Question

1. What is the difference between Child abuse or neglect and describe the symptoms.

2. If you found or suspect a youth is being abused or neglected, would you let the parent know you are reporting the incident? Why or Why Not?

Answer 1

Child abuse is sexual , physical or psychological neglect of a child by a parent or caregiver . Child neglect is a type of child abuse where the caretakers fail to provide the basic needs of the child.

Child abuse is act of commission ,it also includes words or actions that cause harm or threat to the child.The different types of abuse are;

1.Physical abuse: Adults use physical force against a child like hitting ,beating ,kicking which can result in the harm of the child's health.

2.Sexual Abuse: Adults force the child for sexual activites.It include indecent exposure of the genitals, kissing the child inappropriately, forcing the child to engage in sexual activities.

3.Psychological Abuse: Nonacccidental verbal Act by a child's parent that can psychologically affect the child. It includes name calling ,loud yelling, inattention and harsh criticism.

Symptoms of child Abuse;

1. Changes in the habit of the child

2. Social withdrawal

3.Poor concentration and decreased school performance.

4. Sleeping problems and nightmares.

5. Depression.

6.Self harm.

7. Withdrawal to touch.

8.Bruises,burns and scar marks on child.

Child neglect is the failure of a parent to provide food ,clothing, shelter ,medical care to the child. It is a lack of attention from the parent towards the child.

Signs of child neglect:

1. Child is frequently absent from school.

2. Child lack needed medical and dental Care.

3. Child steals food.

4. Child wear dirty clothes.

5.Child lack appropriate clothing in the winter season.

2.When I found a youth is abused by the parent and going to report that incident I will never tell child's parents.It is better not to notify the parents about the abuse.If the parent is the abuser ,it can be a threat to the child and even endanger child's .Report the incident to child support and let them assess the situation .

How to help a maltreated child?

1.Listen and talk to the child.

2.Express empathy and love

3.Support child verbally and emotionally.

4.Teach the child self protection strategies.