The Public - What is "child injury/abuse?"
The definition of child harm/abuse: In a broad sense, child abuse is defined as any act of commission or omission that endangers or impairs the physical or psychological health and development of an individual under the age of 18. Such act is judged on the basis of a combination of community standards and professional expertise.
Physical abuse:
Form:
Use violence or other methods to cause physical harm or pain to children, such as vigorously shaking the baby and punishing the child by hitting them with tools such as hangers and slippers.
Children's physical representation, behavior and emotional reactions:
- The body, limbs or facial had been bruises, cuts, burns or other injuries not caused by accidents.
- Behavior may become extreme or violent, withdrawn, have a low self-image, be afraid or distrustful of others, and being afraid to go home.
Psychological abuse/hurt:
Form:
Repeated pattern of behavior and attitudes towards a child or extreme incident the endangers or impairs the child's emotional or intellectual develoment.
Children's physical representation, behavior and emotional reactions:
- Emotional instability, abnormal behavior, depression, bedwetting, unstable sleep, loss of appetite, self-imposed confinement, strong dependence, and low self-image.
Sexual abuse:
Form:
Sexual abuse is the involvement of a child in sexual activity (e.g. rape, oral sex) which is unlawful, or to which a child is unable to give informed consent. This includes direct or indirect sexual exploitation and abuse of a child (e.g. production of pornographic material).
Children's physical representations, behaviors and emotional reactions:
- Frequent nightmares, unable to sleep well, frequent inflammation in the genital area, infected by sexually transmitted diseases.
- Possess sexual knowledge beyond their age, draw sexual organs, mimick sexual intercourse movements, avoid eye contact with others, feel depressed and lack of sense of security, etc.
Neglect:
Forms:
Neglect is severe or repeated pattern of lacking of attention to a child's basic needs that endangers or impairs the child's health or development.
Children's physical representations, behaviors and emotional reactions:
- Malnutrition, underweight, developmental delays, untidy clothing and grooming, fear of going home, or responsibilities that are inappropriate for their age.
