What types of child abuse exist? What are the consequences of child abuse? Discover how to detect child abuse and the psychological effects it has on life.
We usually relate the child abuse usually with physical harm, but in reality there are different types of abuse towards children. The abuser in these cases is usually an adult with responsibilities towards the minor.
In many cases where children are abused, the person responsible for the abuse is usually a parent or family member. Detecting abuse in time and putting an end to it must undoubtedly be one of the priorities in the environment of these children. Besides children abused by their parents They suffer consequences that go beyond childhood and last into adulthood.
Child abuse involves physically or psychologically harming a boy or girl. Not only does this usually have a very negative impact on the children’s lives, but it also child abuse has consequences for the psychological development of children. According to statistics, households in which a member suffers from alcoholism, substance abuse, or anger problems tend to demonstrate a higher incidence of child abuse. In some types of child abuse, children may not know that they are victims of it.
Types of child abuse
Normally, most people tend to relate child abuse with physical abuse. In reality, there are many different types of child abuse, psychologists usually highlight the following.
Physical abuse
The physically abused children They usually have bumps or scratches on various parts of their body. Physical abuse is considered when a child is intentionally hit or harmed. Mainly physical child abuse is usually through the following actions.
Burns
Asphyxiation or drowning
Throw objects at children
Slapping or any other physical harm
Tying or forcing the child into a stressed position
This is usually one of the types of abuse that can best be detected in children. In the event that you detect a case like this, it is important to call the police or report it to any trusted adult.
Signs of physical abuse
Children who present this type of abuse They usually act to try to hide the signs of this abuse. Apart from this, most may present the following signs.
Unexplained black eyes, bruises, bites, or burns
Injuries that follow a pattern (for example, more than one burn or welt on the hand)
Protesting or crying when it is time to go to a particular place, whether at home or school, or another place where child abuse may occur
Signs of fear of the abuser
Always be attentive, as if waiting for something unpleasant to happen
Not tolerating physical contact
Wearing inappropriate clothing, for example, wearing long sleeves in summer, to cover injuries.
These signs can reveal that you are facing a possible child abuse case therefore it is important to try to help the victim in the face of these signs.
emotional abuse
Another of the types of child abuse It’s emotional abuse. This child abuse occurs when a reference for the child uses words and a certain type of attitude to belittle or psychologically harm minors. Examples of emotional child abuse are usually the following.
Not allowing children to express their views and opinions
Ridicule what they say
Silence them when they are explaining a fact that is important to them
Yell at or threaten them frequently
Making fun of an aspect of your physique or personality
Use emotional blackmail
In the different types of child violence there may be a certain degree of emotional abuse.
Signs of emotional abuse
Among the most common signs that a child is suffering from one of these types of child abuse psychologists can highlight the following.
Being anxious or fearful
Observe a lack of attachment to parents or caregiver
Age-inappropriate behaviors
sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is defined as any act that forces or incites children to engage in sexual activities. When faced with these types of childhood violence, the child usually does not understand what is happening. This type of child abuse may include the following.
Any act that includes penetration or is related to sex
Watching others perform sexual acts
Display images, videos, toys or other sexual material
Forcing children to undress
Encouraging children to behave in a sexually inappropriate manner
He child abuser The person who performs these acts can be an adult man or woman, as well as a teenager or another child.
Signs of sexual abuse
When a child has received a sexual abuse You can usually show the following attitudes that reveal that you have suffered this type of abuse.
Showing sexual knowledge or behavior that is strange or unusual for your age
This type of child abuse It is usually carried out by a person who is close to the children. In fact, in many cases, adults who commit this type of child abuse may have received the same treatment during childhood. If you detect this type of abuse, it is vital that you report it.
Negligence
One of the types of child abuse What can most go unnoticed is negligence. This occurs when parents or those responsible for children do not meet the basic physical and psychological needs of any minor.
When a child suffers from this type child abuse You usually feel very alone, and your self-esteem can be greatly damaged. Children abused through neglect often suffer from the following.
Failure to provide adequate food, clothing, or medical care
Locking a child in a room or closet
Leaving children in a situation where they could experience emotional or physical danger
Leaving children alone for long periods of time
Besides this type of attitudes these types of abusers can also neglect children’s basic emotional needs.
Signs of negligence
When this happens type of child abuse children can behave in the following ways.
Failure to meet children’s medical needs
Has unwashed clothing, skin, or hair
Being using drugs or alcohol
Wearing the same clothes all the time or constantly dressing inappropriately for the time of year
Skipping school frequently
Being alone or feeling alone at home
These behaviors may indicate that we are facing a negligent child abuse Sometimes parents who practice this type of abuse may suffer from some psychological problem that makes them unable to care for their children in the best possible way.
What are the consequences of child abuse?
He child abuse It can affect many areas of the emotional, physical, psychological and behavioral development of abused children. In these cases, it is important that the person who has received one of these forms of violence consults with a mental health professional to be able to work on all the effects of receiving child abuse. Normally, the consequences of child abuse on adults are translated into the following.
Relationship problems: In it child abuse one of the most common consequences What the victim usually experiences is precisely having problems in relationships with others. This happens because without the security or support of a parent, abused children may have difficulty trusting other people growing up.
Learning problems: Children who suffer from some of the types of abuse mentioned can end up presenting many difficulties in their learning. In fact, there is a strong relationship between child abuse and poor academic performance.
Mental health problems: It is obvious that those who have suffered any of the types of child abuse that we have exposed are much more likely to experience a problem with their mental health. In fact, the consequences of child abuse They can leave a mark on the adult life of the person who has been abused. Therefore, if you have experienced physical, psychological or sexual abuse, it is important to go to a professional psychology consultation.
Youth suicide: He child abuse increases the risk of suicidal ideation among young people. Therefore, it is important to report different types of abuse when detecting them.
Alcohol and other drug use: The psychological effects of child abuse can lead to people experiencing a tendency to abuse alcohol and other drugs to try to ‘remedy’ or ‘forget’ traumas related to childhood violence.
Behavior problems: Child abuse also has consequences on the way people who have suffered it behave. In fact, studies reveal that those who have experienced some of the types of child abuse They tend to have more violent and criminal attitudes because of this.
Lack of selfesteem: The experiences we experience during childhood greatly determine our security and self-esteem. In cases of child abuse, people tend to be greatly affected by these two psychological factors.
There are many consequences of child abuse for adults who have suffered it. Therefore, if you detect a case of child abuse, it is important to report it. If you are a person who has received any of the types of child abuse, it is important that you work inside yourself with a professional psychologist so as not to suffer the consequences. Childhood should be a time full of joy for anyone.
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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team at PsychologyFor to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to evidence-based research. The content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.
