Child Abuse

Child abuse is doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to a child or puts a child at risk of harm. Child abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Neglect, or not providing for a child's needs, is also a form of abuse.

Most abused children suffer greater emotional than physical damage. An abused child may become depressed. He or she may withdraw, think of suicide or become violent. An older child may use drugs or alcohol, try to run away or abuse others.

Child abuse is a serious problem. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the police or your local child welfare agency.

Child Abuse on Wikipedia

'''Child abuse''' is the physical or psychological mistreatment of a child by his or her parents (including adoption parents), Legal guardian, or other Adult. While this term emphasizes on carrying out wrong acts, a related term is '''child neglect''': not doing what is necessary, negligence. The combined problem area is often called '''''child abuse and neglect'''''. Below the term ''abuse'' is used in the generalized meaning which also includes neglect. Child abuse occurs in all classes of society. Maladjusted psychological need may drive an adult to abuse a child. One thing in common among different types and degrees of abuse is failure to consider a child's long-term interest. Imposing malnutrition on a child can be a form of abuse depending on severity. For example, causing a child to forfeit breakfast one morning might not be considered child abuse. In intercultural cases, unless the child is in immediate danger, it is best to seek guidance from responsible adults within the child's own ethnic group before making any judgments. Serious mistakes and false accusations have been made by those who have acted too quickly. Also, in other countries, the semantics (meaning of words) related to children can vary. For example, the word "infant" in French is easily recognized even by someone who does not speak the language ("enfant"). However, it refers not only to infants, but older children as well. In the Indian Subcontinent, the words "boy" and "girl" refer to anyone (even adults) who are not married--no matter what their age. In addition, certain Latin derived words seemingly associated with child abuse may have an innocent meaning. For example, "no molestar" in Spanish language simply means "do not disturb." It should be noted that any child who is not living with their natural (birth) parents is at greater risk of abuse. This includes Foster parent|foster ...   [ Read More ]

External Resources

Second Wind Dance Company - Creates performances with timely thematic materials relating to social and world issues such as domestic violence, world hunger, and child abuse, in an artistic and culturally enriching manner.(Chesapeake, Virginia)

Mary Beth Goodman - Finished quilts and quilts-in-progress by Mary Beth Goodman. See her child abuse quilts and roots of racism quilts.

Was Michael Jackson Framed? - Frequently cited article concerning accusations of child abuse, by Mary A. Fischer for GQ Magazine.

Jazz for Children - Information about a charity concert in London, England on June 22, 2003, aimed at raising awareness about child abuse. Site provides a performance schedule, biographies, and ticket information.

Reuschel, KimMarie - A survivor of child abuse paints her way through healing.

Salas, Susan Stone - Artistic, figurative expressions of the effects of child abuse with accompanying text.

State Kid - Fictional story of a 15-year-old foster child who overcomes abuse and juvenile prison through literacy, communication skills, courage, and audacity.

Genesis Consultants Online Mental Health Book Store - Mental health book store plus ask the expert at Genesis Consultants about child abuse, marriage and family, sexual abuse, and personal growth.

CAPTÏV: Published Poetry on Self-Injury and Child Abuse - A poetry book on child abuse, incest, sexual abuse, and its legacy of consequences, including self-injury, eating disorders, and the road from surviving to healing.

My Steve Sax Connection - Alan Waldman describes how he recovered from psychological child abuse by identification with a sports star.

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