Abstract

April is National Child Abuse Prevention MonthHow To Prevent Child AbuseWhat is child abuse? We've all heard the term, but do you really know what it is? Is spanking your child abuse? Is walking away from a screaming infant neglect? What, exactly, constitutes abuse? And how is it prevented? There are four main types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Physical abuse-Physical abuse is defined as any act which results in nonaccidental trauma or physical injury. Physical abuse generally occurs when a parent loses control and physically harms their child. This type of abuse can include beating, kicking, punching, biting, burning or shaking a child. Sexual abuse-Sexual abuse is defined as any misuse of a child for sexual pleasure or gratification. As sexual abuse often escalates over time, early abuse can include nontouching offenses, such as exposing a child to pornographic material. As the abuse escalates, it may progress to include fondling, and ultimately, penetration. Emotional abuse-Emotional abuse is defined as the systematic destruction of a child's self esteem. Emotional abuse is the most prevalent form of abuse, yet is the least understood. It can be the cruelest and most destructive of all the different forms of abuse. There are 5 types of emotional abuse: Rejecting-Telling the child that they are not wanted. This child may become the family scapegoat, and may be blamed for the family's problems. Ignoring-A lack of attachment to the child. Parents may withhold affection, and often show no interest in the child. Terrorizing-A child may be ridiculed for displaying normal emotions, or the parent may place expectations on the child that are far above their capabilities. The child may be threatened with severe punishments for misbehavior, such as abandonment, or even death. Isolating-Parents may isolate their children from their peers, not allowing them to participate in extracurricular activities, or forcing them to stay in their room when not in school. Corrupting-No limits on a child's behavior. The corrupting parent may allow their children to smoke, drink, do drugs, watch pornography, and they may encourage them to watch or even participate in criminal activities. Neglect-Child neglect is the most common form of abuse reported to child service agencies. It is defined as the failure of the parent to provide the child with necessary care such as shelter, food, clothing, education, supervision, medical care or other necessities. How is abuse prevented? Remember, most physical abuse occurs when the parent loses control. So, here are a few tips for keeping your cool. Count to 10. If necessary, count to 50, or 75, or 100. Breathe deeply while you are counting. Send your child to the time-out chair. Call someone; a friend, a counselor, a family or church member. Remember, there are local and national hotlines available for parents who feel they may be about to lose control. (See list below) If at all possible, get away from your child for a few minutes. Call a neighbor; ask them to watch your child for 20 minutes. Go take a walk. Make a list of numbers that you can call in the event that you begin to lose control. Keep it next to your other emergency numbers. Approximately 900,000 children are abused every year. Remember, parenting may be the hardest job you will ever have, but it is also the most rewarding. So ask for help if you need it. And if you have a friend or family member who seems to be overwhelmed, offer to babysit for a few hours. Remember, child abuse affects us all. The Child Abuse Prevention Network http://child-abuse.com/ Parents Anonymous http://www.parentsanonymous.org/paIndex10.html Childhelp USA® http://www.childhelpusa.org/report_hotline.htm Childhelp USA ® operates a 24-hour national hotline which offers crisis intervention for both parents and abused children. If you need help, call 1-800-4-A-CHILD.