What is child abuse? What are the types of child abuse? Is your child unsafe?

Hello parents of cute little kids, today we will talk about a very sensitive topic: "child abuse." Abuse means misuse, so think about how harmful "child abuse" can be. Every home has children who are happy and playful, but if these children start living quietly and in fear, it means your child might be unsafe. Something wrong might be happening to them, and they may be victims of child abuse, possibly unable to tell you.

6 Major Causes of Child Abuse: Reasons of Adults Hurt Children

If we try to understand the causes of child abuse on an individual level, studies show substance use, personal history of abuse, age, and mental health as major risk factors for child abuse. If we try to understand this thing at the societal level, then economic equality, cultural norms that encourage harsh physical punishment for children, and risk factors like lack of safety concern for children in society are highlighted. 

1: Marital strife and tension 

Marital strife: Parents who physically abuse their spouses are more likely to physically harm their children. 

Tension: Many parents develop expectations from their children that exceed their capability and age. The resulting frustration in children is a contributing factor to child abuse.

2: Intent to punish

Most of the physical violence against children is done by parents and teachers with the intention of punishing kids because they believe that doing so improves the behavior of children. Children and infants abused by their parents are more likely to be assaulted by their parents and have more frequent injuries that sometimes even require medical attention. 

3: Children from Unintended pregnancies:

Those babies born from unintended pregnancy are more likely to suffer neglect or abuse. The chances of abusive relationships being formed between partners are higher in unintended pregnancies as compared to intended pregnancies due to which women also have to suffer physical violence during pregnancy. This kind of behavior negatively impacts maternal mental health and also reduces mother-child relationship quality.

4: Substance Use Disorder: 

This is a major contributing factor to child abuse. A study conducted in the US found that parents involved in substance abuse like alcohol, cocaine, and heroin are more likely to mistreat and reject their children. Parental stress from substance abuse causes minors to exhibit internalizing and externalizing behavior. Such children remain internally in a very confused state and after reaching a certain age the inner anger turns into outer frustration. 

5: Feeling of Anger: 

In some cases, when people find themselves in some problem, they get very angry. Because of problems in family, work, money, or relationships. Their anger and frustration manifest into abusive actions. In some cases, the person begins to perceive their own children as the cause of the problem which causes them to take abusive actions against their children.

6: Mental Health: 

Individuals who have substance abuse disorders, depression, or personality disorders are at high risk for child abuse. 

Explain different types of Child Abuse

Child abuse is a condition where parents, caregivers, or local guardians, who are responsible for a child, either harm them or fail to take proper care of them.

Child abuse is a serious issue and can take various forms:

1: Physical abuse: Physical abuse involves intentionally harming or injuring a child. This includes hitting, pushing, burning, or hurting the child with objects.

Signs of physical abuse: Bruises, burns, fractures, or cuts of unexplained origin.

2: Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse includes scolding, screaming, threatening, criticizing, rejecting, or continuously bullying a child.

Signs of emotional abuse: Low self-esteem, depression in children.

Suggested Read: https://medwiki.co.in/post/protect-your-kids-from-bullying-when-and-how-to-step-in-en

3: Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse involves any form of sexual activity with a child, such as touching inappropriate body parts or engaging in any other sexual activity.

Signs of sexual abuse: The child may show fear of certain places or people, experience pain in the genital area, have unexplained bleeding from private body parts, or possess knowledge of sexual acts that are inappropriate for their age.

Suggested Read: https://medwiki.co.in/post/signs-of-child-sexual-abuse-en

If you notice your child becoming unusually quiet or fearful of certain places or people, take the time to talk to them, understand them, and provide the support and care they need.

Child abuse is a deeply concerning issue that involves physical, sexual, and emotional harm to a child, even to those who are responsible for their care and nurturing. Many factors such as substance abuse, mental health issues, marital strife, unintended pregnancies, and anger contribute to this harmful behavior. Parents and caregivers need to have adequate knowledge of and awareness of abusive signs and take protective steps to protect their child from this potential harm. Open communication, awareness, and seeking professional help when needed can significantly reduce the risk of child abuse and ensure children's safety and well-being.

source: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/child-abuse/what-is-child-abuse/child-abuse-types

              https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459146/#:~:text=The World Health Organization