Characteristics Of Child Abuse

Physical abuse - is use of physical force that may result in pain or injury this can range from poking, pushing, pulling hair and hitting this can be with hands or weapons there are many more forms of physical abuse.

There are many procedures, policies, legislations and statutory guidance to support the safety and welfare of children and young people. They have been developed over many years to recognise the rights of children and young people, protect vulnerable children and young people and after independent inquiries of fatal abuse cases, to recognise the failures of multi agencies and support services.

Physical abuse – involves causing deliberate physical harm to a child and may include burning, drowning, hitting, poisoning, scalding, shaking, suffocating or throwing. Physical abuse also includes deliberately causing, or fabricating the symptoms of, ill health in a child.

Physical abuse is “the mistreatment of a child that causes physical injury, impairment, or endangerment.” (Layman 15) It accounts for about 25 percent of abuse cases. (Moses) Children who have been abused usually show certain signs. They tend to be apathetic and withdrawn, but at the same time, constantly scanning their environment for danger. (Oates 43) Physical abuse can leave all kinds of injuries.

It is very important that anyone working with children should be able to recognise if a child is at risk of harm of in need because of their vulnerability. The earlier this is recognised, the better outcome for the child involved.

Physical abuse is any non-accidental physical injury to a child. Physical abuse is an injury that results from physical aggression.

Child abuse is the physical, sexual, emotional mistreatment, or neglect of a child. There are four major categories: neglect, physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, and child sexual abuse (Levi, Lo, Selby, and Vandenburg). Neglect is a passive form of abuse in which a perpetrator is responsible to

Practitioners and professionals working with children on a daily basis are in a good position to notice changes in a child's or young person’s behaviour which may be a possible sign of abuse. Children or young people may also confide in practitioners or allege that abuse has taken place.

Physical abuse is an act of another party involving contact intended to cause feelings of physical pain, injury, or other physical suffering or bodily harm.

Indicators of Maltreatment can include: malnourishment, listlessness, fatigue, stealing or begging for food. Lack of personal care can include poor personal hygiene, torn and/or dirty clothes, and untreated need for glasses, dental care, or other medical attention. Frequent absence from or tardiness to school is another form of maltreatment. Child inappropriately left unattended or without supervision is another form of child abuse/neglect.

Assess strategies and methods used to minimise the harm to children, young people and their families where abuse is confirmed (M3).

If the signs of abuse is not detected in time it can leave negative traits and will hinder the child’s adult abilities. This can include the child repeat what they with through as a child and committing the same crime to another child or they can commit murder or suicide. Preventions and interventions have to be near in order for healing and rebuilding to occur, and the workers who work around these children can be the ones to prevent this from happening or continuing to happen.

Guidelines: Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010, What to do if you’re worried that a child is being abused 2006,

In a case of suspected abuse your priority should be making sure that if you have any suspicions you should report them and follow them through, you should do this because even if you are unsure whether they are ex piercing a use, you should not just let it slide as you may be covering up abuse if you do. if you look on the accidental and non accidental bruising chart and you think you see bruises where it states on the non accidental chart but the parents have not mentioned it, you should report it, don't just brush it off because you are embarrassed that you may be wrong, you should do this because even if you are wrong, you have done your job in the well being of the child within you're care. If you are suspicious of a child's behaviour, if they are awkward when it comes to a certain sex, show sexual advances I.e. Pull their underwear down continuously even after being told it's wrong

Physical abuse involves the use of force by pinching, punching, slapping, scalding, hitting, kicking, burning or misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions. It is a form of physical attack on an individual, it can also be a intentional neglect to prevent physical injury.