POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 69 Signs Of Child Abuse The Warning Signs of Child Abuse November 30, 2023 Did you know that two-third of Canadian adults report experiencing some form of child abuse before the age of 15? Every child deserves to be protected from all forms of violence and to grow up in a safe and nurturing home. Sadly, children and youth often face abuse at hands of close family members and other adults in their lives – the same people who are supposed to protect them. In previous years, children had faced an increased risk of child abuse due to COVID-19 restrictions: School closures have kept kids away from safeguards against abuse, and increased screen time has left young people vulnerable to online predators. Whether you’re a teacher, doctor or neighbour, we all interact with children in various ways. It’s important to understand the warning signs of abuse, as a child may not want to disclose this information. Identifying child abuse is not as simple as finding bruises or marks on a child’s body. Abuse can also be emotional, sexual, or due to neglect. Child abuse can take different forms, affecting a child’s physical or emotional health and well-being. Before identifying the warning signs of child abuse, it’s important to understand the various forms. Take a look at the main ones below. Physical abuse Physical abuse relates to putting a child in harm’s way. It can be a deliberate attempt to harm a child through excessive physical punishments. While abusive parents insist that their actions are simply forms of discipline, there is a difference between discipline and abuse. Discipline is about educating a child rather than instilling fear. Once an adult passes that line, a child may be under physical abuse. Children who experience physical abuse often deal with unpredictability in their lives due to their abusers’ temperament or mood swings. This can make some children feel like they are constantly walking on eggshells, causing them to remain cautious around adults. Based on their experience, they don’t know what kind of behaviour will trigger a physical assault. continued Designed by Freepik
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