies. The purpose of dealing with the thoughts and feelings associated with the trauma is to deal with nightmares, flash-
backs and other intrusive experiences that might be spontaneously brought on by any number of discriminative stimuli
in the environment or in the individual’s brain. This would aid the individual in becoming less fearful of specific stimuli
that would arouse debilitating fear, anger, sadness or other negative emotion. In other words, the individual would have
some control or mastery over those emotions. Parenting training can prevent child abuse in the short term, and help chil-
dren with a range of emotional, conduct and behavioral challenges, but there is insufficient evidence about whether it
treat parents who already abuse their children. Abuse-focused cognitive behavioral therapy was designed for children
who have experienced physical abuse. It targets externalizing behaviors and strengthens prosocial behaviors.

The treatment of child abuse depends on the type and severity of abuse and the child's specific needs. Here are some
common treatments for child abuse:

1. Therapy: Therapy is often used to help children who have experienced abuse to cope with their trauma, manage their
emotions, and develop healthy relationships. Different types of therapy may be used, such as cognitive-behavioral ther-
apy (CBT) or trauma-focused therapy.

2. Medical care: Children who have experienced physical abuse may need medical care to treat any injuries or condi-
tions resulting from the abuse.

3. Child protective services: Child protective services may be involved to ensure the child's safety and well-being and to
provide necessary support services.
4. Education and support: Education and support services can be helpful for both the child and their caregiver. Support
groups, parenting classes, and counseling services can help caregivers learn how to provide a safe and supportive envi-
ronment for the child.

5. Legal intervention: In cases where the abuse is severe or ongoing, legal intervention may be necessary to protect the
child and hold the abuser accountable.

It is important to seek help as soon as possible if a child has experienced abuse. Early intervention and treatment can
help mitigate the long-term impact of abuse on a child's physical and mental health.

Prevention
Preventing child abuse requires a multi-faceted approach that involves education, awareness, and action. Here are some
ways to prevent child abuse:

1. Education and awareness: Educating children, parents, caregivers, and communities about child abuse, its effects, and
how to prevent it can help reduce the incidence of abuse. This can include providing information about healthy relation-
ships, warning signs of abuse, and resources for help.

2. Support for parents: Providing support services for parents, such as parenting classes, counseling, and financial assis-
tance, can help reduce stress and prevent child abuse.

3. Early intervention: Identifying and addressing the early signs of abuse can prevent it from escalating. This can in-
clude reporting suspected abuse to child protective services or seeking help from a mental health professional.

4. Stronger laws and policies: Stronger laws and policies can help prevent child abuse by increasing penalties for of-
fenders, providing resources for victims, and promoting prevention strategies.

5. Safe environments: Creating safe environments for children, such as schools, daycares, and recreational programs,
can help reduce the risk of abuse. This includes screening and training staff, implementing policies and procedures to
prevent abuse, and providing resources for children and families.

6. Empowering children: Empowering children to speak up about abuse and teaching them about personal safety can
help prevent abuse from occurring. This can include teaching children about safe touch, boundaries, and how to report
abuse.

Preventing child abuse requires a coordinated effort from individuals, communities, and government agencies. By
working together, we can create safer environments for children and prevent the devastating effects of child abuse.

• Studies show that if health and medical care personnel in a structured way ask parents about important psychosocial
risk factors in connection with visiting pediatric primary care and, if necessary, offering the parent help may help
prevent child maltreatment.
• Children's school programs regarding "good touch … bad touch" can provide children with a forum in which to role-
play and learn to avoid potentially harmful scenarios.
• Videoconferencing has also been used to diagnose child abuse in remote emergency departments and clinics. 
• Unintended conception increases the risk of subsequent child abuse, and large family size increases the risk of child
neglect. 
• "The starting point for effective child abuse programming is pregnancy planning," Findings from research published
in 2016 support the importance of family relationships in the trajectory of a child's life: family-targeted interventions
are important for improving long-term health, particularly in communities that are socioeconomically disadvantaged.

LAWS MADE FOR PREVENTION

In India, there are several laws and policies in place to prevent child abuse and protect children from harm. Here are
some of the key laws and policies related to child abuse prevention:

1. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: This law aims to protect children from sexual
abuse and exploitation by defining various forms of sexual abuse and prescribing penalties for offenders. It also estab-
lishes special courts for the speedy trial of cases related to child sexual abuse.

2. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: This law provides for the care, protection, and re-
habilitation of children in need of care and protection. It also provides for the establishment of juvenile justice boards,
child welfare committees, and special homes for children in need of care and protection.
 3. The National Policy for Children, 2013: This policy outlines the government's commitment to promoting and protect-
ing the rights of children. It focuses on areas such as health, education, child protection, and participation.

4. The Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS): This scheme aims to create a safe and protective environment for
children in need of care and protection. It provides for the establishment of child protection units, childline services, and
specialized adoption agencies.

5. The Right to Education Act, 2009: This law provides for free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14
years. It also prohibits physical punishment and mental harassment of children in schools.

6. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986: This law prohibits the employment of children in certain
occupations and regulates the conditions of work of children in other occupations.

These laws and policies play an important role in preventing child abuse and promoting the well-being of children in In-
dia. However, their effective implementation requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including government
agencies, civil society organizations, and individuals.

Goa Children's Act, 2003, was the only specific piece of child abuse legislation before the 2012 Act. Child sexual abuse
was prosecuted under the following sections of Indian Penal Code
•I.P.C. (1860) 375- Rape
•I.P.C. (1860) 354- Outraging the modesty of a woman
•I.P.C. (1860) 377- Unnatural offences

However, the IPC could not effectively protect the child due to various loopholes like:
•IPC 375 doesn't protect male victims or anyone from sexual acts of penetration other than "traditional" peno-vaginal
intercourse.
•IPC 354 lacks a statutory definition of "modesty". It carries a weak penalty and is a compoundable offence. Further, it
does not protect the "modesty" of a male child.
•In IPC 377, the term "unnatural offences" is not defined. It only applies to victims penetrated by their attacker's sex act
and is not designed to criminalize sexual abuse of children.
•Section 315 and 316 of IPC deal with the death of an unborn child or an infant.
•Section 317 of the Indian Penal Code deals with the abandonment of a child below the age of twelve years.
•Section 366A of IPC deals with inducing any minor girl to have sexual intercourse with another person.
•Section 372 and 373 of the Indian Penal Code punishes the accused of selling or buying minor girls for prostitution and il-
licit intercourse for any unlawful and immoral purpose. 
•After the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, the punishment for rape of a minor girl has been aggravated (made more
serious) under section 376(2)(i) of IPC.

Some policies-
•National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which is incorporated under the Ministry of Woman and
Child Development by the central government, works to regulate all laws and programs with a child-centric approach. The
commission can also take Suo moto cognizance for violation of child rights.
•Child Welfare Committee (CWC)- This committee is formed under the Woman and Child Development Department. The
committee looks after the child in need of care and protection. This committee is to be informed about any child abuse
within 24 hours by the police officer.