How is the problem defined? Physical abuse is any intentional act that causes a physical injury to a child. Injuries, such as bruises, burns, fractures, cuts, punctures, or organ damage, can occur when a child is physically abused. Physical abuse may cause serious emotional problems that last long after the physical injury has healed (Kent & Waller, 1998). The abuse can start before a child is born if a mother uses illegal drugs, misuses prescription or nonprescription medications, or fails to seek health care during her pregnancy (Shelov, 1998).

Sexual abuse is any act with a child that is intended to sexually gratify an adult. Sexual abusers can be young or old, male or female, and usually are family members (incest) or acquaintances that the child knows. They convince the child not to tell and that the act is okay. Sexual abuse by a stranger is rare.

t is failure to take action when action is needed to ensure a child’s health and well-being. Neglect can cause failure to succeed or learning problems (Garbarino & Garbarino, 1994). Neglect happens when parents of caregivers fail to provide appropriate shelter, schooling, clothing, protection from hazards, or medical care (Korfmacher, 1998). Neglect causes potential or actual harm or both.

What are current and past approaches to addressing the problem? What are some means of accomplishing these changes? Health care professionals and concerned individuals need to increase awareness and education in emotional child abuse in the community and with parents (website). Then, parents and guardians need to be encouraged to make strong attachments with their children and learn to express warmth and positive regard for them (Shelov, 1998). Next, families have to be encouraged to form relationships with support systems available to them (Korfmacher, 1998). In addition, more research in topics related to emotional child abuse and parent-child relationships must be done.

There are several different types of child maltreatment and neglect. It is not unusual for a victim to experience more than one type of abuse. A child may be physically abused and emotionally maltreated, or sexually abused and neglected. Children of all ages can be victims of any of these types of abuse. However, children under the age of five are more likely to be physically abused and to suffer more serious injuries than children over the age of five (Shelov, 1998).

Some behavioral indicators of an emotionally abused child include inappropriate behavior that is immature or more mature for the child’s age, dramatic behavioral changes (disruption of activities, clinging or compulsively seeking affection and attention), aggressiveness, uncooperativeness, bedwetting or loss of bowel control- after a child has been trained- and destructive or antisocial behavior (Janz, 1995). Moreover, poor relationships with peers, lack of self-confidence, unusual fears for the child’s age, or inability to react with emotion or develop an emotional bond with others are also signs. Realistically, any of these behaviors can also be seen in normal children, but a change in the pattern of these behaviors is a strong indication of emotional abuse and should not be ignored.

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