Child abuse is defined as the physical, sexual or emotional
mistreatment or neglect of a child or children.
Children who have a history of neglect or physical abuse are at risk of developing life altering issues which include, but are not limited to developmental problems, mental illness, anxiety, depression, and will act out and behave in inappropriate ways...
Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones.
While physical abuse might be the most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, lasting scars. The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle. By learning about common signs of abuse and what you can do to intervene, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life.
Child abuse is wrong and there is a fine line between discipline and abuse!
While physical abuse is shocking due to the scars it leaves, not all child abuse is as obvious. Ignoring children’s needs, putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations, or making a child feel worthless or stupid are also child abuse. Regardless of the type of child abuse, the result is serious emotional harm. All types of child abuse and neglect leave lasting scars. Some of these scars might be physical, but emotional scarring has long lasting effects throughout life, damaging a child’s sense of self, ability to have healthy relationships, and ability to function at home, at work and at school.
Don't get me wrong, I have two children and I have had to discipline them both at various times in their lives, however they have never been beaten - They have been educated.
I am by no means a perfect parent but i have done the best I could, however I can understand a parents perspective in smacking a child for doing wrong and will accept that in some scenarios it is probably deserved, however that is just an opinion....
This article only scratches the surface and deliberately does not go into too much detail. I am no expert on this subject, although i have encountered this several times in my life and my passion for eradicating this is strong.
Some people reading this will have suffered abuse, some people reading this may feel, even now, that they cannot tell anyone about what happened and it is my hope to put those people in touch with experts who can help, support and guide them.
Here is a short list of links that can help, support and guide those who have suffered, those who still suffer and it is my only wish that this article helps victims and generates a greater awareness of the signs for us all to see...
By contacting any of these websites / Facebook pages or even contacting myself at Daveswordsofwisdom@gmail.com you will get the information & support you need.
Thank you ~ Dave Hedges (admin & creator)