THUNAIChild abuse takes many forms. Some of it is physical, some emotional and some sexual. Because it occurs during a critical phase of a child's brain development, it has a wide ranging impact when the child grows up. Luckily, scientists have discovered the process is reversible and it is possible to achieve normal, fulfilled life.
Lets discuss the main types of child abuse:
1. Emotional abuse:
Emotional abuse includes acts of omission (emotional neglect - what is not done) e.g. not expressing or showing love and affection. It also includes acts of commission (what is done) e.g. rejection, humiliation, insults, setting unreasonable expectations or restricting opportunities for the child to learn, socialise or explore.
Both acts of commission and omission can negatively affect a child’s self-esteem and ability to engage with others. Parents might do this because of their own history of trauma, difficulties setting boundaries and emotion regulation, domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse, amongst many others. Emotionally abused children are often unhappy, frightened and distressed. They can be aggressive, antisocial or too mature for their age.
2. Neglect:
Neglect occurs when a parent or caregiver fails to adequately provide for a child's needs: e.g. food, shelter, clothing, medical care, love, care and support, adequate supervision, appropriate legal and moral guidance, regular school attendance. Neglect can be classified into supervisory neglect, emotional neglect, physical neglect, medical neglect, educational neglect and abandonment.
The signs are similar to those for emotional abuse. They depend on the child’s age, for example older children may speak or act inappropriately, have poor social skills, struggle to manage their often intense emotions or outbursts.
3. Physical abuse:
Physical abuse is based on fear. The adult or caregiver lashes out angrily; it is unpredictable. Physical abuse is the most likely form of abuse to accompany another form e.g. emotional abuse or neglect.
It is not always intended to hurt the child and is sometimes justified as ‘discipline’.
Outward signs of physical abuse include being in a constant vigilant state, difficulty finding trust, being bossy and aggressive, or strong emotional reactions to everyday problems.
4. Domestic and family violence:
Domestic and family violence is a pattern of abusive behaviour in an intimate relationship. It uses threat, force, control and fear. Over time one person is in a position of power over another. It can include different sorts of abuse such as: physical, sexual and emotional assaults; stalking; isolating the person from friends and family; financial abuse; spiritual/cultural abuse; etc.
A child witnessing family violence is at risk of: behavioural and emotional difficulties, learning difficulties, long-term developmental problems, aggressive language and behaviour, restlessness, anxiety and depression.
5. Sexual abuse:
Child sexual abuse describes any incident in which an adult, adolescent or child uses their power and authority to engage a minor in a sexual act, or exposes the minor to inappropriate sexual behaviour or material. A person may sexually abuse a child using threats and physical force. Sometimes sexual abuse involves subtle forms of manipulation.
Children who are sexually abused can be: withdrawn, unhappy, suicidal; self-harming; aggressive and violent; bedwetting, have trouble sleeping, experience nightmares; have eating problems, etc. Adults sexually abused as children often experience poorer mental and physical health than other adults, are likely to have anxiety, mood or eating disorders, and have suicidal ideations.
6. Organized sexual abuse:
Organised abuse refers to situations in which a number of perpetrators abuse a number of children. In organised abuse children can experience all sorts of serious harms including child prostitution, making of child pornography, bizarre sadistic sexual practices, including ritualistic abuse and torture.
Based on Blueknot, Tulir, Rahi and Arpan.
Please contact Tulir or the Police if you know of any child being subjected to any abuse.