Child Abuse BY: ASHLEY BENNETT

The Many Faces of Child Abuse…  Neglect- (definition) means to fail to properly care for something or someone.  Sexual- (definition) involves forcing undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another.  Physical- (definition) where physical force that may result in bodily injury is applied.  Emotional/Mental- (definition) this is also known as psychological violence. It is a form of abuse that is characterized by a person subjecting or exposing another to behavior that may result in psychological trauma. These four are the most common forms of child abuse.

Children Rights Child abuse has become an increasing problem over the years an has become a global issue. Child advocacy is very important and has been established as a rising field among the world. It is important to gather a understanding of “children’s rights” before defining “child abuse”. 1. Right to Education 2. Right to Health Services 3. Right to Special Protection

Child Abuse In 1999, the WHO Consultation on Child Abuse Prevention compared definitions of abuse from 58 countries and drafted the following definition: ‘‘ Child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child ’ s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power. ’’

Definitions: “The physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened.” “Any behavior directed toward a child that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development”

The 4 Types of Child Abuse 1. Physical Abuse 2. Sexual Abuse 3. Emotional Abuse 4. Neglect

Physical Abuse Physical abuse is any non-accidental injury to a child under the age of 18 by a parent or caretaker. These injuries may include beatings, shaking, burns, human bites, strangulation, or immersion in scalding water or others, with resulting bruises and welts, fractures, scars, burns, internal injuries or any other injuries. Another form is the “The shaken infant”. Shaking is a prevalent form of abuse seen in very young children (less than 1 year). Most perpetrators of such abuse are males. Intracranial hemorrhages, retinal hemorrhages and chip fractures of the child’s extremities can result from very rapid shaking of an infant.

Physical Abuse continued… The term ‘‘battered child syndrome’’ was coined to characterize the clinical manifestations of serious physical abuse in young children.

Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse includes the failure of a caregiver to provide an appropriate and supportive environment, and includes acts that have an adverse effect on the emotional health and development of a child.

Neglect Neglect refers to the failure of a parent to provide for the development of the child – where the parent is in a position to do so – in one or more of the following areas: health, education, emotional development, nutrition, shelter and safe living conditions.

Child Sexual Abuse Child sexual abuse is the exploitation of a child or adolescent for the sexual gratification of another person. Sexually Abusive Behaviors  Voyeurism  Fondling  Sodomy  Verbal, Oral-genital stimulation  Intercourse  Child Pornography  And Exhibitionism

Advocacy for Children Children need more advocates that will stand up and speak on their behalf. Abuse is a real problem that will not resolve on its own and is growing increasingly among America and all over the world. Children are being abused in many ways that fall under the four different categories of abuse. As an advocate you are able to be there and speak for that child who feels like he/she does not have a voice.

References Child abuse hysteria: a warning for educators. Spiegel, L.D. // Education Digest; Jan1989, Vol. 54 Issue 5, p55 Diagnosing and responding to serious child abuse. Jones, David P.H.; Lynch, Margaret A. // BMJ: British Medical Journal (International Edition); 08/22/98, Vol. 317 Issue 7157, p484 Emotional child abuse. Seligmann, J. // Newsweek; 10/3/88, Vol. 112 Issue 14, p48 Redefining abuse & neglect. Rycraft, Joan R. // Public Welfare; Winter90, Vol. 48 Issue 1, p14 Who speaks for the child? McDonald, T. // Children Today; May/Jun89, Vol. 18 Issue 3, p11