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How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide

This article was contributed by:

Douglas Parker – Manshoory Law Group, APC

Douglas Parker handles content management and communications for Manshoory Law Group, APC. He has always had a special interest in the sphere of Law and Human Rights. Dedicating a lot of his free time to understanding the small details and specifics of these fields, Douglas enjoys exploring and analyzing them in his articles. His main goal is to make this sometimes complicated information available and transparent for everyone.

Website: manshoorylaw.com

How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide

Visible marks on the body are not the only signs that tell that child is abused. Disregarding a youngster’s needs, leaving them alone, placing them in risky situations, subjecting them to sexual situations, and making them feel useless or inept are some forms of child abuse that will leave scars that may not heal.

Speak out when a child is abused. By catching the problem in its early stage, help can be given to the child and the abuser.

Types of Child Abuse

An abused child suffers or is threatened with physical or mental harm through action or failure to act by the person responsible for the child’s welfare. There are many forms of abusive behavior that leave emotional and physical scars on the youngster.

Physical abuse

A child is a victim of physical abuse when injuries are inflicted by caregivers. The physical abuse stems from unreasonable or severe punishment of the child when caregivers are under stress or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when an adult or an older child uses another child for sexual gratification or other sexual acts.

Emotional abuse

A child suffers from emotional abuse when they are constantly ridiculed, compared unfavorably with others, ignored or rejected, and blamed.

Child neglect

The most common type of child abuse happens when the caregiver does not provide the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, education, supervision and medical care.

Preventing Child Abuse

Except for sexual abuse, the most number of child abuse occurs within the family. The prevention of sexual abuse requires a different approach than physical and emotional abuse as well as neglect. Often the parents are the culprits in physical and emotional abuse of children which stems from stress. Recognizing these stresses and taking a breather when there is pressure can help avoid hurting the children we love. Here are some tips to prevent abusing your children.

  • Never discipline your kid when you are angry it’s better to move away.
  • Get involved with their activities and know their friends.
  • Establish communication with children so parents will be in the loop.
  • Observe your child’s behavior and attitude and inquire if there are changes.
  • Teach your youngster the proper name of their body parts.
  • Be alert for any discussion about untimely sexual understanding.
  • Be wary of strangers showing interest in your child.
  • Teach your child what to do in case they get lost.

How to determine if child abuse actually took place?

Here is a table that shows signs of abuse in a child.

TYPE OF ABUSEPHYSICAL SIGNBEHAVIORAL SIGN
Physical AbuseInjuries in hidden parts of the bodyHostility towards peers and pets
Serious woundsFrightful of caretaker
Injuries at various phases of healingShow signs of fear, sadness, anxiety
Injuries on various surfaces of the bodyImproper wearing of long sleeves
Unexplained injuryBad dreams, sleep deprivation
The unique shape of the injuryDestructive attitude
Rate, timing, and history of injuries
Sexual AbuseTrouble sitting, strolling, discharge issuesWould not want to change garments
Tattered, blemished, bloody undiesPulled back, discouraged, on edge
Hemorrhage, contusions, inflammation, itching of sexual organsDietary problems, obsession with body
Frequent UTI or yeast infectionsHostility, misbehavior, poor peer interaction
STDDrug use, elusive, carelessness, suicidal tendencies
Sleep disorder, bad dreams, bed wetting
Inappropriate sexual misbehavior, excessive masturbation
Emotional AbuseDevelopmental delaySucking, gnawing, shaking
Bed, pants wettingLearning impairment, formative delays
Speech defectJittery, fearful, sleep deprivation
Poor health, sickly, overweightSuicidal tendencies
NeglectUnderweight, short for ageAttire is inappropriate in size and unfit for the climate, filthy
Medical and dental problems are not treated, deficient vaccinationsOften starving, stores food
Signs of malnutritionOften worn-out, drowsy, inactive
Sanitation issues, body smellOften unfinished schoolwork, transfers school

Child abuse is considered a crime and is punishable an offender is liable to civil penalties too. If you come across a child who is abused call a child abuse lawyer. They are professionals who know the issues associated with child abuse, defend the rights of the victim, and sees to it that wrongdoers are punished for their crime.

How to Help a Victim of Child Abuse?

Child abuse is hard to handle and much more to talk about for the victim and you. You must earn the trust and confidence for the victim to open up. Show absolute support and patience, if you find difficulty in communicating with words let your actions do the talking.

Avoid showing denial, shock or disgust to what a victim is saying otherwise they will be afraid to talk and will shut down. As much as possible, keep composed and reassuring.

Let the child explain in their own what transpired. Asking leading questions may confuse and make it hard for them to continue.

If your intervention puts you and the child in harm’s way call the professionals and provide your support later.

One Comment

  1. Alex Glassey

    Thanks for posting on child abuse. The cases of child abuse are rapidly increasing, and it should be prevented as early as possible. Thus, consult a child psychologist if the child who suffered from abuse is having a hard time.

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