Understanding Child Abuse
Shamima Fowzee
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Many people think of physical violence when they hear the word "ABUSE". This is important to remember that brute force is one means of strength and influence, far from being the only one. Often it's not the first one that an abuser uses.
"Abuse" is a word in casual conversation which is thrown around a lot; but what defines abuse?
How does one know where they commit violence or are being abused? The definition of abuse is indeed quite simple. The definition of abuse is as follows according to the Gale Encyclopaedia of medicine:
Abuse is defined as any action that intentionally harms or injures another person.
In Short, the abuse is done by someone who deliberately hurt someone in some way. Child abuse is any mistreatment or neglect that causes harm to a child 18 years old or younger. This can be sexual, emotional and physical abuse, as well as neglect. Moreover, millions of children get abused every day.
Physical Abuse:
Physical abuse of a child is the non-accidental physical infliction child injury. The act is considered physical abuse even though the injury was not intended. The injury from physical child abuse may be the result of :
- beating, slapping or hitting
- pushing, shaking, kicking, or throwing
- pinching, biting, choking, or hair-pulling
- burning with cigarettes, scalding water, or other hot objects
- severe physical punishment
To read more about the sign and symbol and indication of Physical abuse click "Everything you need to know about physical abuse".
Emotional Abuse:
Emotional abuse of children is any behaviour, attitude, or future to act which interfere with the mental or social health of a child evolution. emotional abuse is almost present when a particular type of abuse is present. Examples of emotional abuse:
- giving children the "silent treatment"
- telling children they are "bad", no good", or a mistake"
- shouting or yelling to silence them
- mot allowing them to express views or opinion
- threatening
- bullying
- using emotional blackmail
- limited physical contact
Sexual Abuse:
Sexual abuse of a child is any sexual act forcefully between an adult and a child or coerces a child into participating in sexual activities. It can occur even when a child is not touched. Examples of sexual abuse include:
- watching others performing sexual acts or getting a child to watch such acts
- telling dirty jokes or stories
- forcing or inviting a child to undress for sexual gratification
- grooming, or preparing for future abuse or activity
- encouraging sexually inappropriate behaviour
- non-penetration sexual contact, such as touching, kissing, rubbing
- rape, penetration, including oral sex.
Neglect:
Child neglect is a common type of child abuse. In neglect, a parent or caregiver fails to meet a child's basic physical and emotional needs, with the result that the child's health or development is impaired. It includes:
- not providing appropriate food, clothing or medical care
- not having money for basic needs, like meal
- locking a child in room or closet
- not providing shelter, education
- leaving a child alone for a long time or so that they experience harm
- allowing the child to be unsuitably dressed for the time of year(e.g. no coat in winter)
Hey! I am Shamima Fowzee, an early childhood educator, trainer, and consultant. I share ideas, inspiration, & resources for play-based, inquiry-led learning. Find out more about me here.
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