Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Abuse and Neglect
Definition of terms
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fact: While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or
others close to the family.
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.
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:
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Compiled by: Munhuwa M. Supervised by: Maisiri H.
Intern Educational Psychologist Registered Educational Psychologist
Harare Province Head Office