WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?

 

WHAT IS CHILD ABUSE?

Child abuse is the wrongful treatment of a child. It may be in the form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. This form of abuse may also be recognized as the exploitation of a child, as well as the failure to properly care for a child, otherwise known as neglect.

Most U.S. child abuse laws agree on this definition of child abuse: Any intentional harm or mistreatment of a child under age 18 is abuse and a criminal offense.

What is incest?

Incest is a sexual act between family members who are too closely related to be legally married. The sex act can be anything from fondling to intercourse. Any sexual act with a child is abuse.

Behavioral Cues of Child Abuse

• Excessive crying in infants
• Nightmares
• Bedwetting
• Poor concentration
• Eating issues
• Displays fear around 
• parents/caregivers
• Poor performance at school
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  What increases a person’s risk for abusing a child?

• having a substance use disorder
• physical or mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• poor parent-child relationships
• socioeconomic stress from financial issues, unemployment, or medical problems
• a lack of understanding about basic childhood development (expecting children to be capable of tasks before they’re ready)
• a lack of parenting skills to help cope with the pressures and struggles of raising a child
• a lack of support from family members, friends, neighbors, or the community
• caring for a child with intellectual or physical disabilities that make adequate care more challenging
• family stress or crisis caused by domestic violence, relationship turmoil, separation, or divorce