Child abuse: types and impact

Author: Iloka Benneth Chiemelie
Published: 5th May 2018

Child abuse

Child abuse is a form of child trauma and it is defined as child abuse or maltreatment that features all forms of physical and/or emotional ill treatment, neglects or negligent treatment, sexual abuse, commercial or other relates exploitation that bring about an actual or potential harm on the health, survival, dignity or development of the victimized child in the context of a relationship for responsibility, power or trust (Berman, n.d.).

Although child abuse can be a single incidence, it has been recorded that it does take place over the course of time. Although the definition of child abuse is still ambiguous, there are certain behaviors that are considered objectively deleterious healthy development of a child once they occur (Blue Knot Foundation , n.d.). Although they are generally acceptable across the world, these features does seem to vary across social groups and cultures.

Types of child abuse

Emotional abuse

This relates to the inability of the caregiver and adults to offer necessary nurturing to the child by providing them with love and security as required. In cases where the child’s relationship with the caregiver and environment are not stable, coercive or unable to offer necessary supports, the child will not be able to pass through healthy development (NSPCC, n.d.).

Neglect and negligent treatment

This is the case where a child is denied of all the important needs, such as nutrition, love, warmth, clothing, shelter, protection, security, education and supervision, dental and medical care (NSPCC, n.d.).

Physical abuse

This involves inflicting non-accidental injury on the child (Rainn, n.d.).

Family violence

This relates to the situation where some partners adopted violence, and the threat of violence for the purpose of controlling their partner, children and other members of the family (Berman, n.d.).

Sexual abuse

This is the situation where a child is involved in any form of sexual activity with an adult, or with another child that has an established relationship of trust and power over the child being abused. Sexual abuse include (although not limited) manipulating or coercing a child into sexual (or other related) activities, child prostitution and child pornography (Blue Knot Foundation , n.d.).

Organized abuse

This form of abuse is very complex and it does involve numerous different forms of abuse, occurring in the setting of abusive family groups and networks of perpetrators. This is also referred to as sadistic abuse or ritual abuse (NSPCC, n.d.).

Impact of child abuse

The long-term impact of child abuse has been described as far reaching, with studies indicating that in the absence of the right support, the impact of child abuse can actually last for a life time. Some of these impacts are:

·         Poor mental health.

·         Unhappiness.

·         Poor physical health.

·         Medical (and other related) diseases.

·         Low self esteem

·         Poor approach to relationship in the real world.

·         Isolation and social disconnection.

·         Effects on behavioral health (Blue Knot Foundation , n.d.).

In fact, the impact of child abuse does not ends with the stop of the abuse as the long-term impact can have a direct influence on the daily activities of the victim. In any case, it is still possible to live a full and constructive life, and actually thrive, enjoy and feel wholeness following the abuse (all depending on necessary remedies and support provided for the victim) (NSPCC, n.d.).

References

Berman, L. (n.d.). How Childhood Abuse Can Manifest in Adult Relationships. Retrieved from Everyday Health: http://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/dr-laura-berman-childhood-abuse-and-adult-relationships.aspx

Blue Knot Foundation . (n.d.). General information on abuse and impacts of abuse. Retrieved from Blue Knot Foundation : http://www.blueknot.org.au/WHAT-WE-DO/Resources/General-Information#2274109-impact-of-child-abuse

NSPCC. (n.d.). Non-recent abuse: Support for adults abused as children. Retrieved from NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/signs-symptoms-effects/non-recent-abuse/

NSPCC. (n.d.). Signs, symptoms and effects of child abuse and neglect: What to look out for, the effects of abuse and support for adults abused as children. Retrieved from NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/signs-symptoms-effects/

Rainn. (n.d.). Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Retrieved from Rainn: https://www.rainn.org/articles/adult-survivors-childhood-sexual-abuse