description of child abuse
Child Abuse and Neglect: the physical, mental injury, sexual abuse, exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child by a person who is responsible for the child’s health, or welfare.[1]
Before using any list of indicators to find out whether abuse is occurring, you must use caution. In almost every situation where identification is necessary, you probably can recognize at least 3-4 indicators. For example, a lack of self-esteem by itself is not to be defined as an indicator of abuse (as defined above). However, should you identify a lack of self esteem, obsession with masturbation, unexplained bruises or injuries in genital areas, then there would be cause for concern and steps of intervention must be taken. Stay calm. Avoid paranoia. Always act to protect the child.
Neglect: Failure, refusal or inability by a parent, guardian or caregiver to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, education, supervision or health care to seriously endanger the health of the child. Neglect occurs for reasons other than poverty.[2]
Physical Abuse: Any intentional physical injury or pattern of injuries inflicted or caused by a parent, parent guardian, and/or caregiver.[3]
Child Sexual Abuse: A general term that refers to a child being forced or tricked into sexual activity by an adult or older child. This includes everything from obscene phone calls to fondling, vaginal, oral or anal penetration.[4]
Incest: Any family member that performs inappropriate sexualized
behavior toward a child. A family member is defined as anyone the child
perceives to be in the role of a family member.
Psychological Maltreatment: Refers to rejection, intimidation, or humiliation of a child that undermines her sense of self-esteem and well being. It may include withholding love and affection. It is important to understand that psychological maltreatment is characterized by a pattern of negative behavior aimed at the child and not simply by isolated incidents or the normal ups and downs of parental emotions.[5]