Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect

Why does child abuse occur?

Child abuse and neglect affects children of every age, race, and income level. However, research has identified many risk factors relating to the child, family, community, and society that are associated with an increased risk of child abuse and neglect. Studies have also shown that when multiple risk factors are present, the risk is greater.

Young mothers and fathers unprepared for the responsibilites of raising a child; overwhelmed single parents with little support; and families placed under stress by poverty, divorce, or a child's disability are all at greater risk. Some families are stressed by worries about employment, health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, or are simply unaware of how to care for their children's basic needs.

These circumstances, combined with the inherent challenges of raising children, can result in otherwise well-intentioned parents causing their children harm or neglecting their needs.

How many children are abused and neglected in the United States?

In 2004, about 3 million reports were made to child protective services about the safety and well-being of more than 5.5 million children. As a result of these reports, about 872,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse or neglect. Of these, more than 60 percent were neglected and about 18 percent were physically abused, 10 percent were sexually abused, and 7 percent were emotionally maltreated.

Child deaths are the most tragic consequences of maltreatment. In 2004, an estimated 1,490 children died due to abuse or neglect. More than one-third of these deaths were caused by neglect.

There are four types of child abuse.

• Neglect
• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Emotional Abuse

Neglect: Occurs when a parent or caretaker allows a child to experience avoidable suffering or fails to provide basic essentials for physical, social, and educational development.

There are four basic types of neglect:

• Physical Neglect- Failure to provide basic needs to a child such as clothing, housing, medical attention and nutrition.
• Social Neglect- Failure to provide support and/or affection necessary for the development of a child’s psychological and social development.
• Educational Neglect- Failure to provide an education to a child.

Physical Abuse: Occurs when a child suffers a nonaccidental injury that may include severe beatings, burns, fractures, bruises, welts, or other physical problems.

Indicators of Physical Abuse:

• Unexplained bruises or burns
• Repeated injuries or injuries inconsistent with explanation
• Excessive fear of parent or caregiver
• Unusual shyness

Sexual Abuse: Occurs when an adult or older child exploits a child for sexual gradification. Sexual abuse includes fondling, sodomy, child prostition, incest, and forcing or encouraging a child to participate in pornographic activity.

Indicators of Sexual Abuse:

• Pain and irritation of the genitals
• Torn, stained or bloody underwear
• Genital discharge
• Sudden changes in behavior
• In young children, preoccupation with genitals

Emotional Abuse: Occurs when a parent creates a negative environment for a child.

Indicators of Emotional Abuse:

• Speech disorders or eating disorders
• Flat spot or bald spot on infants head
• Poor relations with peers
• Habit disorders such as biting, rocking, head banging