1. Definition of child abuse
Child abuse is the physical, psychological or sexual maltreatment and by a parent or other caregiver to a child, and it results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm, which results in the non-accidental harm to a child's physical, or emotional state. According to the definition in the mental health journal child abuse is defined as “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm”.
People often assume that children are mostly abused by strangers, but sometimes the abuser is a friend of the parents, a family member, or even the parent. Most child abuse happens at home, but also occurs in organizations, schools or communities.
Children often don't tell about abuse, because they have been threatened to keep silent or they feel ashamed and guilty.
A pyramid of abuse
Peter Sidebotham
2. There are four different kinds of child abuse:
2.1 Sexual Abuse
This is when children are forced or persuaded into sexual acts or situations by other people. Children might have to look at pornography, be harassed with sexual suggestions or comments, or be touched sexually or forced to have sex.
Quote from sexually abused child
'” thought for a long time that what was happening was OK because Dad said it was a game that all fathers played with their sons, a secret game that only the men knew about.”
2.1Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is acts of physical assault by parents, caretakers or strangers. It can be one of the following:
Hitting,
Kicking
Burning
Beating
Throwing and shaking
Sexual abuse
Child trafficking
Pornography
Child labor
Quote from physically abused child.
“I haven't been to school for two days because I'm...