Child Abuse

What is it?

Types of Abuse

Child abuse can take many different forms and may involve a combination of different types of abuse. No matter the form, child abuse is always harmful and unacceptable. These are the main types of abuse:

  • Physical Abuse

    This involves the use of physical force that results in injury, pain, or impairment to the child. Examples of physical abuse include hitting, slapping, shaking, pushing, burning, or biting a child.

  • Sexual Abuse

    This involves any sexual activity between a child and an adult, or an older child. Sexual abuse can include touching or fondling, intercourse, oral sex, or exposing the child to sexual content.

  • Emotional Abuse

    This involves the use of words or actions to harm a child's emotional well-being. Emotional abuse can include threats, belittling, humiliation, rejection, or withholding of love and affection.

  • Neglect

    This occurs when a caregiver fails to provide for a child's basic needs, including food, shelter, medical care, or supervision. Neglect can be physical or emotional, and it can have long-term effects on a child's development and well-being.

  • Witnessing domestic violence

    While not officially recognised as a form of abuse by the New Zealand Government, this occurs when a child witnesses one or both parents engaging in physical or emotional abuse towards each other. Children who witness domestic violence may experience emotional trauma, and may also be at increased risk of experiencing abuse themselves.

lone bear sitting on window-sill

Signs of Abuse

The signs of child abuse can vary depending on the type of abuse and the age of the child, but some common signs include:

Physical Abuse

  • Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or other injuries that are not consistent with the explanation provided by the caregiver or child.
  • The child is fearful or flinches when touched.
  • The child wears clothing that covers up injuries, even in warm weather.

Sexual Abuse In Younger Children

  • Unexplained injuries or bruises around the genital area.
  • The child shows sexual behaviour that is not appropriate for their age.
  • The child avoids being alone with a particular person.
  • The child has difficulty sitting or walking.

Sexual Abuse In Older Children

  • They may develop eating disorders.
  • The child may use younger children in sexual acts.
  • The child may try to make themselves as unattractive as possible.

Emotional Abuse

  • The child is constantly hungry or thirsty.
  • The child is poorly dressed for the weather.
  • The child has poor hygiene.
  • The child is frequently absent from school; the child is left unsupervised for long periods of time.

It is important to note that these signs do not always indicate abuse and could be due to other factors.

Neglect

  • The child shows extreme behaviour such as aggression, withdrawal, or depression.
  • The child has low self-esteem.
  • The child is overly compliant or overly demanding; the child is emotionally immature compared to peers.

It is important to note that these signs do not always indicate abuse and could be due to other factors.