INDEX

Sr No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. What is child abuse? Definition Causes Effects Types of child abuse Impact Why are children sexually abused and who are the abusers? Prevention Conclusion Bibliography Particulars

What is child abuse?

The term "child abuse" can be defined as any behavior directed toward a child by a parent, guardian, care giver, other family member, or other adult, that endangers or impairs a childs physical or emotional health and development. While child abuse and neglect affect all segments of society and know no socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, or religious boundaries, included among the factors which often contribute to child abuse are alcohol and substance abuse, lack of parenting skills, economic difficulties or poverty, domestic violence and previous victimization. Child abuse includes four major categories: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.

Definition
The lack of an adequate definition of psychological maltreatment was a major obstacle to making progress dealing with the issue during the first decades of serious societal consideration of child maltreatment (19601990). Since the early 1980s recognizable advances have been made in articulating rationally defensible definitions of psychological maltreatment that have substantial professional and public support. The term psychological maltreatment has come to be preferred to other labels (e.g., emotional abuse and neglect, mental abuse or injury). It includes both the cognitive and affective (psychological) meanings of maltreatment as well as perpetrator maltreatment acts of both commission and omission. The strongest expert-supported definition of psychological maltreatment is presently in the APSACGuidelines for Psychosocial Evaluation of Suspected Psychological Maltreatment of Children and Adolescents (1995). These guidelines include the following conceptual statement and psychological maltreatment categories: Psychological maltreatment means a repeated pattern of caregiver behavior or extreme incident(s) that convey to children that they are worthless, flawed, unloved, unwanted, endangered, or only of value in meeting another's needs Psychological maltreatment includes: (1) spurning (i.e., hostile rejecting/degrading verbal and nonverbal caregiver acts that reject and degrade a child) (2)terrorizing (i.e., caregiver behavior that threatens or is likely to physically hurt, kill, abandon, or place the child or child's loved ones or objects in recognizably dangerous situations) (3)isolating (i.e., caregiver acts that consistently deny the child opportunities to meet needs for interacting or communicating with peers or adults inside or outside the home); (4) exploiting/corrupting (i.e., modeling, permitting, or encouraging antisocial behavior) (5)denying emotional responsiveness (i.e., caregiver acts that ignore the child's attempts and needs to interact and show no emotion in interactions with the child) (6) mental health, medical, and educational neglect (i.e., ignoring the need for, failing, or refusing to allow or provide treatment for serious emotional/behavioral, physical health, or educational problems or needs of the child). These six categories of psychological maltreatment are further delineated through detailed subcategories that clarify their meanings (APSAC 1995). Empirical and conceptual support for these categories and definitions will be found in child-study research (Rohner and Rohner 1980; Claussen and Crittenden 1991; Egeland and Erickson 1987; Binggeli, Hart, and Brassard 2001); and in expert- and public-opinion research (Burnett 1993; Portwood 1999).

Causes
Child abuse is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes. Understanding the causes of abuse is crucial to addressing the problem of child abuse. Parents who physically abuse their spouses are more likely than others to physically abuse their children. However, it is impossible to know whether marital strife is a cause of child abuse, or if both the marital strife and the abuse are caused by tendencies in the abuser. Substance abuse can be a major contributing factor to child abuse. One U.S. study found that parents with documented substance abuse, most commonly alcohol, cocaine, and heroin, were much more likely to mistreat their children, and were also much more likely to reject courtordered services and treatments. Dont interrogate. Let the child explain to you in his or her own words what happened, but dont interrogate the child or ask leading questions. 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 him or her that you take what is said seriously, and that it is not the childs fault. Safety comes first. If you feel that your safety or the safety of the child would be threatened if you try to intervene, leave it to the professionals. You may be able to provide more support later after the initial professional intervention. Another study found that over two thirds of cases of child maltreatment involved parents with substance abuse problems. This study specifically found relationships between alcohol and physical abuse, and between cocaine and sexual abuse. Unemployment and financial difficulties are associated with increased rates of child abuse. In 2009 CBS News reported that child abuse in the United States had increased during the economic recession. It gave the example of a father who had never been the primary caretaker of the children. Now that the father was in that role, the children began to come in with injuries. Researchers have identified a number of factors associated with the physical abuse of a child, such as the characteristics of individuals who abuse and the characteristics of families in which child abuse occurs. In the United States less than 10 percent of child abuse is committed by nonfamily members ( Juvenile Justice Bulletin 1999). Obviously, the non-family abuse rate may be higher in countries such as Sri Lanka where conscription into the military and child prostitution are greater problems (de Silva 2001). In addition, in the United States only 3 percent of child maltreatment occurs at day care facilities or other institutions (Prevent Child Abuse America 1997). This rate may be higher in countries such as Romania (Muntean and Roth 2001) and Russia where institutional abuse of children has been identified as a serious problem (Berrien, Safonova, and Tsimbal 2001). In general, there are a number of individual perpetrator differences that predict abuse in the West. For instance, individuals who were abused as children are believed to be more at risk to become abusers as adults (Straus, Gelles, and Steinmetz 1980). Physical abuse is also more likely to occur in family situations in which parental knowledge of parenting skills is inadequate, when high levels of stress are present, when parents are very young, when parental expectations are too high regarding a child's behaviors, when substance abuse is present, and/or when adults in the family have low levels of empathy towards a child (Kolko 1996).

Effects
There are strong associations between exposure to child abuse in all its forms and higher rates of many chronic conditions. The strongest evidence comes from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) series of studies which show correlations between exposure to abuse or neglect and higher rates in adulthood of chronic conditions, high-risk health behaviors and shortened lifespan. A recent publication, Hidden Costs in Health Care: The Economic Impact of Violence and Abuse, makes the case that such exposure represents a serious and costly publichealth issue that should be addressed by the healthcare system.

Psychological effects
Children with a history of neglect or physical abuse are at risk of developing psychiatric problems, or a disorganized attachment style. Disorganized attachment is associated with a number of developmental problems, including dissociative symptoms, as well as anxiety, depressive, and acting out symptoms. A study by Dante Cicchetti found that 80% of abused and maltreated infants exhibited symptoms of disorganized attachment. When some of these children become parents, especially if they suffer fromposttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociative symptoms, and other sequelae of child abuse, they may encounter difficulty when faced with their infant and young children's needs and normative distress, which may in turn lead to adverse consequences for their child's social-emotional development. Despite these potential difficulties, psychosocial intervention can be effective, at least in some cases, in changing the ways maltreated parents think about their young children. Victims of childhood abuse, it is claimed, also suffer from different types of physical health problems later in life. Some reportedly suffer from some type of chronic head, abdominal, pelvic, or muscular pain with no identifiable reason. Even though the majority of childhood abuse victims know or believe that their abuse is, or can be, the cause of different health problems in their adult life, for the great majority their abuse was not directly associated with those problems, indicating that sufferers were most likely diagnosed with other possible causes for their health problems, instead of their childhood abuse. The effects of child abuse vary, depending on the type of abuse. A 2006 study found that childhood emotional and sexual abuse were strongly related to adult depressive symptoms, while exposure to verbal abuse and witnessing of domestic violence had a moderately strong association, and physical abuse a moderate one. For depression, experiencing more than two kinds of abuse exerted synergetically stronger symptoms. Sexual abuse was particularly deleterious in its intrafamilial form, for symptoms of depression, anxiety, dissociation, and limbicirritability. Childhood verbal abuse had a stronger association with anger-hostility than any other type of abuse studied, and was second only to emotional abuse in its relationship with dissociative symptoms. More generally, in the case of 23 of the 27 illnesses listed in the questionnaire of a French INSEE survey, some statistically significant correlations were found between repeated illness and family traumas encountered by the child before the age of 18 years. According Georges Menahem, the French sociologist who found out these correlations by studying health inequalities, these relationships show that inequalities in terms of illness and suffering are not only social.

Physical effects
Children who are physically abused are likely to receive bone fractures, particularly rib fractures, and may have a higher risk of developing cancer. Children who experience child abuse & neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as juveniles, 28% more likely to be arrested as adults, and 30% more likely to commit violent crime. The immediate physical effects of abuse or neglect can be relatively minor (bruises or cuts) or severe (broken bones, hemorrhage, or even death). In some cases the physical effects are temporary; however, the pain and suffering they cause a child should not be discounted. Meanwhile, the long-term impact of child abuse and neglect on physical health is just beginning to be explored. The long-term effects can be: Shaken baby syndrome. Shaking a baby is a common form of child abuse that often results in permanent neurological damage (80% of cases) or death (30% of cases). Damage results from intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the skull) after bleeding in the brain, damage to the spinal cord and neck, and rib or bone fractures (Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2007). Impaired brain development. Child abuse and neglect have been shown, in some cases, to cause important regions of the brain to fail to form or grow properly, resulting in impaired development (De Bellis & Thomas, 2003). These alterations in brain maturation have long-term consequences for cognitive, language, and academic abilities (Watts-English, Fortson, Gibler, Hooper, & De Bellis, 2006). NSCAW found more than three-quarters of foster children between 1 and 2 years of age to be at medium to high risk for problems with brain development, as opposed to less than half of children in a control sample (ACF/OPRE, 2004a). Poor physical health. Several studies have shown a relationship between various forms of household dysfunction (including childhood abuse) and poor health (Flaherty et al., 2006; Felitti, 2002). Adults who experienced abuse or neglect during childhood are more likely to suffer from physical ailments such as allergies, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, and ulcers (Springer, Sheridan, Kuo, & Carnes, 2007). On the other hand, there are some children who are raised in child abuse, but who manage to do unexpectedly well later in life regarding the preconditions. Such children have been termed dandelion children, as inspired from the way that dandelions seem to prosper irrespective of soil, sun, drought, or rain. Such children (or currently grown-ups) are of high interest in finding factors that mitigate the effects of child abuse. There is little cross-cultural data on differences in harm to victims of child neglect and abuse in different countries. However, when one looks at studies from different countries there are a number of similarities. In general, empirical studies indicate that various forms of child maltreatment negatively affect the victim's development physically, intellectually, and psychosocially (Kempe and Kempe 1978; Mullen et al. 1993). Child victims of neglect and/or abuse are 1.75 times more likely to experience posttraumatic stress disorderas adults compared to individuals who did not experience neglect and/or abuse (Widom 1999). In addition, child victims are more likely to experience depression, attachment difficulties, and low self-esteem (Kolko 1996). A Canadian study found that a history of child abuse was one of the leading predictors of psychological problems in adulthood (Mian, Bala, and MacMillan 2001). Many studies also indicate the long-term effects of maltreatment given the carry-over from one generation to the next (Zuravin et al. 1996).

Furthermore, there are particular risks and harm associated with certain types of abuse, which are more prevalent in certain countries. For example, in addition to the negative outcomes discussed above, conscription into the military carries with it the risk of physical injury or death. Being forced to work as a prostitute significantly increases the chance of becoming infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. In India, which has a very high rate of child labor, children are often forced to work in dangerous conditions at exhausting hours (Segal 2001

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 childs 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 childno hugs, kisses, or other signs of affection. Exposing the child to violence or the abuse of others, whether it be the abuse of a parent, a sibling, or even a pet. Child neglect Child neglecta very common type of child abuseis a pattern of failing to provide for a child's basic needs, whether it be adequate food, clothing, hygiene, or supervision. Child neglect is not always easy to spot. Sometimes, a parent might become physically or mentally unable to care for a child, such as with a serious injury, untreated depression, or anxiety. Other times, alcohol or drug abuse may seriously impair judgment and the ability to keep a child safe. Older children might not show outward signs of neglect, becoming used to presenting a competent face to the outside world, and even taking on the role of the parent. But at the end of the day, neglected children are not getting their physical and emotional needs met. Physical child abuse Physical abuse involves physical harm or injury to the child. It may be the result of a deliberate attempt to hurt the child, but not always. It can also result from severe discipline, such as using a belt on a child, or physical punishment that is inappropriate to the childs age or physical condition. Many physically abusive parents and caregivers insist that their actions are simply forms of disciplineways to make children learn to behave. But there is a big difference between using physical punishment to discipline and physical abuse. The point of disciplining children is to teach them right from wrong, not to make them live What should you do if you suspect that a child has been abused? How do you approach him or her? Or what if a child comes to you? Its normal to feel a little overwhelmed and confused in

this situation. Child abuse is a difficult subject that can be hard to accept and even harder to talk about. Just remember, you can make a tremendous difference in the life of an abused child, especially if you take steps to stop the abuse early. When talking with an abused child, the best thing you can provide is calm reassurance and unconditional support. Let your actions speak for you if youre having trouble finding the words. Remember that talking about the abuse may be very difficult for the child. Its your job to reassure the child and provide whatever help you can. Avoid denial and remain calm. A common reaction to news as unpleasant and shocking as child abuse is denial.

Sexual abuse and its impact on children

Incest, sexual molestation, rape, sodomy, child pornography, exhibitionism and exploitation are terms most often used when describing child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can be physical -including genital or oral stimulation, fondling and intercourse; non-physical -- including indecent exposure, obscene phone calls or "peeping toms"; and/ or violent -- as in rape or other forms of sexually violent behavior. Incidents of child sexual abuse are damaging whether they occur only once, are repeated many times, or last over a number of years. A single, seemingly minor incident, (e.g. indecent exposure, fondling or an obscene phone call), may cause temporary emotional disturbances such as embarrassment, fear, confusion, guilt, anxiety, and a distrust of adults or strangers. More severe incidents of sexual abuse, such as incest, rape, sodomy, exposure to pornographic activity or other forms of sexual violence may have a lasting effect on the child. Behavioral problems may include withdrawal, difficulty at school, aggression, running away, nightmares, and extreme anxiety or depression. In some cases symptoms of childhood sexual abuse may not appear until adulthood. Toward prevention of sexual abuse -For parents, the following suggestions are meant to give you some guidelines as you seek to teach your child/children how to protect themselves from sexual abuse. Each parent must decide how best to handle the topic of child sexual abuse with his/her own child. The important thing is to not leave children defenseless in the face of this potential danger. Know where your child is at all times, who she/he is with, and what she/he is doing. Take responsibility for her/his safety. Ask your child what happens when she/he is alone with baby-sitters, friends, etc. Encourage your child not to keep secrets, but to tell you about any problems or questions she/he may have. Discuss child sexual abuse with your child giving him/her clear and accurate information. Teach your child to be alert, to avoid dangerous situations, and to discuss with you problems she/he encounters. Teach your child to say "no" to anyone who attempts to touch the private parts of her/his body or asks them to do anything that makes them feel uncomfortable, strange or fearful. Instruct her/him to tell an adult as soon as possible. Tell her/him to remember where and when the incident happened. Take time to be an understanding listener.

Why are children sexually abused and who are the abusers?
Those who sexually victimize children often suffer from an emotional or psychological dysfunction, usually as a result of their own previous sexual victimization. They often have severe sexual problems and difficulty relating to adults. Most are adults with whom the child is familiar, and they may repeatedly abuse the same child. An adult who is a stranger to the child will often abuse that child only once but may continue to abuse other children. Factors to be aware of include: The majority of child molesters are men who abuse both boys and girls. Women make up a small percentage o those who sexually abuse children. A large percentage of those who sexually abuse children were themselves victims of sexual abuse as children. The majority of all sexual molestation is committed by someone the child knows or trusts, e.g., a family member, relative, baby-sitter, neighbor or authority figure. Studies indicate that half of all child molesters are under the age of 31 and only about 10% are more than 50 years of age

Prevention
April has been designated Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States since 1983. U.S. President Barack Obama continued that tradition by declaring April 2009 Child Abuse Prevention Month. One way the Federal government of the United States provides funding for child-abuse prevention is through Community-Based Grants for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (CBCAP). Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible sign, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse or child neglect, also leave deep, long lasting scars. Some signs of child abuse are subtler than others. However, by learning common types of abuse and what you can do, you can make a huge difference in a childs life. Resources for child-protection services are sometimes limited. According to Hosin (2007), "a considerable number of traumatized abused children do not gain access to protective childprotection strategies." Briere (1992) argues that only when "lower-level violence" of children ceases to be culturally tolerated will there be changes in the victimization and police protection of children.

NCCAFVs American Campaign for Prevention

In keeping with its commitment to the prevention of child abuse and all forms of intergenerational family violence, NCCAFV has prepared this information to help you better understand all forms of child abuse and neglect. Prevention can only occur when we understand the problem and commit ourselves to sharing this information with others in our community. We hope you will find this important information helpful and will join with NCCAFV in helping to prevent child abuse and neglect

Conclusion
Abuse experiences vary in their severity, as do reactions of those who are sexually abused. Even when the experience is severe, however, there is hope for healing. In one study, survivors reported that good came from the tragedy of their abuse (McMillen, Zuravin, and Rideout 1995). They described how their abusive pasts made them more sensitive to the needs of others. Many felt compelled to help others who had suffered similar experiences. We are living in the age of anxiety. Recent studies find that anxiety has increased so much that typical school children during the 1980's reported more anxiety than child psychiatric patients did during the 1950's. No one cause for the increase can be proven, but it is likely that one of the reasons is the downward spiral of child abuse. The situation is a bad, but there is hope. Not so long ago children were considered property. Abuse may be on the rise, but awareness is increasing. People can recover from childhood abuse, and many people are working to prevent abuse. Get involved. Donate your time or money to an organization working in your community.

 BIBLIOGRAPHY http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_abuse http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_abuse#Effects http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_abuse#Prevention http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Child_abuse&action=edit&se ction=10 http://www.encyclopedia.com/searchresults.aspx?q=child+abuse http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Child_abuse&action=edit&se ction=13