Child Abuse & Neglect

Question 1

Child Abuse

Answer 1

• The recurrent infliction of physical or emotional injury on a dependent minor,
  thru intentional beatings, uncontrolled corporal punishment, persistent ridicule and
  degradation, or sexual abuse
• Most child abuse is committed by parents, guardians, or caretakers.
• State laws require social workers and other professionals to report instances of suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Question 2

Child Neglect

Answer 2

• The failure of those responsible for the care of a minor to provide the resources needed for healthy physical, emotional, and social development.
• Child neglect is seen as an act of omission by caregivers b/c of limited abilities or resources or other circumstances
• It is differentiated from child abuse, which is seen as more willful.

Question 3

Physical Indicators of Abuse

Answer 3

● The presence of multiple injuries in different stages of healing
● The history ‘doesn’t fit’
● Bruises on soft body parts of typically protected body parts (e.g., buttocks, abdomen, genitals).
● Linear bruises
● Bruises on the neck
● Rope burns
● Bite marks
● Burns
● Head injuries, skull fractures

Question 4

Indicators of Neglect

Answer 4

● Self-stimulatory behavior or attempts to comfort themselves instead of turning to adults
● Developmental delay, failure to thrive, poor weight gain, thin extremities, protruding abdomen
● Hoarding or stealing of food
● Chronic tiredness or drowsiness, falling asleep in school
● Dirty, unwashed, foul body odor, unchanged diapers, etc.
● Awkward peer relationships, half-hearted attempts at play
● A variety of behavioral problems, due to lack of limits from caregivers

Question 5

Behavioral and Emotional Indicators of Abuse

Answer 5

● A child who is remote, withdrawn, compliant, detached, and unresponsive to engagement
● Ambivalent, insecure attachment patterns
● Regressive behavior
● Frozen watchfulness
● Aggressive or hyperactive behavior
● Difficulty concentrating
● Lying, stealing, fighting, angry outbursts, aggression, drug use, truancy, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, or dissociative episodes (it’s important to rule out abuse before viewing this as antisocial behavior or Conduct Disorder)

Question 6

Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Sexual Abuse

Answer 6

● Fecal or urinary incontinence after potty training; or other regressive behaviors (such as thumbsucking)
● Not wanting to be left alone w/ certain people or new fear of being away from primary caregiver(s)
● Masturbation w/ a driven quality
● Mimicking sex/pelvic thrusting
● Refusing to bathe/inadequate personal hygiene
● Difficulty sleeping and/or nightmares
● Asks other children to behave sexually or play sexual games
● Mimics sexual behaviors w/ toys, dolls, or stuffed animals
● Somatic complaints w/o a physical cause
● Changes in weight or appetite
● Bruising, irritation, or swelling in genital area or difficulty walking or sitting
● Blood on underwear or bedding
● Urinary or yeast infections
● Sexually transmitted infection
● Post traumatic stress symptoms