The document discusses different types of child abuse including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. It states that child abuse is unfortunately common, with one in four children abused every day in the Netherlands. Most abusers are known to the child such as parents, relatives, or family friends. The document outlines signs of different types of abuse and advises that if abuse is suspected, it should be reported so that support can be offered to the abused child.
2. Inhoudsopgave What is child abuse ? Physical abuse is…. Sexual abuse is…. Emotional abuse is…. Neglect is…. How common is child abuse ? Who abuses children ? How to recognize child abuse What to do about child abuse ? finally
3. What is child abuse? Growing up can be difficult but most children and young people receive the love and care they need. But Some children are: Hurt Neglected Used by adults or other children. Abuse can mean different things to different children, and can happen once or many times .
4. Physical abuse is... … when children are hurt or injured by parents or other people. Like Hitting kicking, beating with objects, throwing and shaking Physical abuse, and can cause: Pain Cuts Bruising Broken bones And sometimes even death. 'I haven't been to school for two days because I'm afraid that people will see the bruises on my arms in PE.'
5. Sexual abuse is... ...when children are: Forced or persuaded into sexual acts or situations by others. Children might be encouraged to look at pornography. Be harassed by sexual suggestions or comments Be touched sexually or forced to have sex. 'I thought for a long time that what was happening was OK because Dad said it was a game that all fathers played with their sons, a secret game that only the men knew about.'
6. Emotional abuse is... ...when children are: Not given love Approval Acceptance. They may be constantly: Criticised Blamed Sworn and shouted at Told that other people are better than they are Rejected by those they look to for affection. 'I'm in care and I'm always being moved between foster homes. I feel unloved and unsettled.'
7. Neglect is... ...when parents or others looking after children do not provide them with: Proper food Warmth Shelter Clothing Care Protection. ‘ My mum and dad both have drinking problems. Sometimes there's nothing to eat in the house. And I'm often left alone to look after my brothers and sisters.'
8. How common is child abuse? In the Netherlands, one of four children gets abused everyday. In 2000/2001, 9,857 children and young people talked to ChildLine about sexual abuse 13,285 about physical abuse between 10 and 15 years old. Children don't tell about abuse because they have been: Threatened into keeping silent Made to feel ashamed and guilty. 'He said he'd kill me if I told anyone.' 'Mum hits me all the time. I don't want to tell anyone. I don't want to get her in trouble.'
9. Who abuses children? Not just strangers 95% of children calling ChildLine know the abuser. Abusers include: Parents Uncles Aunts Grandparents Teachers Family friends Brothers Sisters. Most men from all classes Some women Some young people.
10. How to recognize child abuse Physical abuse Emotional abuse Sexual abuse Neglect Domestic Violence-Related Child Abuse
11. Physical Abuse: Burns Welts Fractures Bruises Severe beatings Unexplained or repeated physical injuries
12. Emotional Abuse: Parents make demeaning remarks Unrealistic parental expectations Perceived or actual threats of harm Illegal behaviors taught to a child
13. Sexual Abuse: Involvement of a child in sexual activity Knowledge of sexual behavior inappropriate for the child's age Contact for sexual purposes such as fondling Involvement or exposure to prostitution and/or pornography
14. Neglect: Lack of basic food and clothing Inappropriate child hygiene Lack of appropriate supervision Lack of education as required by law Lack of medical treatment or medication for a serious illness Residing in an inappropriate/dangerous living environment
15. Domestic Violence-Related Child Abuse: Is injured during a physical altercation between adults Witnesses domestic violence between adults Experiences perceived or actual threats of harm Experiences disruption in his/her living situation
16. What to do about child abuse Sadly, there isn’t much that can be done. Report it Keep a good eye on the child involved Offer an inviroment where they can be themselfes
17. Finally I hope that you’ll learn as much from this as I did. Please keep you’re eyes and hearts open for abused children. They really need your support. Please do it for them…