Child Abuse and Neglect

Child Abuse and Neglect

BSHS 408

11/5/2016

Amy Willey

Child Abuse and Neglect

Introduction

Identifying child abuse or neglect can mean the difference of life or death to many of the children involved in these types of cases. It is important that if child abuse is suspected, that it is reported immediately so that something can be done in hopefully changing the course for the individual student involved. This booklet will touch on many topics that are important to know and understand in determining if abuse is suspected and taking place. Discussion topics will revolve around the definitions of abuse and neglect including physical, social, emotional, sexual, and child exploitation, causes and symptoms of these types of abuse and neglect, the statistical information regarding the prevalence of abuse, as well as real life examples, ways to identify abuse and characteristics to look for in extra familial abuse, and local or national resources for perpetrators and victims of abuse.

Definitions

Neglect is a form of abuse that occurs when a perpetrator declines to perform parental or guardian duties that directly relate to the health and welfare of the child. There are many types of neglect that a victim can experience. The categories include physical, emotional, educational, medical, language, and others (Crosson-Tower, 2014).

Physical abuse is much different from neglect in that it can be easier to detect. According to Crosson-Tower (2014), physical abuse is defined as non-accidental injury inflicted by a caregiver. Some symptoms consist of bruises, cuts, internal injuries, and behavioral issues. Physical abuse can also be present with neglect.

Emotional or psychological maltreatment is defined as more of a pattern rather than a one-time event. “This pattern emotionally breaks the child down through techniques like rejecting, isolating, terrorizing, ignoring, and corrupting”, (Crosson-Tower, 2014). This type of behavior can be present on its own and be harder to detect because it can be hidden under many symptoms like anger, depression, and behavioral problems (Crosson-Tower, 2014).

Sexual abuse is defined as an adult using a child to fulfill a desire through sexual activity (Crosson-Tower, 2014). Two types of sexual misuse derive from interfamilial and extra familial. Interfamilial maltreatment is committed from someone familiar with and related to the child or usually in the nuclear family. Extra familial offenders are outside of the home and do not previously know the victims.

Similar to sexual abuse, sexual exploitation refers to