CHILD ABUSE

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CHILD ABUSE
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 1
2. DEFINING CHILD ABUSE? .......................................................................................................... 1
3. IMPORTANCE OF CHILD ABUSE EDUCATION ...................................................................... 2
4. TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE.............................................................................................................. 2
Physical Abuse ................................................................................................................................ 2
Sexual Abuse ................................................................................................................................... 3
Emotional Abuse ............................................................................................................................ 3
Neglect ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Exploitation ...................................................................................................................................... 5
5. EFFECTS OF CHILD ABUSE AND CHILD NEGLECT ................................................................ 5
Effects of Child Neglect ............................................................................................................... 5
Effects of Physical Abuse ............................................................................................................. 5
Effects of Emotional Abuse ......................................................................................................... 5
Effects of Sexual Abuse ................................................................................................................ 6
6. FACTORS INCREASING A CHILD’S VULNERABILITY ............................................................. 6
7. THE CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD ABUSE ................................................................................ 9
8. MYTHS AND TRUTHS .................................................................................................................. 12
9. ROLE OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS ...................................................................................... 13
10. WHAT CAREGIVERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SELF-CONTROL ............................................ 13
11. REPORTING CHILD ABUSE ................................................................................................... 14
12. CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................ 14
REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................... 15

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 CHILD ABUSE
1. INTRODUCTION
Child abuse constitutes a violation of the most basic rights of children and
adolescents, which are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights. All persons under the age of 18 have the right to physical and
psychological integrity and to protection from all forms of violence. Article 19
of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) –adopted by the United
Nations in 1989– exhorts States parties to take “all appropriate legislative,
administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all
forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent
treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the
care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of
the child”. Similarly, the United Nations International Committee on the Rights
of the Child has emphasized the importance of member countries prohibiting
all forms of physical punishment and degrading treatment of children (CEPAL,
& UNICEF. 2009).
Every year tens of millions of children are abused and neglected
worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, it has been
estimated that 53,000 children are murdered each year. For every homicide
among young people there are 20–40 non-fatal cases which require hospital
care (WHO, 2004). Although the figures may seem horrendous, it can be
assumed that this is just the tip of the iceberg and a large number of cases
remain unnoticed, undetected and unreported. (WHO, 2002). It has also
been estimated that up to 1.5 billion children are affected by violence
(UNICEF, 2009a). Child protection is an umbrella term covering a range of
topics and themes related to child maltreatment. It refers to preventing, and
responding to violence, exploitation and abuse (UNICEF, 2009b). Child abuse,
neglect, exploitation and violence are the core issues that underlie child
protection. These issues are ingrained in the cultural, economic and social
practices and have detrimental consequences on the individual and the
society (WHO, 2002).

2. DEFINING CHILD ABUSE?

The UN defines violence against children in line with article 19 of the CRC:
against “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury and abuse, neglect or
children negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual
abuse” (UNICEF. 2014).

In 1999, the WHO Consultation on Child Abuse Prevention drafted the

following definition: “Child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of
physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent
treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential
harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a
relationship of responsibility, trust or power” (WHO, 1999).

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3. IMPORTANCE OF CHILD ABUSE EDUCATION
1. The earlier child abuse is detected, the better chance of recovery and
treatment
2. By learning the warning signs of child abuse and neglect, one can stop
the problem and get both, the child and the abuser help
3. But a warning sign doesn’t mean a child is being abused
4. It’s important to look deeper, looking for a pattern of abusive behavior
and warning signs

4. TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE

The International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
recently compared definitions of abuse from 58 countries and found some
commonality in what was considered abusive (Bross, Miyoshi, Miyoshi, &
Krugman, 2002). Some definitions focus on the behaviours or actions of adults
while others consider abuse to take place if there is harm or the threat of
harm to the child as clear from above mentioned definitions which covers
broad spectrum of child abuse. Some of the common types of child abuse
are mentioned here those focus primarily on acts of commission and omission
by parents or caregivers that result in harm to the child as described by
Runyan, Wattam, Ikeda, Hassan, and Ramiro (2002).

Physical Abuse
From point of view of parents and caregivers Physical abuse of a child is
defined as those acts of commission by a caregiver that cause actual
physical harm or have the potential for harm. Sexual abuse is defined as
those acts where a caregiver uses a child for sexual gratification (Runyan et
al., 2002).
That which results in actual or potential physical harm from an
interaction or abuse lack of an interaction, which is reasonably within the
control of a parent or person in a position of responsibility, power or trust.
There may be single or repeated incidents (UNICEF. 2014).
According to Barton (1986), physical abuse or non-accidental trauma
can be defined as injuries inflicted by a caretaker. Physical abuse is probably
the most important subtype of child maltreatment, because without
intervention and services it is potentially fatal. Often the injury stems from an
angry attempt of the caretaker to punish the child for misbehavior.
Sometimes it is an uncontrolled lashing out at a child who happens to be in
the caretaker’s way when some unrelated crisis occurs. Physical trauma can
be rated as mild (a few bruises, welts, scratches, cuts, scars), moderate
(numerous bruises, minor bums, a single fracture), or severe (large burn,
central nervous system injury, abdominal injury, multiple fractures, other life-
threatening injury).s5 Physically abused children are often young children. A
dentist is most likely to detect inflicted injuries of the face and mouth (e.g.,
slap marks, pinched ears, or bite marks).

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 According to me there is a difference between discipline and physical
abuse. Discipline teaches right from wrong whereas Physical abuse creates
fear. Severe discipline; using a belt or inappropriate physical punishment for
the age of the child, restraining a child against their will, exposure to extreme
heat or cold or forcing a child to overeat are some of common examples of
Physical Abuse.

Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse is the involvement of a child in sexual activity that he or
abuse she does not fully comprehend, is unable to give informed consent to,
or for which the child is not developmentally prepared and cannot give
consent, or that violate the laws or social taboos of society. Child sexual
abuse is evidenced by this activity between a child and an adult or another
child who by age or development is in a relationship of responsibility, trust or
power, the activity being intended to gratify or satisfy the needs of the other
person (UNICEF, 2014).
Sexual abuse can be defined as any sexual activity with a child under
age 18 by an adult. Most offenders are family-related, some are family
acquaintances and the least common are strangers. Types include
molestation (fondling or masturbation), intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral
intercourse on a non-assaultive basis), or family-related (Barton, 1986).

Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse includes the failure of a caregiver to provide an appropriate
and supportive environment, and includes acts that have an adverse effect
on the emotional health and development of a child. Such acts include
restricting a child’s movements, denigration, ridicule, threats and intimidation,
discrimination, rejection and other nonphysical forms of hostile treatment
(Runyan et al., 2002).
Emotional abuse involves the failure to provide a developmentally
abuse appropriate, supportive environment, including the availability of a
primary attachment figure, so that the child can develop a stable and full
range of emotional and social competencies commensurate with her or his
personal potentials and in the context of the society in which the child dwells.
There may also be acts towards the child that cause or have a high
probability of causing harm to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual,
moral or social development. These acts must be reasonably within the
control of the parent or person in a relationship of responsibility, trust or
power. Acts include restriction of movement, patterns of belittling,
denigrating, scapegoating, threatening, scaring, discriminating, ridiculing or
other non-physical forms of hostile or rejecting treatment (UNICEF, 2014).
Emotional abuse can be defined as the continual scapegoating and
rejection of a child by parents or caretakers. Occasionally, a teacher
emotionally abuses students.I4 Severe verbal abuse and berating is often part
of emotional abuse. Emotional abuse is often difficult to detect.
Psychological terrorism can occur in some cases and presents little difficulty in
recognition. Less vivid cases of emotional abuse require the following criteria:
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(a) severe psychopathology and disturbed behavior in the child, of a degree
making it unlikely that he will be able to function and cope as an adult,
documented by a psychiatrist or psychologist; (b) abnormal child-rearing
practices of the parent or caretaker that have caused a large part of the
child’s behavior disturbances; and (c) the continued refusal by the parent of
treatment for the child and himself. These cases easily can be presented as
depriving a child of needed mental health care. Situations can be presented
with less evidence, however, when the parent or caretaker is floridly
psychotic, and hence inadequate to care for the child, or severely
depressed, and hence a danger to the child (Barton, 1986).

So emotional Abuse is:

 Giving the child the silent treatment
 Having limited physical contact — no hugs, kisses, or signs of affection
 Belittling
 Shaming, and humiliation
 Name calling and making negative comparisons
 Telling a child he or she is “no good," "worthless," "bad," or "a mistake“
 Yelling, threatening, or bullying
 Ignoring or rejecting
 Exposure to violence

Neglect
Neglect refers to the failure of a parent to provide for the development of the
child for example, healthy food, suitable clothing, proper hygienic living
environment, and supervision – where the parent is in a position to do so – in
one or more of the following areas: health, education, emotional
development, nutrition, shelter and safe living conditions. Neglect is thus
distinguished from circumstances of poverty in that neglect can occur only in
cases where reasonable resources are available to the family or caregiver
(Runyan et al., 2002).
Neglect can be defined as the failure to provide for the development
of the child in all spheres: health, education, emotional development,
nutrition, shelter, and safe living conditions, in the context of resources
reasonably available to the family or caretakers and causes or has a high
probability of causing harm to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual,
moral or social development. This includes the failure to properly supervise
and protect children from harm as much as is feasible (UNICEF, 2014).
Some have defined physical neglect as a failure to care for children
according to accepted or appropriate standards. It is easy to confuse
neglect with poverty, ignorance, or overwhelming problems because it
includes things like dirty hair, dirty or inadequate clothing, inadequate
lunches, incomplete immunizations, unsanitary home environments,
unstimulating environments, inadequate after-school supervision, and
excessive work. Children with physical neglect should be evaluated for
coexistent physical abuse. They also should be evaluated for the presence or
absence of serious emotional disturbances. In cases of flagrant physical

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neglect, the parents or caretakers are often very depressed and withdrawn
(Barton, 1986).

Following are some of the warning signs of neglect in children:

 Ill-fitting clothes, filthy, inappropriate for the weather
 Bad hygiene, (un-bathed, unwashed hair, body odor)
 Untreated illnesses and physical injuries
 Frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe
environments
 Frequently late or missing school

Exploitation
Commercial or other exploitation of a child refers to use of the child in work or
other activities for the benefit of others. This includes, but is not limited to,
child labour and child prostitution. These activities are to the detriment of the
child’s physical or mental health, education, or spiritual, moral or social-
emotional development. Child exploitation also includes the recruitment and
use of children in armed conflict, child trafficking and the sale of children
(UNICEF. 2014).

5. EFFECTS OF CHILD ABUSE AND CHILD NEGLECT

Effects of Child Neglect

1. Life long pain
2. Scars can damage a child’s:
o Self worth
o Relationships with others
o And their ability to function at:
 Home
 Work
 School

Effects of Physical Abuse

1. Unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts
2. Always watchful and “on alert,” as if waiting for something bad to
happen
3. Injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt
4. Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid
to go home
5. Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as long-sleeved
shirts on hot days

Effects of Emotional Abuse

1. Being told repeatedly that you are stupid or no good, is difficult to
overcome. It becomes the child’s reality
2. Self-esteem is damaged; as an adult, believes they cannot succeed

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 3. Lack of trust and relationship difficulties
4. Difficulty expressing emotions
5. Damages a child’s mental health and social development
6. Psychological scars remain for a life time
7. Adult survivors struggle with unexplained anxiety, depression, or anger
8. Adults/Children may turn to alcohol or drugs to forget the pain
9. Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something
wrong
10. Extremes in behavior (extremely compliant, extremely demanding;
extremely passive or extremely aggressive)
11. Lack of attachment to parent or caregiver
12. Acts either inappropriately adult (taking care of other children) or
inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking, tantrum

Effects of Sexual Abuse

1. Creates guilt and shame
2. Besides physical and emotional damage, sexual abuse causes life time
problems
3. Tormented by shame and guilt. Child may feel responsible for the
abuse or feel they brought it upon themselves
4. Can lead to self-loathing and sexual problems as they grow older—
excessive promiscuity or an inability to have intimate relations
5. Shame makes it very difficult for children to come forward. May worry
that others won’t believe them or will be angry at them

6. FACTORS INCREASING A CHILD’S VULNERABILITY

A number of studies, mostly from the developed world, have suggested that
certain characteristics of children increase the risk for abuse.

Demographic Factors
Age
Vulnerability to child abuse – whether physical, sexual or through neglect –
depends in part on a child’s age (Ketsela, Tigist, and Kebede, 1997). Fatal
cases of physical abuse are found largely among young infants. In reviews of
infant deaths in Fiji, Finland, Germany and Senegal, for instance, the majority
of victims were less than 2 years of age (Vock et al., 1999)

Sex
Whether abusers are more likely to be male or female, depends, in part, on
the type of abuse. Research conducted in China, Chile, Finland, India and
the United States suggests that women report using more physical discipline
than men. In Kenya, reports from children also show more violence by
mothers than fathers. However, men are the most common perpetrators of
life-threatening head injuries, abusive fractures and other fatal injuries. Sexual
abusers of children, in the cases of both female and male victims, are

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predominantly men in many countries. Studies have consistently shown that in
the case of female victims of sexual abuse, over 90% of the perpetrators are
men, and in the case of male victims, between 63% and 86% of the
perpetrators are men (Straus, Hamby, Finkelhor, Moore, & Runyan, 1998).

Family Structure and Resources

Physically abusive parents are more likely to be young, single, poor and
unemployed and to have less education than their non-abusing
counterparts. In both developing and industrialized countries, poor, young,
single mothers are among those at greatest risk for using violence towards
their children. In the United States, for instance, single mothers are three times
more likely to report using harsh physical discipline than mothers in two-
parent families (Straus et al., 1998). Similar findings have been reported in
Argentina.

Family Size and Household Composition

The size of the family can also increase the risk for abuse. A study of parents in
Chile, for example, found that families with four or more children were three
times more likely to be violent towards their children than parents with fewer
children. However, it is not always simply the size of the family that matters.
Data from a range of countries indicate that household overcrowding
increases the risk of child abuse (Youssef, Attia, & Kamel, 1998). Unstable
family environments, in which the composition of the household frequently
changes as family members and others move in and out, are a feature
particularly noted in cases of chronic neglect.

Personality and Behavioural Characteristics

A number of personality and behavioural characteristics have been linked, in
many studies, to child abuse and neglect. Parents more likely to abuse their
children physically tend to have low self-esteem, poor control of their
impulses, mental health problems, and to display antisocial behaviour.
Neglectful parents have many of these same problems and may also have
difficulty planning important life events such as marriage, having children or
seeking employment. Many of these characteristics compromise parenting
and are associated with disrupted social relationships, an inability to cope
with stress and difficulty in reaching social support systems. Abusive parents
may also be uninformed and have unrealistic expectations about child
development. Research has found that abusive parents show greater
irritation and annoyance in response to their children’s moods and
behaviour, that they are less supportive, affectionate, playful and responsive
to their children, and that they are more controlling and hostile (National
Research Council. 1993).

Prior History of Abuse

Studies have shown that parents maltreated as children are at higher risk of
abusing their own children. The relationship here is complex, though, and

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some investigations have suggested that the majority of abusing parents
were not, in fact, themselves abused (National Research Council. 1993).
While empirical data suggest that there is indeed a relationship, the
importance of this risk factor may have been overstated. Other factors that
have been linked to child abuse – such as young parental age, stress,
isolation, overcrowding in the home, substance abuse and poverty – may be
more predictive.

Violence in the Home

Increasing attention is being given to intimate partner violence and its
relationship to child abuse. Data from studies in countries as geographically
and culturally distinct as China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mexico, the
Philippines, South Africa and the United States have all found a strong
relationship between these two forms of violence (Youssef et al., 1998). In a
recent study in India, the occurrence of domestic violence in the home
doubled the risk of child abuse. Among known victims of child abuse, 40% or
more have also reported domestic violence in the home. In fact, the
relationship may be even stronger, since many agencies charged with
protecting children do not routinely collect data on other forms of violence in
families.

Other Characteristics
Stress and social isolation of the parent have also been linked to child abuse
and neglect. It is believed that stress resulting from job changes, loss of
income, health problems or other aspects of the family environment can
heighten the level of conflict in the home and the ability of members to cope
or find support. Those better able to find social support may be less likely to
abuse children, even when other known risk factors are present. In a case–
control study in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for instance, children living in single
parent families were at significantly greater risk for abuse than those in two-
parent families. The risk for abuse was lower, though, among those who were
better able to gain access to social support (Zunzunegui, Morales, & Martinez,
1997). Child abuse has also been linked in many studies to substance abuse,
though further research is needed to disentangle the independent effects of
substance abuse from the related issues of poverty, overcrowding, mental
disorders and health problems associated with this behaviour.

Community Factors
Poverty
Numerous studies across many countries have shown a strong association
between poverty and child maltreatment. Rates of abuse are higher in
communities with high levels of unemployment and concentrated poverty.
Such communities are also characterized by high levels of population
turnover and overcrowded housing. Research shows that chronic poverty
adversely affects children through its impact on parental behaviour and the
availability of community resources (Frias-Armenta, & McCloskey, 1998).

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Communities with high levels of poverty tend to have deteriorating physical
and social infrastructures and fewer of the resources and amenities found in
wealthier communities.

Social Capital
Social capital represents the degree of cohesion and solidarity that exists
within communities. Children living in areas with less ‘‘social capital’’ or social
investment in the community appear to be at greater risk of abuse and have
more psychological or behavioural problems. On the other hand, social
networks and neighbourhood connections have been shown to be
protective of children. This is true even for children with a number of risk
factors – such as poverty, violence, substance abuse and parents with low
levels of educational achievement – who appear to be protected by high
levels of social capital (Runyan et al., 1998).

Societal Factors
A range of society-level factors are considered to have important influences
on the well-being of children and families. These factors – not examined to
date in most countries as risk factors for child abuse – include:

7. THE CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD ABUSE

Health Burden
Ill health caused by child abuse forms a significant portion of the global
burden of disease. While some of the health consequences have been
researched (Briere, & Elliott, 1994).

Physical
Abdominal/thoracic injuries
Brain injuries
Bruises and welts
Burns and scalds
Central nervous system injuries
Disability Fractures
Lacerations and abrasions
Ocular damage

Sexual and Reproductive

Reproductive health problems
Sexual dysfunction
Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS
Unwanted pregnancy

Psychological and Behavioural

Alcohol and drug abuse
Cognitive impairment

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Delinquent, violent and other risk-taking behaviours
Depression and anxiety
Developmental delays
Eating and sleep disorders
Feelings of shame and guilt
Hyperactivity
Poor relationships
Poor school performance
Poor self-esteem
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Psychosomatic disorders
Suicidal behaviour and self-harm

Other longer-term health consequences

Cancer
Chronic lung disease
Fibromyalgia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Ischaemic heart disease
Liver disease
Reproductive health problems such as infertility

Trauma and Psychological Problems

Trauma caused by experiences of child abuse and neglect can have serious
effects on the developing brain, increasing the risk of psychological problem.
Extensive research has identified a strong relationship between
abuse/neglect and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recent research suggests
that diagnosing children with post-traumatic stress disorder does not capture
the full developmental effects of chronic child abuse and neglect and many
researchers now prefer the term “complex trauma”. Exposure to complex
and chronic trauma can result in persistent psychological problems. Complex
trauma affects the developing brain and may interfere with a child’s
capacity to integrate sensory, emotional and cognitive information, which
may lead to over-reactive and sexual abuse or witnessing domestic violence.
Inappropriate sexualised behaviour is also linked with abuse and neglect,
and most commonly with sexual abuse and exposure to highly violent and
sexualised environments.

Mental Health Problems

Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety disorders, have
consistently been linked with child abuse and neglect, particularly for
adolescents. Prevalence rates of major depression have been shown to be
approximately four times higher in adolescence than younger children. In a
review of seven large-scale studies the studies showed a high association
between child abuse/neglect and depression in adolescence. Studies also
show that children and adolescents who reported a history of abuse or
neglect were three times more likely to exhibit a depressive disorder than
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non-maltreated children. In a Victorian study of characteristics of children
referred to a therapeutic health service for children who had been abused or
neglected (the Take Two Program), 62% of children met the criteria for at
least one mental health diagnosis.

Youth Suicide
Research suggests that abuse and neglect doubles the risk of attempted
suicide for young people. The systematic review by researchers found a
strong link between physical/sexual abuse and attempted suicide/suicidal
thoughts occurring during adolescence. Moreover, it is also found that 31% of
a physically abused group of adolescents had suicidal thoughts compared
to 10% of a non-abused group. It is also found that risks of repeated suicide
attempts were eight times greater for youths with a sexual abuse history. The
authors suggested that sexual abuse could be specifically related to suicidal
behaviour because it is closely associated with feelings of shame and internal
attributions of blame.

Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, including anorexia and binge-purge behaviour (bulimia),
may also be associated with child abuse and neglect. Sexual abuse has
been widely linked to eating disorders in children and adolescents; however,
experiencing other maltreatment types or multiple forms of abuse and
neglect have also been shown to increase the risk of developing an eating
disorder.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

The psychological effects of child abuse and neglect may lead to alcohol
and drug abuse problems in adolescence and adulthood. Evidence suggests
that all types of child maltreatment are significantly related to higher levels of
substance use (tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs). In surveying public school
students in Grades 6, 9 and 12 in the United States, Researches suggest that
experiences of physical or sexual abuse increased the likelihood of students
using alcohol, marijuana and other drugs. A further study in the United States
found that 28% of physically abused adolescents used drugs compared to
14% of nonabused adolescents. Compared to 22% of the non-abused group,
36% of physically abused adolescents also had high levels of alcohol use.

Aggression, Violence and Criminal Activity

In addition to feeling pain and suffering themselves, children exposed to
abuse and neglect are at increased risk of inflicting pain on others and
developing aggressive and violent behaviours in adolescence. Research
suggests that physical abuse and exposure to family violence are the most
consistent predictors of youth violence. Some studies indicated strong
associations between child abuse and neglect and criminal behaviour. A
National Institute of Justice study in the United States predicted that abused

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and neglected children were 11 times more likely to be arrested for criminal
behaviour in adolescence.

Teenage Pregnancy
Adverse consequences of teenage pregnancy and risky sexual activity may
also be associated with experiences of abuse and neglect. Research has
consistently linked teenage pregnancy with experiences of sexual abuse. A
study by Fergusson and colleagues found that young women (18 years of
age) exposed to child sexual abuse had significantly higher rates of teenage
pregnancy, increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases, and higher rates
of multiple sexual partnerships and appeared to be more vulnerable to
further sexual assault and rape.

Fatal Abuse
The most tragic and extreme consequence of child abuse and neglect is
abuse that results in death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates
that 155,000 deaths around the world of children aged 15 or younger occur
every year due to abuse and neglect. A large number of deaths caused by
abuse and neglect go unreported due to insufficient investigations and a
failure to run postmortem examinations. This suggests that estimations of
worldwide deaths caused by abuse and neglect could be even higher.

8. MYTHS AND TRUTHS

Myth #1: It's only abuse if it's violent
Truth: Physical abuse is only one kind. Neglect, emotional, and sexual abuse
are just as bad.

Myth #2: Only bad people abuse children

Truth: Not all abusers intentionally harm children. Many have been victims of
abuse, and don’t know how to care for children. Others may have mental or
substance abuse problems.

Myth #3: Child abuse doesn't happen in “good” families

ruth: Child abuse crosses all racial, economic, and cultural barriers. It occurs
in rich and poor families.

Myth #4: Most child abusers are strangers

Truth: Abuse by strangers does happen, but most abusers are friends and
family members.

Myth #5: Abused children always grow up to be abusers

Truth: The chances of an abused child to repeat their behavior as an adult
are greater. However, many adults who were abused as children do not
grow up to be abusers and are actually protectors and excellent caregivers

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9. ROLE OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS

Avoid denial and remain calm

A common reaction to child abuse is denial and shock. If you display denial,
shock or disgust, the child may be afraid and will shut down. Remain
reassuring.

Don’t interrogate
Let the child explain to you in his or her own words. Don’t interrogate or ask
leading questions. This confuses and flusters the child.

Supervise children at all times

Children are not to be left alone in offices or classrooms without adults
present. Supervision by a parent of their own children meets the requirements
above. Parents should be informed of that supervision before; between and
after scheduled classes are the parent’s responsibility.

Preventing one-on-one encounters

Schools/organizations need to follow the two person rule. Children should be
told to avoid one on one encounter with adults and instructed where to go in
case they are left alone with an adult. Children should be taught that it's
okay to say "no" to anyone who tries to harm them and run away to safety.
Let the child know that it’s OK to scream if someone is trying to hurt them.

Follow the two person rule

When interacting with children who are in attendance there must be at least
two caregivers present, one of whom is at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Present means no less than one person in the room itself and one nearby
observing.

Minimize one on one encounters

Following should be avoided or at least minimized:
1. A stranger offering a child a ride
2. A stranger asking a child for help
3. A stranger offering candy or money
4. An adult walking a child away to an isolated area
5. Meeting a minor at some restaurant
6. Closed door office meetings with minors
7. Out of town field trips/over night events

10. WHAT CAREGIVERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SELF-CONTROL

1. Learn how to get your emotions under control. Be aware of your
emotions

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 2. If a person is temperamental, reactive, or has a “short fuse,” they will
have a difficult time getting in touch with their level of emotions
3. Count to ten, take a deep slow breaths , and think before you act and
respond
4. Take care of yourself. You need to rest. Not enough rest and support, or
feeling overwhelmed, makes a person more susceptible to anger
5. Anger causes stress and over the long run will hurt you physically,
mentally and emotionally
6. People who are under constant stress, get sick more often, age
quicker, and die sooner

11. REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

1. If you suspect child abuse, it’s your responsibility to see that the child
gets help
2. Many people are reluctant to report child abuse
3. Understanding some of the concerns behind reporting may help put
your mind at ease

12. CONCLUSION
Child abuse and neglect may lead to a wide range of adverse
consequences for children and adolescents. Research suggests that specific
types of abuse are more closely related to some adverse outcomes than
others; for example, the links between physical abuse and violent or
aggressive behaviour. However, experiencing chronic and multiple forms of
abuse increases the risk of more damaging and severe consequences for
children and young people.
Child Abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical
abuse is most noticeable, there are other types of child abuse. These include,
emotional, sexual and neglect. By learning about abuse and what one can
do, one can make a difference in a child’s life. The earlier an abused child
gets help, the better chance that child has to heal. Learn about child abuse,
break the cycle, and find out how one can help. Parents, Teachers and other
care givers can play vital role in preventing child abuse and treat the
affected children with love and care that they deserve. It is the utmost duty
of parents and caregivers to educate children, how to protect themselves
and how to come out of the trauma they experience.

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