The Importance Of Child Abuse

Child abuse can mean different things to different children, and can happen once or many times.

Many thousands of children are affected by abuse each year, be it physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or neglect, at the hands of abusive caregivers who neglect them, making child abuse both shocking and common. Child abuse affects many children around the world. All children and young adults deserve the right to live free from exploitation and abuse. Collectively as a society we have a responsibility to prevent abuse and neglect, providing a safe environment for all children and young people. Unfortunately one of the reasons child abuse is allowed to continue is as adults we fail to recognise signs and listen to children, not acting on information

Physical abuse is classified as a child or young person being hit/struck, kicked, beaten with objects, being physically assaulted, thrown or shaken, being involved in any action that causes them unwarranted physical pain. These actions cause pain, cuts, bruising, broken bones and even death in severe cases. Physical abuse can and does overlap into other forms of abuse, having a knock on effect, socially and emotionally. They may be Possible signs of physical abuse would be such triggers as an unexplained drop in the child’s attendance and involvement in education. This may be due to injuries from the abuse or the child being intentionally held out of school to cover visible signs of injuries. If a child is a victim of physical or sexual abuse they may demonstrate a sudden unexplained reluctance to leave the safe environment for fear of coming into contact with their abuser. A Common problem in abused children is manifested as sudden behavioural problems, emotional problems and general deteriation in school performance and engagement.

Sexual abuse: Inappropriate sexual exposure or touch by an adult to a child. Forcing a child or young person to engage in or witness sexual activities. Sexual abuse can be classified as a child

Source: Child protection registers and plan statistics for all UK nations for 2016.

Many parents who abuse their children were themselves victims of abuse because they failed to meet parent’s needs. These individuals, lacking love and security as children, become lonely adults who, seek a loving parent figure and have no parental knowledge of their own. Parents of abused children often share characteristics of violence, poverty, parental history of abuse, are socially isolated and have low self esteem, along with less adequate maternal functioning. Furthermore, parents/adults who abuse tend to share common environmental characteristics such as chronic stress, divorce, poverty, unemployment, poor social housing, frequent relocation possible alcoholism and or drug addiction.

With early and appropriate intervention, victims of abuse may lead a normal life. Unfortunately even with these interventions certain victims may fall into violence, prostitution or drug addition, either as a norm or to escape pass experiences. Victims may manifest a variety of emotional problems, including depression, suicidal tendencies, deterioration in academic studies and