Posted on July 13, 2009 in latest news
1,530 children died in 2006 in the U.S due to maltreatment. About 905,000 children were victims of maltreatment in that year.
Child maltreatment refers to all abuse and neglect that occurs to children below the age of 18 years.
Types of child maltreatment
There are four types of child maltreatment.
Physical abuse: It occurs when any child is physically harmed by hitting, kicking, shaking, burning or any other show of force.
Sexual abuse: It occurs when a child is engaged in sexual acts. It includes fondling, rape or any other sexual activity.
Emotional abuse: It includes any act which hurts the self-respect and emotional well being of a child. Some examples are name calling, emotional blackmail, threatening, shaming, criticizing in front of others etc.
Neglect: Failure to meet the basic needs of a child also classifies as child maltreatment. The basic needs include food, clothing, housing, education, medical care, safety against injuries, etc.
Risk factors for child maltreatment
Age: Children below the age of 4 are more prone to serious injury and death due to physical abuse.
Family: The family environment plays a big role in the treatment of a child. If there is much stress in the family, it is likely that children will be maltreated. The stress may result from economic situation, addiction problems like alcohol, bad relationship between parents, health problems etc. Families who do not have support of nearby relatives and friends are more at risk.
Community: A negative environment in the community in which a child lives and socializes could lead to mistreatment.
How maltreatment affects children
Child maltreatment has a negative effect on health. Abused children often suffer physical injuries including cuts, bruises, burns, and broken bones. In addition, maltreatment causes stress that can disrupt early brain development. Extreme stress can harm the development of the nervous and immune systems.
As a result, children who are abused or neglected are at higher risk for health problems as adults. These problems include alcoholism, depression, drug abuse, eating disorders, obesity, sexual promiscuity, smoking, suicide, and certain chronic diseases.
It is important to identify and address the reasons behind child maltreatment.
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