A Cruse For Children(Child Abuse)

                                       CHILD ABUSE

WHAT  IS CHILD ABUSE?

Child abuse is not just physical violence directed at a child. It is any form of maltreatment by an adult, which is violent or threatening for the child. This includes neglect.

When child abuse occurs in the home and the abuser is, for example, the child’s parent or care-giver, this is a form of domestic violence .But children are sometimes abused by other adults on whom they are dependent, such as day nursery workers, teachers and sports coaches.

Sometimes abuse is intentional, but not always. If parents or caregivers are no longer able to cope with caring for the child, this can result in dysfunctional behaviour and abuse.

In 2010 Leiden University and TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research) carried out a study into the scope and nature of child abuse. Every year an estimated 119,000 children experience some type of abuse.

Types of child abuse:-

There are five general types of child abuse:

                         

1. Physical abuse: all forms of physical violence; 
2. Emotional or psychological abuse: an adult regularly berates the child, acts in a dismissive and hostile manner towards the child or intentionally scares the child.
3. Physical neglect: the child does not receive the care and nurturing that it needs.
4. Emotional or psychological neglect: continuous lack of positive attention for the child. Ignoring the child’s need for love, warmth and security. This category also covers cases in which children are witnesses to violence between their parents or caregivers.
5. Sexual abuse: sexual contact which an adult forces upon a child.

• Studies show emotional abuse may be the most damaging form of maltreatment causing adverse developmental consequences equivalent to, or more severe than, those of other forms of abuse .
• Due to causing damage to a child’s developing brain affecting their emotional and physical health as well as their social and cognitive development

Common signs:

Some common signs that there may be something concerning happening in a child’s life include:

1. unexplained changes in behaviour or personality
2. becoming withdrawn
3. seeming anxious
4. becoming uncharacteristically aggressive
5. lacks social skills and has few friends, if any
6. poor bond or relationship with a parent
7. knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age
8. running away or going missing
9. always choosing to wear clothes which cover their body.

    These signs don’t necessarily mean that a child is being abused, there could be other things happening in their life which are affecting their behaviour – but we can help you to assess the situation.

There are many ways to  Treat children who are affected by Child Abuse like Medical care, Psychotherapy and Diagnosis.

Medical care:

If necessary, help the child seek appropriate medical care. Seek immediate medical attention if a child has signs of an injury or a change in consciousness. Follow-up care with a health care provider may be required

Psychotherapy:

Talking with a mental health professional can:

• Help a child who has been abused learn to trust again
• Teach a child about healthy behavior and relationships
• Teach a child conflict management and boost self-esteem

Several different types of therapy may be effective, such as:Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)and Child-parent psychotherapy

Diagnosis:

Identifying abuse or neglect can be difficult. It requires careful evaluation of the situation, including checking for physical and behavioral signs.

Factors that may be considered in determining child abuse include:

• Physical exam, including evaluating injuries or signs and symptoms of suspected abuse or neglect
• Lab tests, X-rays or other tests
• Information about the child's medical and developmental history
• Description or observation of the child's behavior
• Observing interactions between parents or caregivers and the child
• Discussions with parents or caregivers
• Talking, when possible, with the child

If child abuse or neglect is suspected, a report needs to be made to an appropriate local child welfare agency to further investigate the case. Early identification of child abuse can keep children safe by stopping abuse and preventing future abuse from occurring.

PREVENTIONS OF CHILD ABUSE:

April is considered National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect.

1. Volunteer your time. Get involved with other parents in your community.
2. Discipline your children thoughtfully.
3. Examine your behavior.
4. Educate yourself and others. 
5. Teach children their rights. 
6. Support prevention programs.
7. Know what child abuse is.
8. Know the signs.

prevention of child abuse is important. It helps to reduce their vulnerability in harmful situations. It also means protecting children against social, psychological and emotional insecurity and distress. 

Conclusion:  

Child abuse is the biggest stigma attached to society. A child can be physically, sexually and emotionally abused. Any form of abuse can impact the mental health of a child.

       " The True Characte of a Society is revealed in how it treats its Children " 

                                                      -     A Blog by SAI GANESH ADDALA