Child Abuse: An Overview

Signs of Emotional Abuse and Verbal Abuse

Child’s Behavior:

Appears overly compliant, passive, undemanding; Appears very anxious or depressed; Attempts suicide; Avoids doing things with other children; Behaves younger than his or her age; Finds it difficult to make friends; Is extremely aggressive, demanding or enraged; Lags in physical, emotional, and intellectual development; Is very demanding or very obedient; Behaves very adult-like; Wets or soils the bed.^2,10

Caretaker’s Behavior:

Blames or belittles child; Is cold and rejecting; Withholds love; Treats siblings unequally; Seems unconcerned about child’s problems.¹⁰

Child Abuse Introduction   |   Signs of Child Abuse
Child Abuse Statistics   |   It’s Under Reported
Effects of Child Abuse on Children: Abuse General
Effects of Child Abuse on Children: Child Sexual Abuse
Injuries to Children: Physical and Sexual Abuse
Effects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood Abuse
Effects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood Sexual Abuse
Definition of Physical Abuse   |   Signs of Physical Abuse
Definition of Sexual Abuse   |   Signs of Sexual Abuse
Definition of Child Neglect   |   Signs of Child Neglect
Definition of Emotional Abuse   |   Signs of Emotional Abuse
Abusers   |   Pedophiles
Child Physical Abuse and Corporal Punishment
Treatment for Child Abuse
Costs to Society
Conclusions
References
State Child Abuse Laws
Nationwide Crisis Line and Hotline Directory

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Referring to this article:
“Child Abuse: An Overview” was written by C. J. Newton, MA, Learning Specialist and published in the Find Counseling.com (formerly TherapistFinder.net) Mental Health Journal in April, 2001.

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