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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Child abuse By Seliscia Toby




Child abuse is defined as any action that intentionally harms or injures a child physically, emotionally or by mistreatment or neglecting them.

Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse has visible signs, other types of abuse such as emotional abuse or child neglect leave deep, long lasting, invisible scars.

All types of child abuse and neglect can have long lasting effects throughout a child’s life; it can damage a child’s ability to have healthy relationships and ability to function at home, at work and at school.

Child abuse can cause:

*Lack of trust and relationship difficulties (if you can’t trust your parents, teachers etc. who can you trust?)

*Feelings of being “worthless” or “damaged” (if you’ve been told over and over again as a child that you are stupid or no good, it is very difficult to overcome these feelings.

* Trouble controlling emotions.
    Abused children cannot express emotions properly. As a result their emotions get stifled and may come out in unexpected ways; an abused child could become an abuser.

Here are some ways to detect and help eliminate child abuse:

1) Act on your suspicions, if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, trust your instinct.

2) Be aware of unexplained injuries. Not unusual burns or bruises in the shape of objects or unconvincing explanation of a child’s injuries.

3)   Notice Changes in behavior.

4) Be observant.

5) Educate the general public.

6) Encourage abused children to speak out.

Be a loving parent, children need to know that they are special and loved and capable of following their dreams.
Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand to take care of the children so the parent (s) can rest or spend time together.

Promote programs in school. Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies that can help to keep children safe.

Monitor your child’s television and video viewing. Watching violent films and T.V programs can harm young children and encourage them to harm others.

Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program.

Report suspected abuse or neglect if you have a reason to believe a child has or may be harmed, call your local department of children and family services or the police.

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