Abuse is not just physical

Child abuse is not just physical violence directed at a child. It is any form of maltreatment by an adult, which is violent or threatening for the child. This includes neglect, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.

When a child endures physical neglect, they are not receiving the care and nurturing that they need.

Emotional or psychological neglect includes continuous lack of positive attention for the child. Ignoring the child’s need for love, warmth and security. This category also covers cases in which children are witnesses to violence between their parents or caregivers.

A child that is sexually abused, is at serious risk for many mental health problems later in life. They lose the ability to trust, love, and attach to others in a healthy way.

Emotional or psychological abuse is when an adult regularly berates the child, acts in a dismissive and hostile manner towards the child or intentionally scares the child.

Child abuse is linked to poor mental development and difficulty making and keeping strong relationships. It can lead to problems in school and at work as well as to criminal behavior.

A recent study at Purdue University reported that adults who were victims of emotional or physical abuse as children have a higher risk for developing cancer. They also experience higher rates of alcohol and drug abuse.Children who are emotionally or physically abused and do not seek help can become abusers themselves as adults.

How can a child recover from these?

It’s completely possible for a child who has been emotionally abused to recover. Seeking help for the child victim is the first and most important step toward recovery. The next effort should be to get help for the abuser and other family members.

Here are some national resources that can help in these efforts:

• Prevent Child Abuse America promotes services that support child well-being and develops programs to help prevent child abuse and neglect.

• National Child Abuse Hotline can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) for information on free help in your area.

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24/7 via chat or phone (1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224) and can access service providers and shelters across the country to supply free and confidential support.