Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Since April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, it would be wise to acknowledge what child abuse is and how to identify it so the public can learn how they can help build up and support the community around them, especially the children who may be suffering. There are five different kinds of child abuse. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the five types are defined as,
“Physical abuse. Physical abuse occurs when a child is purposely physically injured or put at risk of harm by another person.
Sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity with a child. This can involve sexual contact, such as intentional sexual touching, oral-genital contact or intercourse. This can also involve noncontact sexual abuse of a child, such as exposing a child to sexual activity or pornography, observing or filming a child in a sexual manner, sexual harassment of a child, or prostitution of a child, including sex trafficking.
Emotional abuse. Emotional child abuse means injuring a child's self-esteem or emotional well-being. It includes verbal and emotional assault, such as continually belittling or berating a child as well as isolating, ignoring or rejecting a child.
Medical abuse. Medical child abuse occurs when someone gives false information about an illness in a child that requires medical attention, putting the child at risk of injury and unnecessary medical care.
Neglect. Child neglect is failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, clean living conditions, affection, supervision, education, dental or medical care.”
There are a plethora of symptoms to look out for that could point to a child experiencing abuse: withdrawal from friends or usual activities; changes in behavior such as aggression, anger, hostility, hyperactivity or changes in school performance; depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of confidence; sleep problems and nightmares; an apparent lack of supervision; frequent absences from school; rebellious or defiant behavior; self-harm or attempts at suicide. These listed symptoms can lead one to think someone is being abused, but there are specific symptoms for specific types of abuse.
Physical abuse signs and symptoms include “unexplained injuries, such as bruises, broken bones (fractures) or burns. Injuries that don't match the given explanation. Injuries that aren't compatible with the child's development ability.”
Sexual abuse signs and symptoms include “sexual behavior or knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age. Pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection. Genital or anal pain, bleeding or injury. Statements by the child that he or she was sexually abused. Inappropriate sexual behavior with other children.”
Emotional abuse signs and symptoms include “delayed or inappropriate emotional development. Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem. Social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm. Depression. Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus. Appears to desperately seek affection. A decrease in school performance or loss of interest in school. Loss of previously acquired developmental skills.”
Neglect signs and symptoms include “poor growth. Excessive weight loss with medical complications that are not being adequately addressed. Poor personal cleanliness. Lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs. Hoarding or stealing food. Poor record of school attendance. Lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental or psychological problems or lack of necessary follow up care.”
The final thing to keep an eye on is parental behavior, as that can also be a sign of abuse. Symptoms and signs include “shows little concern for the child. Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in the child. Blames the child for the problems. Consistently belittles or berates the child and describes the child with negative terms, such as 'worthless' or 'evil.' Expects the child to provide attention and care to the parent and seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child. Uses harsh physical discipline. Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance. Severely limits the child's contact with others. Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries or no explanation at all. Repeatedly brings the child for medical evaluations or requests medical tests, such as X-rays and lab tests, for concerns not seen during the health care provider's examination.” To learn more about the signs of abuse visit nationalchildrensalliance.org or mayoclinc.org. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, dial 911 immediately. However, if someone is concerned that a child is being abused or neglected, a report needs to be made to the proper authorities at the Florida Department of Children and Families call 1 (800) 96-ABUSE (2873).