Child Abuse/ Neglect
By: Jessica Martinez
There are many different types of child abuse and neglect. For the purpose of this research four different types of abuse will be discussed and several recommendations of what can be done to prevent these crimes against children will be suggested. The four types of abuse discussed will be physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. Recommendations will be made in the conclusion.
Physical abuse is the type of abuse that involves injury to the child. It may be the result of a deliberate attempt to hurt the child, but not always. It can also be the result from a severe punishment. Such as using the belt on a child, or a physical punishment that is inappropriate to the child’s age or physical condition(www.HelpGuide.com).
According to the Help Guide, physically abusive parents act out of anger and the desire to assert control. They are not acting on the motivation of lovingly teaching the child.
The Help Guide explains that In physical abuse, unlike physical forms of discipline, the following elements are presented: unpredictability, lashing out in anger and using fear to control behavior(www.HelpGuide.com). In many cases the child being abused may never know what is going to set their parents off. This is because there are no clear boundaries(www.HelpGuide.com). According to Help Guide, the child is also constantly walking on eggshells, never sure what behavior will trigger a physical assault. Pat research has shown that the angrier the parent, the more intense the abuse. Physical abusive parents believe that their children need to fear them in order to behave. So to “keep them in line” they use physical abuse (www.HelpGuide.com. However, research has shown that what children really learn is how to avoid getting hit, not how to behave or grow as their own individuals.
There is a difference between discipline and physical abuse. According to Hamilton county Job and Family services, state laws vary on what is discipline and what constitutes abuse. Parents need to be able to recognize when their discipline crosses the line. Hamilton county Job and Family services say that discipline is probably excessive when the child is physically injured; including bruising, broken skin, swelling or a situation that requires medical attention (www.hcifs.org). According to the information found through Hamilton county the caretaker or parent loses control and they punish the child to instill fear rather than to educate the child. When disciplining your child the discipline should always be age appropriate and there should never be unreasonable demands or expectations put on the child (www.hcifs.org ).
When disciplining your child you should ask yourself the following questions.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me? On the contrary to this saying, emotional abuse can severely damage a child’s mental health or social development, leaving lifelong psychological scars” (www.HelpGuide.com ). According to Help Guide, constantly belittling, shaming, and humiliating a child are some examples of emotional abuse(www.HelpGuide.com ). Some more examples from their web site are: calling a child names, telling a child he or she is no good or a mistake, worthless or bad just to mention a few. Frequently yelling, threatening, bullying, ignoring a child or rejecting the child as a punishment, Exposing a child to violence or the abuse of others, whether it be the abuse of a parent, sibling, or even a pet(www.HelpGuide.com ). The findings from a recent study by The American Psychological Association confirmed that “childhood psychological abuse has lasting, significant damage, equal to or exceeding the long-term consequences of physical abuse” (Labier, Douglas). Douglas Labier, business psychologist and psychotherapist confirms that childhood psychological abuse has lasting, significant damage, equal to or exceeding the long-term consequences of physical abuse. According to Labier, he believes that there are many kinds of psychological abuse that parents subject their children to. Those mentioned in the article are: neglect, humiliation, degradation, excessive unnecessary pressure and neglect. “Any of the forms of psychological abuse may be fueled by the parents own self-hatred, jealousy, narcissism or other pathology” (Labier).
Neglect
Child neglect is a very common type of child abuse. Failing to provide for a child’s basic needs, it could be from not providing adequate food, clothing, hygiene, and/ or supervision. Child neglect isnt easy to spot a parent could become physically or mentally unable to care for a child from a serious injury, untreated depression, or anxiety. In other times it could be from drugs or alcohol. Children dont always show outward signs of neglect. Becoming used to presenting a competent face to the outside world.
conclusion
According to the web site www.HelpGuide.org there are many myths surrounding child abuse and neglect. To mention just a few: It’s only abuse if it’s violent. Only bad people abuse their children. Child abuse doesn’t happen in “good families”. Abused children grow up to be abusers. These are just four of the many myths people believe towards Child Abuse/ Neglect (www.HelpGuide.org ).
For many people it’s easy to say that only “bad people” abuse their children, but it’s not always so black and white. Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children, many have been victims of abuse themselves and may not know any other way to parent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or a substance abuse problem. Child abuse doesn’t only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. It crosses all racial, economic and cultural lines. Sometimes families who seem to have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind doors.
Children who grew up being abused are more likely to repeat the cycle as adults, unconsciously repeating what they experienced as children. Adult survivors of child abuse can struggle with unexplained anxiety, depression, or anger. Some may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb out the pain. On the other hand, many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through and become excellent parents.
One of the most complicated form of abuse is Sexual abuse, because of its layers of guilt and shame. Sexual abuse doesn’t always involve body contact. Exposing a child to sexual situations or material is also sexual abuse, whether or not touching is involved. While stories of sexual predators are scary, what’s even frightening is that sexual abuse usually occurs at the hands of someone the child knows and should be able to trust. Most often close relatives. Many believe that girls are the ones who are at risk but on the contrary boys and girls both suffer from from sexual abuse. Sexual abuse of boys may be underreported due to shame and stigma
Aside from the physical damage that sexual abuse causes, the emotional component is the most powerful and far-reaching. Sexually abused children are tormented by shame and guilt. A lot of sexually abused children may feel that they are responsible for the abuse or somehow brought it upon themselves. This could lead to self-loathing and sexual problems as they grow older. The shame of secual abuse can make it very difficult for children to come forward. They may worry that others won’t believe them, will be angry with them, or that is will split their family apart. Even though false accusations of sexual abuse are not common, If a child confides in you, take him or her seriously. DON’T TURN A BLIND EYE!!
http://www.hcjfs.org/services/child-protection/know-the-difference-between-discipline-and-abuse/ Hamilton Family Job and Sevices. Differences between Discipline and abuse
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect.htm
Featuring fresh takes and real-time analysis from HuffPost's signature lineup of contributors
HOT ON THE BLOG
Douglas LaBier Become a fan
Business psychologist and psychotherapist; director, Center for Progressive Development
Childhood Psychological Abuse Has Long-Lasting ImpactPosted: 12/15/2014 12:54 pm EST Updated: 02/14/2015 5:59 am EST
According to Huffington Post, Psychological abuse has a very long shelf life, as the APA report confirms. "Children who are emotionally abused and neglected face similar and sometimes worse mental health problems as children who are physically or sexually abused, yet psychological abuse is rarely addressed in prevention programs or in treating victims." (www.huffingtonpost.com )
Reports have pointed that children who had been psychologically abused suffered from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, symptoms of post-traumatic stress and suicidality at the same rate and, in some causes at a greater rate than children who were physically or sexually abused. Psychological abuse was most strongly associated with depression, general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, attachment problems and substance abuse. ( www.huffingto npost.com )
Emotional scarring has long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child’s sense of self, ability to have healthy relationships, and ability to function at home, at work and at school. Other effects include lack of trust and future/present relationship difficulties, Core feelings of being “worthless” or “damaged”, and trouble regulating emotions. Abused children cannot express emotions safely. As a result the emotions get stuffed down, coming out in unexpected ways. Adult or teenage survivors of child abuse may also turn to alcohol or drugs to numb out the painful feelings (www.helpguide.org ).
There are several types of child abuse, but the core element that ties them together is the emotional effect on the child. Children need predictability, structure, clear boundaries , and the knowledge that their parents are looking out for their safety. Abused children cannot predict how their parents will act. Their world is an unpredictable, frightening place with no rules. Whether the abuse is a slap, harsh comment, stony silence, or not knowing if there will be dinner on the table tonight, the end result is a child that feel unsafe, uncared for, and alone.
Physical abuse vs. Discipline
In physical abuse, unlike physical forms of discipline, the following elements are present:
1-800-656-HOPE – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
Or visit ChiWorld.org for a list of other international child helplines.
Work sited:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect.htm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/douglas-labier/childhood-psychological-a_b_6301538.html
http://www.hcjfs.org/services/child-protection/know-the-difference-between-discipline-and-abuse/
Physical abuse is the type of abuse that involves injury to the child. It may be the result of a deliberate attempt to hurt the child, but not always. It can also be the result from a severe punishment. Such as using the belt on a child, or a physical punishment that is inappropriate to the child’s age or physical condition(www.HelpGuide.com).
According to the Help Guide, physically abusive parents act out of anger and the desire to assert control. They are not acting on the motivation of lovingly teaching the child.
The Help Guide explains that In physical abuse, unlike physical forms of discipline, the following elements are presented: unpredictability, lashing out in anger and using fear to control behavior(www.HelpGuide.com). In many cases the child being abused may never know what is going to set their parents off. This is because there are no clear boundaries(www.HelpGuide.com). According to Help Guide, the child is also constantly walking on eggshells, never sure what behavior will trigger a physical assault. Pat research has shown that the angrier the parent, the more intense the abuse. Physical abusive parents believe that their children need to fear them in order to behave. So to “keep them in line” they use physical abuse (www.HelpGuide.com. However, research has shown that what children really learn is how to avoid getting hit, not how to behave or grow as their own individuals.
There is a difference between discipline and physical abuse. According to Hamilton county Job and Family services, state laws vary on what is discipline and what constitutes abuse. Parents need to be able to recognize when their discipline crosses the line. Hamilton county Job and Family services say that discipline is probably excessive when the child is physically injured; including bruising, broken skin, swelling or a situation that requires medical attention (www.hcifs.org). According to the information found through Hamilton county the caretaker or parent loses control and they punish the child to instill fear rather than to educate the child. When disciplining your child the discipline should always be age appropriate and there should never be unreasonable demands or expectations put on the child (www.hcifs.org ).
When disciplining your child you should ask yourself the following questions.
- Do I feel good about this exchange?
- Is there an important lesson that I am teaching my child?
- Does my child know that I love him/her?
- Is there mutual respect, or fear?
- Am I behaving in a way that I would want my child to behave?
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me? On the contrary to this saying, emotional abuse can severely damage a child’s mental health or social development, leaving lifelong psychological scars” (www.HelpGuide.com ). According to Help Guide, constantly belittling, shaming, and humiliating a child are some examples of emotional abuse(www.HelpGuide.com ). Some more examples from their web site are: calling a child names, telling a child he or she is no good or a mistake, worthless or bad just to mention a few. Frequently yelling, threatening, bullying, ignoring a child or rejecting the child as a punishment, Exposing a child to violence or the abuse of others, whether it be the abuse of a parent, sibling, or even a pet(www.HelpGuide.com ). The findings from a recent study by The American Psychological Association confirmed that “childhood psychological abuse has lasting, significant damage, equal to or exceeding the long-term consequences of physical abuse” (Labier, Douglas). Douglas Labier, business psychologist and psychotherapist confirms that childhood psychological abuse has lasting, significant damage, equal to or exceeding the long-term consequences of physical abuse. According to Labier, he believes that there are many kinds of psychological abuse that parents subject their children to. Those mentioned in the article are: neglect, humiliation, degradation, excessive unnecessary pressure and neglect. “Any of the forms of psychological abuse may be fueled by the parents own self-hatred, jealousy, narcissism or other pathology” (Labier).
Neglect
Child neglect is a very common type of child abuse. Failing to provide for a child’s basic needs, it could be from not providing adequate food, clothing, hygiene, and/ or supervision. Child neglect isnt easy to spot a parent could become physically or mentally unable to care for a child from a serious injury, untreated depression, or anxiety. In other times it could be from drugs or alcohol. Children dont always show outward signs of neglect. Becoming used to presenting a competent face to the outside world.
conclusion
According to the web site www.HelpGuide.org there are many myths surrounding child abuse and neglect. To mention just a few: It’s only abuse if it’s violent. Only bad people abuse their children. Child abuse doesn’t happen in “good families”. Abused children grow up to be abusers. These are just four of the many myths people believe towards Child Abuse/ Neglect (www.HelpGuide.org ).
For many people it’s easy to say that only “bad people” abuse their children, but it’s not always so black and white. Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children, many have been victims of abuse themselves and may not know any other way to parent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or a substance abuse problem. Child abuse doesn’t only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. It crosses all racial, economic and cultural lines. Sometimes families who seem to have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind doors.
Children who grew up being abused are more likely to repeat the cycle as adults, unconsciously repeating what they experienced as children. Adult survivors of child abuse can struggle with unexplained anxiety, depression, or anger. Some may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb out the pain. On the other hand, many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through and become excellent parents.
One of the most complicated form of abuse is Sexual abuse, because of its layers of guilt and shame. Sexual abuse doesn’t always involve body contact. Exposing a child to sexual situations or material is also sexual abuse, whether or not touching is involved. While stories of sexual predators are scary, what’s even frightening is that sexual abuse usually occurs at the hands of someone the child knows and should be able to trust. Most often close relatives. Many believe that girls are the ones who are at risk but on the contrary boys and girls both suffer from from sexual abuse. Sexual abuse of boys may be underreported due to shame and stigma
Aside from the physical damage that sexual abuse causes, the emotional component is the most powerful and far-reaching. Sexually abused children are tormented by shame and guilt. A lot of sexually abused children may feel that they are responsible for the abuse or somehow brought it upon themselves. This could lead to self-loathing and sexual problems as they grow older. The shame of secual abuse can make it very difficult for children to come forward. They may worry that others won’t believe them, will be angry with them, or that is will split their family apart. Even though false accusations of sexual abuse are not common, If a child confides in you, take him or her seriously. DON’T TURN A BLIND EYE!!
http://www.hcjfs.org/services/child-protection/know-the-difference-between-discipline-and-abuse/ Hamilton Family Job and Sevices. Differences between Discipline and abuse
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect.htm
Featuring fresh takes and real-time analysis from HuffPost's signature lineup of contributors
HOT ON THE BLOG
Douglas LaBier Become a fan
Business psychologist and psychotherapist; director, Center for Progressive Development
Childhood Psychological Abuse Has Long-Lasting ImpactPosted: 12/15/2014 12:54 pm EST Updated: 02/14/2015 5:59 am EST
According to Huffington Post, Psychological abuse has a very long shelf life, as the APA report confirms. "Children who are emotionally abused and neglected face similar and sometimes worse mental health problems as children who are physically or sexually abused, yet psychological abuse is rarely addressed in prevention programs or in treating victims." (www.huffingtonpost.com )
Reports have pointed that children who had been psychologically abused suffered from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, symptoms of post-traumatic stress and suicidality at the same rate and, in some causes at a greater rate than children who were physically or sexually abused. Psychological abuse was most strongly associated with depression, general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, attachment problems and substance abuse. ( www.huffingto npost.com )
Emotional scarring has long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child’s sense of self, ability to have healthy relationships, and ability to function at home, at work and at school. Other effects include lack of trust and future/present relationship difficulties, Core feelings of being “worthless” or “damaged”, and trouble regulating emotions. Abused children cannot express emotions safely. As a result the emotions get stuffed down, coming out in unexpected ways. Adult or teenage survivors of child abuse may also turn to alcohol or drugs to numb out the painful feelings (www.helpguide.org ).
There are several types of child abuse, but the core element that ties them together is the emotional effect on the child. Children need predictability, structure, clear boundaries , and the knowledge that their parents are looking out for their safety. Abused children cannot predict how their parents will act. Their world is an unpredictable, frightening place with no rules. Whether the abuse is a slap, harsh comment, stony silence, or not knowing if there will be dinner on the table tonight, the end result is a child that feel unsafe, uncared for, and alone.
Physical abuse vs. Discipline
In physical abuse, unlike physical forms of discipline, the following elements are present:
- Unpredictability. The child never knows what is going to set the parent off. There are no clear boundaries or rules. The child is constantly walking on eggshells, never sure what behavior will trigger a physical assault.
- Lashing out in anger. Physically abusive parents act out of anger and the desire to assert control, not the motivation to lovingly teach the child. The angrier the parent, the more intense the abuse.
- Using fear to control behavior. Parents who are physically abusive may believe that their children need to fear them in order to behave, so they use physical abuse to “keep their child in line.” However, what children are really learning is how to avoid being hit, not how to behave or grow as individuals.
1-800-656-HOPE – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
Or visit ChiWorld.org for a list of other international child helplines.
Work sited:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect.htm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/douglas-labier/childhood-psychological-a_b_6301538.html
http://www.hcjfs.org/services/child-protection/know-the-difference-between-discipline-and-abuse/