Child Abuse and Neglect

Child Abuse and Neglect
Definition of terms
Child abuse is defined as the general mishandling--through unlawful wrongdoing,

neglect, or unethical activity--of a minor or child. Child abuse and neglect can be a
physical, emotional or psychological attack on a minor or child, as well as the
impediment of any basic right or necessity—preventing a child from attending
school, for example, is a common form of child neglect.
Child neglect is a when a minor is impeded from receiving adequate care that is
delivered as a basic human right to aid in the child’s development and growth.
Guidelines in an event of suspicion of Child Abuse and Neglect:
If you suspect a situation of child abuse and neglect or you yourself suffer from the
negative effects of child abuse and neglect, you must immediately report the
aggressor to your local child protective services agency. Each state possesses a
network of these agencies, which are established to deliver resources that encourage
children and those suspecting of child abuse and neglect to come forward and reveal
the heinous situation.
If you hold back and let these unfortunate actions continue, you are jeopardizing the

health of the child; instances of child abuse and neglect rarely wane, but instead,
intensify to the point where the child is irreparably disabled, whether in a physical,
emotional or psychological sense.
In Zimbabwe there is the :
The Zimbabwe Republic Police

Ministry of Labour and Social Services
Ministry of Health and Child Care
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
Civil Organisations such as,Childline
Understanding child abuse and neglect

Child abuse is more than bruises or broken bones. While physical abuse is shocking
due to the scars it leaves, not all child abuse is as obvious. Ignoring children’s needs,
putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations, or making a child feel worthless
or stupid are also child abuse. Regardless of the type of child abuse, the result is
serious emotional harm.
Myths and facts about child abuse and neglect
MYTH #1: It's only abuse if it's violent.
Fact: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Neglect and emotional abuse
can be just as damaging, and since they are more subtle, others are less likely to
intervene.
MYTH #2: Only bad people abuse their children.
Fact: While it's easy to say that only "bad people" abuse their children, it's not
always so black and white. Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children.
Many have been victims of abuse themselves, and don’t know any other way to
parent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or a substance abuse
problem.
MYTH #3: Child abuse doesn't happen in “good” families.
Fact: Child abuse doesn't only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. It
crosses all racial, economic, and cultural lines. Sometimes, families who seem to
have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind closed doors.
MYTH #4: Most child abusers are strangers.
Fact: While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or
others close to the family.
MYTH #5: Abused children always grow up to be abusers.
Fact: It is true that abused children are more likely to repeat the cycle as adults,
unconsciously repeating what they experienced as children. On the other hand, many
adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children
against what they went through and become excellent parents.
Types of child abuse

There are several types of child abuse, but the core element that ties them together is
the emotional effect on the child. Children need predictability, structure, clear
boundaries, and the knowledge that their parents are looking out for their safety.
Abused children cannot predict how their parents will act. Their world is an
unpredictable, frightening place with no rules. Whether the abuse is a slap, a harsh
comment, stony silence, or not knowing if there will be dinner on the table tonight,
the end result is a child that feel unsafe, uncared for and alone.
Emotional child abuse
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me? Contrary to
this old saying, emotional abuse can severely damage a child’s mental health or
social development, leaving lifelong psychological scars. Examples of emotional
child abuse include:
 Constant belittling, shaming, and humiliating a child.

 Calling names and making negative comparisons to others.
 Telling a child he or she is “no good," "worthless," "bad," or "a mistake."
 Frequent yelling, threatening, or bullying.
 Ignoring or rejecting a child as punishment, giving him or her the silent
treatment.
 Limited physical contact with the child—no hugs, kisses, or other signs of
affection.
 Exposing the child to violence or the abuse of others, whether it be the abuse
 Manual by Family Support Trust, Brakash and Rudd 2002.
------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Compiled by: Munhuwa M. Supervised by: Maisiri H.
Intern Educational Psychologist Registered Educational Psychologist
Harare Province Head Office

Child Abuse and Neglect

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Child Abuse and Neglect

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse is defined as the general mishandling--through unlawful wrongdoing,

Guidelines in an event of suspicion of Child Abuse and Neglect:

In Zimbabwe there is the :

The Zimbabwe Republic Police

Understanding child abuse and neglect

Myths and facts about child abuse and neglect

MYTH #1: It's only abuse if it's violent.

MYTH #3: Child abuse doesn't happen in “good” families.

MYTH #4: Most child abusers are strangers.

MYTH #5: Abused children always grow up to be abusers.

Types of child abuse

Emotional child abuse

 Constant belittling, shaming, and humiliating a child.

You might also like