Risk Factor Articles: Child Abuse

Recognizing and Peventing Child Abuse (January 2012) Saisan, Joanna M.S.W, Smith, Melinda M.A, Segal, Jeanne Ph.D. Retrieved on February 11, 2012 from http://www.helpguide.org/

This article looks at the myths and facts of child abuse and neglect, the effects of child abuse and neglect. It describes the types of abuse, physical abuse vs. child abuse, sexual abuse, and the warning signs of child abuse and neglect, and sexual abuse. The five biggest myths of child abuse and neglect are dispelled and explained. "Child abuse is more than bruises or broken bones. While physical abuse is shocking due to the scars it leaves, not all child abuse is as obvious." (Saisan, Smith, Segal) The effects of child abuse and neglect can really harm a child both mentally and physically. These efffects can stay with children well into adulthood if therapy or any type of help is not offered early on. "All types of child abuse and neglect leaves lasting scars. "Some of these scars might be physical, but emotional scarring has long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child's sense of self, ability to have healthy relationships, and ability to function at home, work and at school." (Saisan. Smith, Segal) These effects include lack of trust and relationship difficulties, core feelings of being "worthless" or "damaged", as well as trouble regulating emotions.
This article also looks at the types of child abuse which are emotional abuse, child neglect, physical child abuse. It also looks at physical abuse and discipline, and child sexual abuse which is a hidden type of abuse.
In the matter of child sexual abuse this article also looks at the problem of shame and guilt in child sexual abuse. According to this article, "aside from the physical damage that sexual abuse can cause, the emotional component is powerful and far-reaching."
This article is very resourceful in many ways. It gives immense details in the warning signs of every type of abuse from emotional, physical, neglect, and sexual abuse as well child abuse and reactive attachment disorder in which "severe abuse early in life can lead to reactive attachment disorder. Children with this disorder are so disrupted that they have extreme difficulty establishing normal relationships and attaining normal developmental milestones. They need special treatment and support." (Saisan, Smith, Segal) This article also looks at the risk factors for child abuse and neglect towards children. These risk factors include domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, untreated mental illness, lack of parenting skills, and stress and lack of support.

This article would really be beneficial to parents not only for the numerous reasons listed above but also because it helps parents recognize abusive behavior within themselves. It suggests professional help to parents as well as provide access to resources for help. It helps parents to understand when they may have crossed the line. A parent has crossed the line when they can't stop the anger, they feel emotionally disconnected from their child, meeting the daily needs of their child seems impossible, and other people have expressed concern. "It is only as adults that we have the perspective to step back and take a hard look at what is normal and what is abusive." (Saisan, Smith, Segal) This article is also beneficial to teachers and caretakers because it looks at ways to help an abused or neglected child as well as ways to report abuse and neglect. The article has numerous links to other topics closely related to child abuse and neglect of children.