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Child abuse is the wrongful treatment of a child.
It may be in the form of physical,emotional, orsexual abuse.
Children that are subjected to abuse usually experience harm to their health, welfare, and self-respect.
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For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Every year, approximately one million childrenare deprived of a normal, harm-free childhood.
Instead, they are subjected to the horrors of maltreatment in their formative stages.
The abuse of children may take different forms, listed below.
Physical abuse may involve hitting a child with hands or an object.
Children of all races, ethnicities and economic groups may be subject to physical abuse.
It is, however, more commonly observed in boys and infant children.
Emotional abuseoccurs where a child is degraded, terrorized,isolated, or exploited by a parent/caregiver.
There is a chance that cases of emotional abuse may be even higher than those reported.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse refers to the forceful participation of children in sexual acts.
It may also involve forcing a child to engage in sexual acts that they do not fully understand.
This abuse may also force children to engage in sexual acts that they do not fully understand.
While sexual contact typically makes up sexual abuse, non-contact improper treatment may also come under the abuse classification.
This includes the exposure of a child to sexual activity or taking inappropriate photographs of children.
Neglect
This is the failure of a caregiver/parent to meet the most basic needs of a child.
Impact of Child Abuse
Abuse hasfar-reaching effectson every aspect of a childs well-being.
The mental effects of this treatment may leave children withPTSDor even cognitive retardation.
Impact of Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse may cause a disconnect in a childs sense of self.
Survivors of child sexual abuse may feel anger, guilt, and shame over the treatment they have endured.
This child is also likely to display emotional and behavioral problems as a result of their abandonment.
Later difficulties in life like liver and heart disease may also be traceable to poor treatment received in childhood.
These children may be protected using treatments likepsychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Therapy is useful for addressing the issues linked with abuse and neglect.
It is also necessary to teach a child appropriate behaviors for adult-child relationships.
Therapy can also provide a support system for poorly treated children.
Medication may be recommended for the PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other pains associated with abusive treatment.
Maltreatment is a painful thing to experience during development.
A Word From Verywell
Child abuse is an alarmingly common form of abuse.
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