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Child Abuse and Neglect International Journal of Pediatric Nursing47 Volume 3 Number 1, January - April 2017 Review Article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijpen.2454.9126.3117.7 Child Abuse and Neglect Hansmukh Jain*, Anjali Sancha** Author Affiliation Abstract *Assistant Professor **Lecturer, College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences A Child Abuse and Neglect Child abuse is more than bruises and broken (AIIMS), Patna–801507 Bihar. bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, lasting scars. At least one Reprint Request Hansmukh Jain, Assistant in four children have experienced child neglect or abuse (including physical, Professor, College of Nursing, emotional, and sexual) at some point in their lives, and one in seven children All India Institute of Medical experienced abuse or neglect in the last year.The earlier abused children get Sciences (AIIMS), help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle—rather than Patna – 801507 Bihar. perpetuate it. By learning about common signs of abuse and what you can do to E-mail: intervene, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life. [email protected] Keywords: Child Abus; Neglect Child; Emotional Abuse. Received on|September 21|2016 Accepted on | October 12|2016 Introduction significant. Neglect, physical abuse, custodial interference, and sexual abuse are types of child maltreatment that can lead to poor physical and The World Health Organization (WHO) mental health well into adulthood. The physical, defines child abuse and child maltreatment as “all psychological, behavioural and economic forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, consequences of child maltreatment are explained sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or below. commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a Meaning of Child Abuse relationship of responsibility, trust or power [1].” A Child Abuse and Neglect Child abuse is more Child abuse is more than bruises or broken bones. than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse While physical abuse is shocking due to the scars it might be the most visible, other types of abuse, such leaves, not all child abuse is as obvious. Ignoring as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, children’s needs, putting them in unsupervised, lasting scars. The earlier abused children get help, dangerous situations, or making a child feel the greater chance they have to heal and break the worthless or stupid are also child abuse. Regardless cycle—rather than perpetuate it. By learning about of the type of child abuse, the result is serious common signs of abuse and what you can do to emotional harm. intervene, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life. Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic needs and is abuse. A child may be left hungry Child abuse and neglect affect children’s health or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, now and later, and costs to our country are supervision, medical or health care. A child may be International© Red Flower Journal Publication of Pediatric Pvt. Ltd. Nursing / Volume 3 Number 1 / January - April 2017 48 Hansmukh Jain & Anjali Sancha / Child Abuse and Neglect put in danger or not protected from physical or understanding why. Treatment for the caregiver emotional harm. They may not get the love, care and means better care for the children. attention they need from their parents. A child who’s neglected will often suffer from other abuse as well. Neglect is dangerous and can cause serious, long- Lack of Parenting Skills term damage - even death. Some caregivers never learned the skills necessary for good parenting. Teen parents, for example, might have unrealistic expectations about how much care Prevalence of Child Abuse and Neglect babies and small children need. Or parents who were • 1 in 4 children suffer abuse. themselves victims of child abuse may only know • An estimated 702,000 children were confirmed how to raise their children the way they were raised. by child protective services as being victims of In such cases, parenting classes, therapy, and abuse and neglect in 2014 [1]. caregiver support groups are great resources for learning better parenting skills. • At least one in four children have experienced child neglect or abuse (including physical, emotional, and sexual) at some point in their Stress and Lack of Support lives, and one in seven children experienced Parenting can be a very time-intensive, difficult abuse or neglect in the last year [2]. job, especially if you’re raising children without support from family, friends, or the community or Risk Factors of Child Abuse and Neglect you’re dealing with relationship problems or financial difficulties. Caring for a child with a disability, special needs, or difficult behaviours is While child abuse and neglect occurs in all types also a challenge. It’s important to get the support of families—even in those that look happy from the you need, so you are emotionally and physically able outside—children are at a much greater risk in to support your child. certain situations. Types of Child Abuse Domestic Violence There are several types of child abuse, but the core Witnessing domestic violence is terrifying to element that ties them together is the emotional effect children and emotionally abusive. Even if the mother on the child. Children need predictability, structure, does her best to protect her children and keeps them clear boundaries, and the knowledge that their from being physically abused, the situation is still parents are looking out for their safety. Abused extremely damaging. If you or a loved one is in an children cannot predict how their parents will act. abusive relationship, getting out is the best thing for Their world is an unpredictable, frightening place protecting the children. with no rules. Whether the abuse is a slap, a harsh comment, stony silence, or not knowing if there will be dinner on the table tonight, the end result is a Alcohol and Drug Abuse child that feel unsafe, uncared for, and alone. Living with an alcoholic or addict is very difficult for children and can easily lead to abuse and neglect. Emotional Child Abuse Parents who are drunk or high are unable to care for their children, make good parenting decisions, and Sticks and stones may break my bones but words control often-dangerous impulses. Substance abuse will never hurt me? Contrary to this old saying, also commonly leads to physical abuse. emotional abuse can severely damage a child’s mental health or social development, leaving lifelong psychological scars. Examples of emotional child Untreated Mental Illness abuse include: Parents who are suffering from depression, an • Constant belittling, shaming, and humiliating a anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or another mental child. illness have trouble taking care of themselves, much • Calling names and making negative comparisons less their children. A mentally ill or traumatized to others. parent may be distant and withdrawn from his or her children, or quick to anger without • Telling a child he or she is “no good,” International Journal of Pediatric Nursing / Volume 3 Number 1 / January - April 2017 Hansmukh Jain & Anjali Sancha / Child Abuse and Neglect 49 “worthless,” “bad,” or “a mistake.” contrary to what many believe, it’s not just girls who • Frequent yelling, threatening, or bullying. are at risk. Boys and girls both suffer from sexual abuse. In fact, sexual abuse of boys may be • Ignoring or rejecting a child as punishment, underreported due to shame and stigma. giving him or her the silent treatment. • Limited physical contact with the child—no hugs, kisses, or other signs of affection. Effects on Child • Exposing the child to violence or the abuse of All types of child abuse and neglect leave lasting others, whether it be the abuse of a parent, a scars. Some of these scars might be physical, but sibling, or even a pet. emotional scarring has long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child’s sense of self, ability to have healthy relationships, and ability to Child Neglect function at home, at work and at school. Some effects include: A very common type of child abuse—is a pattern of failing to provide for a child’s basic needs, whether • Lack of Trust and Relationship Difficulties. If you it be adequate food, clothing, hygiene, or supervision. can’t trust your parents, who can you trust? Child neglect is not always easy to spot. Sometimes, Abuse by a primary caregiver damages the most a parent might become physically or mentally unable fundamental relationship as a child—that you to care for a child, such as with a serious injury, will safely, reliably get your physical and untreated depression, or anxiety. Other times, alcohol emotional needs met by the person who is or drug abuse may seriously impair judgment and responsible for your care. Without this base, it is the ability to keep a child safe. very difficult to learn to trust people or know who is trustworthy. This can lead to difficulty • Older children might not show outward signs of maintaining relationships due to fear of being neglect, becoming used to presenting a competent controlled or abused. It can also lead to unhealthy face to the outside world, and even taking on the relationships because the adult doesn’t know role of the parent. But at the end of the day, what a good relationship is. neglected children are not getting their physical and emotional needs met. • Core Feelings of Being “Worthless” or “Damaged.” If you’ve been told over and over again as a child • Physical abuse involves physical harm or injury that you are stupid or no good, it is very difficult to the child.
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