April has been proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month as the result of a
proclamation issued by Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots. Representatives from
Adanta were at City Hall for the formal signing.
No one wants to imagine the idea of a child being abused, but child abuse is a significant issue across the globe. A 2016 review of population-based surveys on the prevalence of past-year violence against children published in the journal Pediatrics concluded that as many as one billion children between the ages of two and 17 experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence in the past year. Though that analysis was conducted years ago and it would be unfounded to suggest the prevalence of child abuse has remained that high, the findings reflect a global issue that demands attention.
As the 2016 analysis illustrates, child abuse is an umbrella term that encompasses various forms of maltreatment. The Mayo Clinic notes that the many forms of child abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, medical abuse, and neglect. Though there are certain red flags that indicate abuse but not necessarily a particular form of abuse, the Mayo Clinic indicates each type of abuse can produce its own specific signs and symptoms.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse refers to any instance when a child is intentionally physically injured or put at risk of harm by another person. Unexplained injuries like bruises, broken bones or burns are some manifestations of physical abuse of a child. The Mayo Clinic notes that a sign of child abuse is an injury that does not match up with the given explanation or one that is not compatible with the child's developmental ability.
Sexual abuse
The Mayo Clinic notes that any sexual activity with a child qualifies as sexual abuse. Sexual contact with a child and noncontact sexual abuse, such as exposing a child to sexual activity or pornography, are some additional examples of sexual abuse.
Signs of child sexual abuse include sexual behavior or knowledge that's inappropriate for a child's age; pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection; genital or anal pain, bleeding or injury; and inappropriate sexual behavior with other children. Statements by a child indicating the child was sexually abused also indicate sexual abuse and should be taken seriously.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse includes actions that injure a child's self-esteem and emotional well-being. Verbal assault, which the Mayo Clinic notes can include repeated belittling or berating of a child, is considered emotional abuse. Isolating, ignoring or rejecting a child also falls under the umbrella of emotional child abuse.
Signs a child is a victim of emotional abuse include delayed or inappropriate emotional development; loss of self-confidence or self-esteem; social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm; depression; avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the school bus; desperate attempts to garner attention; loss of interest in school or decrease in academic performance; and a loss of previously acquired developmental skills.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a child is not provided with adequate food, clothing, shelter, clean living conditions, affection, supervision, education, or medical care.
Poor growth; poor personal cleanliness; lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs; hoarding or stealing food; poor record of school attendance; and a lack of appropriate medical concerns, including psychological problems, are some signs of neglect.
Child abuse takes place in every corner of the globe. Learning to spot signs of child abuse can help protect children in your community. More information about child abuse and its effects can be found at mayoclinic.org.
