Child abuse
Articles related to abuse |
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Physical abuse Sexual abuse Domestic violence - Spousal abuse - Elder abuse - Honor killings Child abuse Psychological abuse - Coercion, Intimidation Abuse of power - Spying - Fraud - Police brutality - Punishment Human rights abuse - Torture - Execution Animal abuse Drug abuse |
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2 Symptoms 3 Child abuse by authorities 4 See also 5 External links 6 Further reading |
The simplest example of child abuse is neglect, where the guardians fail to perform those tasks necessary to the well-being of the child. Another form of child abuse is child sexual abuse which is perceived by the child as a betrayal of trust and frequently causes long-term trauma to the child. Other forms of abuse include physical and emotional abuse, the latter of which is often the most difficult to detect because it leaves no physical signs (scars, bruises, and the like).
Some people have contended that the Columbine High School massacre was a direct response to emotional abuse by classmates (commonly termed "bullying" or "teasing").
In all cases of child abuse, it is believed by many psychologists that the primary benefit realized by the perpetrator is psychological (i.e., emotional). Frequently, the perpetrators were themselves abused as children. They learned unhealthy ways of interacting with others, of exerting power (ability to influence others) and control (ability to deflect or redirect others' influence), and of disciplining children. This dynamic is responsible for the cycle of abuse.
It's important to understand that this is not simply a matter of habit but that victims of abuse may feel a powerful compulsion to relive the trauma they suffered. Some people, perhaps having deeper emotional reserves (or perhaps having none), will inflict the abuse on themselves or instigate situations to force an abuser to inflict it on them. Other people, seeking control over the abuse, will become perpetrators, inflicting the abuse they suffered on someone else. In this latter case, the perpetrator relives their trauma vicariously, by reversal with or projection into the victim.
It should be noted that while the existence of child abuse and neglect is uncontroversial, there is often great controversy whether particular acts constitute child abuse and neglect or not. For instance, what one person considers acceptable corporal punishment others may consider criminal. This applies not only between different individuals: different societies and legal systems have differing attitudes to the physical punishment of children, the withholding by parents of medical treatment on religious grounds, age-appropriate sexuality etc. The difference between acceptable parental corporal punishment and child abuse is well illustrated in the following phrase: slap on the bottom or fist in the face.
For example, people who violently shake or beat infants typically do not see their actions as abusive, despite the well-documented consequences of their actions including neurological trauma, brain damage and death.
Medical and other types of professionals have learned to recognize a list of common symptoms of child abuse.
Schools and correctional facilities are frequently charged with child abuse. One particularly notorious program is the Tranquility Bay operation on Jamaica run by the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools.
Types and causes
Symptoms
Child abuse by authorities
Other child links
External links
Sponsor a Child