Shocking Information on Child Abuse

Information taken from wikipedia by Dana, Jasmine and Areej grade 7 students

Approximately 5 children die every day because of child abuse. 1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 5 boys will be sexually abused before they reach age 18. 90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way. 68 percent are abused by a family member. Most children become victims of abuse and neglect at 18 months or younger.

In 2010, 1,537 children died of abuse or neglect. 79.4 percent were under the age of 4. 47.7 percent were under the age of 1.

Boys (48.5 percent) and girls (51.2 percent) become victims at nearly the same rate. 3.6 million cases of child abuse are reported every year in the U.S. And the number of children involved in these reports is 6 million. Abused and neglected children are 11 times more likely to engage in criminal behavior as an adult. About 80 percent of 21-year-olds who were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder. 14 percent of all men and 36 percent of all women in prison were abused as children. Abused children are less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at greater risk for STDs. Theyre also 25 percent more likely to experience teen pregnancy.

What is Child Abuse?

Child abuse refers to any form of physical, psychological, social, emotional or sexual maltreatment of a child whereby the survival, safety, self-esteem, growth and development of the child are endangered. There are four main types of child abuse: neglect, emotional, physical and sexual. A child may display signs indicated in the following text, however this is not conclusive evidence that abuse is taking place. It is important to be aware of the indicators, behavioural changes and the presence of these signs in clusters and not just the presence of one indicator. This list is not exhaustive.

Types of Child Abuse

Neglect:
Failure to give due attention or care to a child resulting in serious emotional or physical harm.
Behavioural Indicators
pale, listless frequent absence from school inappropriate clothing for the weather dirty clothes inappropriate acts or delinquent behaviour abuse of alcohol/drugs begging /stealing food frequently tired seeks inappropriate affection mature for their age reports their is no caretaker

Physical Indicators
poor hygiene unattended physical or medical needs consistent lack of supervision underweight, poor growth, failure to thrive constant hunger under nourished

Emotional Abuse:
Verbal attacks or demeaning actions that impact on a childs self esteem and self worth. Behavioural Indicators depression withdrawal or aggressive behaviour overly compliant too neat and clean habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking, etc.) learning disorders sleep disorders unusual fearfulness obsessive compulsive behaviour phobias extreme behaviour suicide attempts developmental delays Physical Indicators bed-wetting headaches nausea speech disorders lags in physical development disruptive behaviour

Physical Abuse:
The intentional use of force against a child resulting in injury or causing bodily harm. Behavioural Indicators Inconsistent explanation for injuries or cannot remember wary of adults flinch if touched unexpectedly extremely aggressive or extremely withdrawn feels deserving of punishment apprehensive when others cry frightened of parents afraid to go home Physical Indicators Injuries not consistent with explanation numerous injuries in varying stages of recovery or healing presence of injuries over an extended period of time facial injuries injuries inconsistent with the childs age and developmental stage