Recognising child abuse and its effects How do we recognise child abuse and what are the different types?

Recognising child abuse and its effects Making Judgements Child abuse is one of the most discussed subjects of our time. It can be difficult not to make value judgements when working with children and their families. As practitioners you will be expected to recognise the main indicators of abuse and the possible effects. Many children and young people will want to cover up the fact that they are being abused.

Recognising child abuse and its effects Why cover up child abuse? the child can believe they deserve to be abused a young child can be unaware that the abuse is wrong the child or young person may be concerned that the family will split up if the abuse is reported the child or young person can be concerned that they will get the abuser into trouble and that they will be punished the child believes threats from the abuser and fears that they will withdraw love and care

Recognising child abuse and its effects Types of abuse physical abuse - non-accidental injury, out of control punishment; shaken baby syndrome; deliberate harm; torture sexual abuse – incest; sex acts with children under the consent age of 16; sexual acts such as buggery/rape/oral sex; exposure; use of sexually explicit language; exposure to pornographic materials; photographing or videoing of children for sexual gratification; putting children under pressure to witness such acts emotional abuse – withdrawal of emotion and love; isolation; name-calling, ridiculing; threatening behaviour; humiliating the child. Traumatising the child through one or more form of abuse or torture neglect – when a child is neglected in a physical way – for example: lack of food; not being kept clean and bathed or washed; clothes not washed – the extreme of all these examples

Recognising child abuse and its effects Some of the indicators signs and symptoms Physical abuse bruising frequent unexplained accidents poisoning frequent hospital visits burns and scalds cuts, abrasions and bites

Recognising child abuse and its effects Sexual abuse repeated urinary tract infections pregnancy sexually explicit language and behaviour reluctance to get undressed in front of others oral, anal and genital damage sexually transmitted diseases

Recognising child abuse and its effects Emotional abuse withdrawn and uncommunicative low self-esteem – low self-confidence attention-seeking behaviours unresponsive – frozen stare body-rocking, thumb-sucking, hair-twisting self-harming immature behaviour

Recognising child abuse and its effects Neglect over or under-weight chronic infestation – head and body lice persistent tiredness or illness poor concentration and under-achievement poor hygiene – unkempt and dirty ill-fitting and inappropriate clothes – not suitable for weather conditions poor supervision by an adult poor attendance at school

Recognising child abuse and its effects Observing changes in behaviour The practitioner must note things about the children or young person’s behaviour as part of good practice. changes in behaviour a sudden lack of confidence or poor self-esteem flinching or inability to have people near them becoming aggressive becoming withdrawn stealing food – always hungry

Recognising child abuse and its effects The golden words of caution!! One of or a combination of these signs and symptoms does not necessarily point to child abuse! Many people have different perceptions of cleanliness and a healthy diet – it does not make them abusive! Some of these signs and symptoms can be attributed to other things such as long-term illness, bereavement of a close family member etc. Observation of children is key – careful monitoring of children and young people show changes in behaviour which are often indicators of something to be concerned about!