CHILD ABUSE

“Child abuse is a problem no one really talks about. Abuse and neglect is the number one cause of injury in the country. More children die of abuse or neglect than of natural causes.” -Donna Miller

FOUR MAJOR TYPES: PHYSICAL SEXUAL EMOTIONAL NEGLECT

PHYSICAL ABUSE Any injury that results from physical aggression from the abuser, such as beating, slapping, hitting, pinching, biting, burning, scalding, shaking, kicking, throwing, etc. Ranges from “minor assault” to “severe assault”

SEXUAL ABUSE Having a sexual interaction with a child that the person is responsible for, such as a parent, babysitter, etc Includes intercourse, fondling a child’s genitals, sodomy, incest, exhibitionism and sexual exploitation (Lowenstein, 2011)

EMOTIONAL ABUSE Affects the emotional well being of a child by the commission of a parental act upon them Emotional well being can be broken down into concepts such as attitude and behavior a child displays Emotional abuse includes mental, verbal, psychological maltreatment, etc

NEGLECT Currently the number one form of child maltreatment (Bradshaw, Donohue, Cross, Urgelles, & Allen, 2011) Can range from physical, educational and emotional neglect It is what the parent is NOT doing for the child, so often times it is hard to pinpoint

WHY? Research suggests that abusers abuse because: Bradshaw et al. (2011) explains that parental dissatisfaction can be linked with harsh discipline, when compared to “parental education, extent of depression, beliefs about discipline, and parents being subjective to harsh discipline in their own childhood.” Substance abuse can be strongly associated with child maltreatment (Bradshaw et al., 2011)

WHY? Research suggests that abusers abuse because: People who have mental health difficulties, domestic violence background, significant parental conflict, alcohol and drug misuse are all risks for being an abuser (Glaser, 2011). Being abused as a child may also lead to an adult being an abuser themselves, out of anger or spite for their previous abuser.

REVEALING ABUSE Major step in overcoming abuse Schaeffer, Leventhal, & Asnes (2011) explain that children may not tell of abuse because of lack of opportunity, threats made by the perpetrator, relationship with perpetrator, and a lack of understanding. It is important to remember that older children are more prone to disclose to peers, whereas children are more prone to disclose to adults (Schaeffer, Leventhal, & Asnes, 2011).

DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES May grow up to be abusers themselves and may enter abusive romantic relationships or become abusive to their children (Larsen, Sandberg, Harper, & Bean, 2011) Sexual satisfaction in marriage and childhood abuse present a relationship connection (Larsen et al., 2011) Physical abuse in childhood has be found to have negative effects on adult psychological and mental functioning (Larsen et al., 2011)

DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES Depression, physical illness, anxiety, and anger Impairment within psychological and relational aspects have been associated with childhood sexual abuse (Larsen et al., 2011) Person lacking trust in others, wanting to be isolated, and has a hard time forming safe attachments throughout their lifetime

DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES Negative coping skills, self-esteem, adjustment levels, and life adjustment as a whole Mate selection may also have a negative influence on people who have experienced childhood abuse (Larsen et al., 2011) LaPota, Donohue, Warren, & Allen (2011) state that being abused leads to “health-related problems including heightened risk for cardiovascular disease, increased blood pressure, and greater risk for injuries such as sprains, fractures, and dislocations.”

ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS Bronfenbrenner developed this theory to show the views of children within a system of relationships that are complex (Berk, 2012) Levels: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem

MICROSYSTEM Innermost level of environment Relationships are bidirectional Can relate to abusers abusing children- this directly affects the child’s life These perpetrators may take over their every thought, action, and view of self

MESOSYSTEM Can relate to the developmental aspects of abused children Noting how a child acts towards teachers and peers can determine how they are feeling about themselves Family members, who most likely know the child well, may realize a sudden change in personality or behavior

EXOSYSTEM Can link to both children revealing abuse and parents abusing children People within the exosystem can be resourceful to the child if they know the child needs help Community Resources Aspects such as unemployment can lead people to be socially isolated, giving them very few community and personal-based ties, increasing the risk of child conflict and abuse (Klein & White, 2008).

MACROSYSTEM Gives protection to children through laws and values. If there were no laws, there would probably be even more abused children because the perpetrators would not be in jail. Educating the people through the laws, values, and customs can have a greater impact than education coming from a different system.

EDUCATION People are easily fearful and intimidated to talk of child abuse because it is uncomfortable. However, not talking about it can lead to more children suffering every day. It is time that the people become educated- at all ages.

EDUCATION Understanding the ecological theory and the effects it has on a child can encourage the parents to better themselves in the community to improve their family life. By the parents entering the community they can receive help through education, health care, social embededness, etc. which will aid in prevention of child maltreatment.

EDUCATION Doing things such as billboards, ads, s, posters, etc. can get the people involved and fighting against child abuse. These educational tools may also convict someone who is abusing a child and they might seek help because of the education they received. A child who doesn’t understand what is happening to them may realize that what is going on is not normal or okay and should be stopped immediately.

EDUCATION Second guessing a child and their word when it comes to abuse should never happen. Each person from the microsystem to the macrosystem should be quick to listen and slow to speak. Education leads towards prevention. It’s time for us to start helping these children and their perpetrators.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THIS WORLD!