Types of Child Abuse :: Violence Against Children

Child abuse can cause horrible physical and emotional effects on a child. Often times these emotional effects will stay with them forever. There are several types of child abuse including physical, emotional, sexual, and general abuse. Detecting and reporting child abuse is one of the most important steps in saving an innocent child’s life. Child abuse is a growing a problem in the United States. Child abuse can go undetected for many years. By knowing the different types of abuse or how to detect abuse, you can save a life. Physical Abuse What are the different types of child abuse? The most well known type of abuse is physical abuse. This is because it is the most obvious. Physical abuse is purposeful abuse inflicted on a child. Examples include bruises or welts shaped like an object, bruises in unusual places (back, eyes, mouth, buttocks, genital areas, thighs, and calves), layers of different colored bruises in the same general area. "Sock" or "glove" burns on feet or hands or doughnut shaped burns on buttocks (from forcing the child into hot water). Small round burns from cigarettes, burns in the shape of an object (iron, fireplace tool, or heater), and rope burns on ankles, wrists, or torso, adult sized bite marks, or suspicious fractures. Most of the parents who cause physical harm to their children say they are doing it to discipline their child. Some effects of physical child abuse include stomachaches, migraines, gut problems or other physical symptoms not directly caused by the abuse. These are called psych osomatic indicators. Abused kids often feel exhausted, starving, or sick most of the time (Kienlen). Physical abuse is more than just the obvious physical damage, it also takes a toll on the child emotional and psychologically. It can cause depression, rage, and feelings of isolation in a child. About 80% of depressed teenagers do not get help. They are more likely to suffer depression in their early 20s, and abuse drugs and alcohol (American Psychiatric Association). Anger not expressed appropriately can be vented out in other ways, or can stay bottled up inside them and cause depression. One possible effect of physical child abuse is passive aggressive behavior. Meaning the abused child goes out of their way to get back at that person such as burning the pizza or not putting the right amount of cream in the coffee.