Child Abuse and Neglect

Paper Info
Page count 4
Word count 1214
Read time 5 min
Subject Sociology
Type Research Paper
Language 🇺🇸 US

Introduction

Child abuse and neglect have significantly increased in societies today. I picked this topic because it helps me understand the various forms of child mistreatment. As a human, it is essential to be aware of the risk factors linked to abuse and neglect and should be able to identify the signs that indicate abuse or neglect. An educator needs to identify these signs and act to protect the child. Professionally, I need to recognize, protect, record, and report to seniors and subsequent abuse or neglect authorities. Therefore, I purposed to research the types of children’s ill-treatment, their signs, effects, risk factors, and remedies to enhance children’s well-being in society. Below are the questions to help me comprehend the topic:

  1. What are child abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, and different types of abuse?
  2. What are the risk factors and effects of child abuse and neglect, and emotional abuse?
  3. Warning signs of abuse, neglect, and emotional abuse?
  4. What should child care professionals do if they suspect abuse in Ontario or Canada?

What are Child Abuse, Neglect, Emotional Abuse, and Different Types of Abuse?

Child abuse does not only involve physical violence that is directed at the baby. Instead, it is any adult maltreatment threatening or violent to children (Rimer, 2018). There are four primary child abuse types, including physical, emotional, neglect, and sexual ill-treatment. Neglect refers to the guardian’s chronic omission or inattention to provide for the child’s physical or emotional needs (Rimer, 2018). These requirements include food, hygiene, clothing, education, adequate supervision, and medical care. It is not easy to spot neglect in children, although it causes adverse effects on the victims, especially the young children. Rimer (2018) defines emotional abuse as the pattern of rejecting, exploiting, corrupting, or denying a child’s dynamic responsiveness. Examples of emotional ill-treatment include child humiliation, shaming, bullying, or threatening (Rimer, 2018). Rejecting or ignoring a child and limiting physical contact with them is also related to emotional abuse.

Sexual ill-treatment happens when individuals exercise their power over a young one and involve them in sexual activities. Physical maltreatment consists of any caregiver’s actions that might physically harm the child (Rimer, 2018). Bodily ill-treatment might result from an excessive or inappropriate discipline where the caregiver does not intend to hurt a child. This form of abuse can range from minor to significant harm resulting in long-lasting damage or death. I understand that even though cultural factors play a crucial role in disciplining young ones, guardians should avoid harming them. I have also learned that sexual ill-treatment does not involve body contact always but can include exposing the young one to material or situations that are sexually abusive, even if it is not associated with touching.

What are the Risk Factors and Effects of Child Abuse Neglect, and Emotional Abuse?

Child maltreatment and neglect happen in all family types, although certain situations increase children’s abuse risks. James and Green (2018) explain that domestic violence causes adverse harm to young ones even though the abused guardian tries to protect them. Drug and alcohol abuse increases child abuse because guardians under substance influence may not effectively care for their babies. Additionally, these caregivers do not make quality parenting decisions or control impulses that pose a danger to their children. A child whose guardian has untreated mental diseases is at high risk of being mistreated because a traumatized caregiver might withdraw from their young ones or get angry without valid reasons. James and Green (2018) explain that inadequate parenting skills pose a risk for children’s ill-treatment because caregivers do not understand how to handle various situations. However, these guardians can join caregiver support, parenting classes, and therapy groups to acquire better parenting skills.

All mistreatment forms leave long-lasting scars in a child and affect their self-esteem, home, work, school functioning, and future relationships. Abused children lack trust in others because which can adversely affect their bonds because they do not understand the basis of a good interrelationship (James & Green, 2018). Mistreated children feel worthless if their guardians use harsh language while addressing them (Child Abuse and Neglect, n.d.). Sexual abuse survivors struggle with a damaged feelings because of shame and stigma in society. Moreover, young ones with a history of mistreatment are unable to express their feeling openly. They struggle with anger, aggression, and depression when they grow up (Child Abuse and Neglect, n.d.). Therefore, I have learned that guardians should seek help to ensure that they are mentally and physically fit to raise children. This research has also helped me understand why many abuse survivors turn to drugs or alcohol abuse.

What are the Warning Signs of Abuse, Neglect, and Emotional Abuse?

The type of abuse inflicted on a maltreated or neglected child determines the warning signs they exhibit. Drouineau et al. (2017) explain that emotional ill-treatment signs include: excessive withdrawal, fear or anxiety of doing something wrong, or showing extreme behavior such as being aggressive or demanding. Abused children are loosely attached to their caregivers and might confide in other people or hesitate to go home. These children are afraid to act or speak in a particular manner because they have low self-esteem. Drouineau et al. (2017) explain that sexually abused children tend to avoid specific people without reason. Moreover, they are always alert, shy away from touch, and wear inappropriate clothes. Abused children act up like adults or an infant. For example, Drouineau et al. (2017) explain that they always want to take care of their siblings or minor children. On the other hand, the young might express temper tantrums or suck their thumbs.

What Should Child Care Professionals Do if They Suspect Abuse in Ontario or Canada?

Everybody has a responsibility to report suspected or happening child ill-treatment in society. Collins, Sinclair, and Zufelt (2020) explain that the protection of these young ones is guaranteed by Ontario’s Child, Youth, and Family Services Act, 2017 (FSA). If an individual suspects child abuse or neglect in Ontario, they should report it immediately (Reporting Abuse and Neglect, n.d.). Additionally, if a person has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may require protection, they should report it to a children’s aid society (CAS) (Reporting Abuse and Neglect, n.d.). In some communities, CAS is known as “family and children’s services” or “child and family services.” Any official or professional should dial 411 to find the local society. If they suspect or witness child abuse or neglect and do not report it, a $5,000 fine is imposed (Collins et al., 2020). However, the whistleblowers should know that they are protected from any harm by reporting. This research has increased my confidence in telling off suspected child abuse and neglect cases in society for young ones’ well-being.

Conclusion

Child abuse and neglect cases have significantly increased in societies. All forms of abuse, including sexual, physical, sexual, and neglect, cause severe emotional damage. This research has changed my thinking about others because I might not know what they went through during childhood. I have realized that child abuse and neglect are diverse topics that should be taught to society. Understanding this topic will help people to minimize stigma and encourage the victims to speak about their experiences. Additionally, child mistreatment cases will reduce because the abusers will fear being apprehended.

References

Child abuse and neglect. (n.d.). HelpGuide.

Collins, T. M., Sinclair, L. D., & Zufelt, V. E. (2020). Children’s rights to participation and protection: Examining child and youth care college curricula in Ontario. Child & Youth Services, 1-30.

Drouineau, M. H., Guenego, E., Sebille-Rivain, V., Vrignaud, B., Balençon, M., Blanchais, T., & Gras-le Guen, C. (2017). Do abused young children feel less pain? Child Abuse & Neglect, 65, 248-254. Web.

James, F., & Green, J. (2018). Long-term effects of child abuse: Lessons for Australian pediatric nurses. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing. Web.

Reporting abuse and neglect. (n.d.). Ontario: Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Web.

Rimer, P. (2018). Making a difference. The community responds to child abuse. Resource Manual eighth edition.

Cite this paper

Reference

EduRaven. (2022, June 14). Child Abuse and Neglect. Retrieved from https://eduraven.com/child-abuse-and-neglect/

Reference

EduRaven. (2022, June 14). Child Abuse and Neglect. https://eduraven.com/child-abuse-and-neglect/

Work Cited

"Child Abuse and Neglect." EduRaven, 14 June 2022, eduraven.com/child-abuse-and-neglect/.

References

EduRaven. (2022) 'Child Abuse and Neglect'. 14 June.

References

EduRaven. 2022. "Child Abuse and Neglect." June 14, 2022. https://eduraven.com/child-abuse-and-neglect/.

1. EduRaven. "Child Abuse and Neglect." June 14, 2022. https://eduraven.com/child-abuse-and-neglect/.


Bibliography


EduRaven. "Child Abuse and Neglect." June 14, 2022. https://eduraven.com/child-abuse-and-neglect/.

References

EduRaven. 2022. "Child Abuse and Neglect." June 14, 2022. https://eduraven.com/child-abuse-and-neglect/.

1. EduRaven. "Child Abuse and Neglect." June 14, 2022. https://eduraven.com/child-abuse-and-neglect/.


Bibliography


EduRaven. "Child Abuse and Neglect." June 14, 2022. https://eduraven.com/child-abuse-and-neglect/.