W3- Child Abuse GEMP child abuse

Question 1

What is child abuse?

Answer 1

Any interaction or lack of interaction by a parent or caretaker which results in the non-accidental harm to the child’s physical and or/emotional wellbeing” (World Health
Organisation)

Question 2

How do I recognise Child Abuse?

Answer 2

Important signs
 Changing stories or vague explanations of the “accident”
 Delay in seeking help
 An account of the injury, which is not compatible with the injury
observed, or the developmental stage of the child.
 Recurrent injuries
 Failure to thrive in the absence of other causes (Review the Road-to–Health card)
 The nature of the injury or injuries i.e. cause, shape, position, number,
ages.
 Psychological or emotional distress (e.g. anxiety, depression, terror).
 Behavioural indicators (e.g. enuresis, para suicide, running away from
home.)