Child abuse why does it happen




















For more information on sexual abuse, read our article about sexual assault. Emotional abuse : A pattern of denying a child love, approval and security, or mistreating a child in the way an adult speaks to them or acts towards them.

Bullying, yelling, isolating, criticising, terrorising, ignoring and shaming are all examples of emotional abuse. Neglect : Failing to provide a child with the things they need to survive and grow, such as shelter, food, hygiene, supervision, medical attention, education or safety.

Why are children abused? Some reasons people give as to why they abuse children include: a desire to feel powerful they themselves experienced abuse as children they don't understand that children have a right to feel safe they think it's okay or appropriate it's not, ever.

Effects of child abuse Child abuse is a form of trauma, and your response to that trauma can show up in your life in different ways. Child abuse and the law Child abuse is illegal. Talk to someone you trust about it. This could be a friend or family member. It could also be a doctor, counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist, trusted teacher, other family member or health worker.

Report the child abuse to police. The responsibility lies with the adult who abused you, no matter the circumstances. Talk to other people who have experienced child abuse.

Support groups for child abuse victims are a good place to meet other survivors who know how you feel. Phone : 13 11 14 Blue Knot Foundation Provides phone and email-based support for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, as well as for their supporters and the professionals who work with them. Phone : Available 9 am to 5 pm AEST, seven days a week. Bravehearts Provides an information and support line can be accessed by anyone wanting information or support relating to child sexual assault.

Substance abuse , when adults use drugs or too much alcohol, can put a child in danger. It can cause adults to neglect, physically, sexually, or emotional hurt a child.

When adults use drugs or overuse alcohol around a child, many state laws say this is child abuse, even if no one neglected or physically hurt the child. Medical child abuse is when adult caregivers harm a child with too much medical care, such as medicines, appointments, surgeries, or lab tests that are not needed. There is not one type of person who causes child abuse. Most of the time a child knows the abuser well.

Sometimes people who abuse children were abused when they were children. Sometimes, people who abuse kids can show some signs. For example, parents who abuse their children may:. Kids and teens often have a hard time speaking up about abuse.

So knowing the signs of child abuse can help. Kids who see abuse but are not the victims themselves or see violence between adults caring for them sometimes show similar signs.

These signs don't always point to abuse. Kids going through stressful times — like their parents' separation or divorce, a move, or the death of a loved one — also might be sad, angry, or withdrawn. But if physical signs like bruises happen along with behavior problems, that's a stronger sign of abuse. If you think a child is being abused or a child tells you about abuse , contact your local:.

You don't have to give your name. You might not be sure of the abuse, but having a concern is enough. The authorities will look into things and find out if abuse is happening. Recognizing that you have a problem is the biggest step to getting help.

The following are warning signs that you may be crossing the line into abuse:. What starts as a swat on the backside may turn into multiple hits getting harder and harder. You may shake your child more and more and finally throw them down. You feel emotionally disconnected from your child. You just want to be left alone and for your child to be quiet.

Meeting the daily needs of your child seems impossible. Other people have expressed concern. It may be easy to bristle at other people expressing concern. However, consider carefully what they have to say. Are the words coming from someone you normally respect and trust? If you have a history of child abuse, having your own children can trigger strong memories and feelings that you may have repressed.

But you can learn new ways to manage your emotions and break your old patterns. Help and support are available:. Learn what is age appropriate and what is not. Having realistic expectations of what children can handle at certain ages will help you avoid frustration and anger at normal child behavior.

For example, newborns are not going to sleep through the night without a peep, and toddlers are not going to be able to sit quietly for extended periods of time. Develop new parenting skills. Start by learning appropriate discipline techniques and how to set clear boundaries for your children.

Parenting classes, books, and seminars offer this information. You can also turn to other parents for tips and advice. Take care of yourself. Sleep deprivation, common in parents of young children, adds to moodiness and irritability—exactly what you are trying to avoid.

Get professional help. Breaking the cycle of abuse can be very difficult if the patterns are strongly entrenched. Your children will thank you for it. Learn to control your emotions. If you were abused or neglected as a child, you may have an especially difficult time getting in touch with your range of emotions. You may have had to deny or repress them as a child, and now they spill out without your control.

What should you do if you suspect that a child is being abused? Or if a child confides in you? Child abuse is a difficult subject that can be hard to accept and even harder to talk about—for both you and the child. When talking with an abused child, the best way to encourage them is to show calm reassurance and unconditional support. Avoid denial and remain calm. A common reaction to news as unpleasant and shocking as child abuse is denial. However, if you display denial to a child, or show shock or disgust at what they are saying, the child may be afraid to continue and will shut down.

As hard as it may be, remain as calm and reassuring as you can. This may confuse and fluster the child and make it harder for them to continue their story. Reassure the child that they did nothing wrong. It takes a lot for a child to come forward about abuse. Reassure them that you take what they said seriously, and that it is not their fault. Safety comes first. If you feel that your safety or the safety of the child would be threatened if you tried to intervene, leave it to the professionals.

You may be able to provide more support later. The more information you can provide, the better the chance of the child getting the help they deserve. Reality: Child abuse and neglect is NOT merely a family matter, and the consequences of staying silent can be devastating for the child.

Parents may be first offered support, such as parenting classes or anger management counseling. Reality: Reporting can be anonymous. In most places, you do not have to give your name when you report child abuse.

Authors: Melinda Smith, M. Prevent Child Abuse America. Nemours Foundation. Stop It Now! Emotional Abuse — Recognizing and responding to emotional child abuse. Child Welfare Information Gateway. Department of Health and Human Services.



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