CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Is this abuse?

Is this abuse?

Is this abuse?

Is this abuse?

Child Abuse

Any harm intentionally or unintentionally done to a child

It can be physical, verbal, or sexual abuse as well as neglect in any area

Child Neglect

Child neglect is any failure to meet a child’s needs It can be physical or emotional It may be intentional or due to lack of

parenting skills

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is harm to a child that is intentional

It includes slapping, hitting, kicking, beating, or burning

It can result in bruises, swelling, bleeding or damage of tissues

Physical Neglect

Physical neglect is not providing necessary food, clothing, housing or health care

This does not include physical violence but instead come in the form of too little food, letting a child go into the snow with no coat, or leaving a child to care for themselves alone

These actions may lead to accidents or illness

Effects

Physical abuse and neglect can affect a child’s physical growth

It also hurts a child emotionally Fear becomes a main emotion for

children who are physically abused

Factors in Physical Abuse

Individual characteristics of parents Substance abuse Teen parenting

www.childwelfare.gov

Emotional Abuse

Parents emotionally abuse when they belittle or criticize

They may call children lazy, dull, stupid, etc.

Parents may demand more than the child can do Ex. Expecting a young child to be toilet trained

Emotional abuse makes children feel worthless and unloved.

Emotional Neglect

Emotional neglect is not giving children enough love or attention

They may not hug or touch their child Children who are emotionally neglected

will not feel loved and may suffer from low self esteem

Emotional Abuse

Children who are emotionally abused may get good physical care

It may be hard to recognize emotional abuse since children will be clothed, fed, and clean

Physical growth may not be harmed but emotionally abused children may have a hard time loving others or trusting others

Sexual Abuse

Adults who sexually abuse children may force children into sexual acts

Sexual abuse can harm children both physically and emotionally

The emotional damage can last a lifetime

Causes

Emotional immaturity Parents who were neglected or abused

themselves are more likely to abuse their children

Stress Limited parenting skills

Sources for Help

State and local agencies such as CPS Child abuse centers or CPS services The National Center on Child Abuse and

Neglect Teachers and other adults who work with

kids are required to report any suspicion of abuse

Counseling may help parents who abuse children