The statistics on physical child abuse are alarming. It is estimated
hundreds of thousands of children are physically abused each year
by a parent or close relative. Thousands die. For those who survive,
the emotional trauma remains long after the external bruises have
healed. Communities and the courts recognize that these emotional
"hidden bruises" can be treated. Early recognition and treatment
is important to minimize the long term effect of physical abuse.
Children who have been abused may display:
- a poor self image
- sexual acting out
- inability to trust or love others
- aggressive, disruptive, and sometimes illegal behavior
- anger and rage
- self destructive or self abusive behavior, suicidal thoughts
- passive or withdrawn behavior
- fear of entering into new relationships or activities
- anxiety and fears
- school problems or failure
- feelings of sadness or other symptoms of depression
- flashbacks, nightmares
- drug and alcohol abuse
Often the severe emotional damage to abused children does not surface
until adolescence or later, when many abused children become abusing
parents. An adult who was abused as a child often has trouble establishing
intimate personal relationships. These men and women may have trouble
with physical closeness, touching, intimacy, and trust as adults.
They are also at higher risk for anxiety, depression, substance
abuse, medical illness, and problems at school or work. Without
proper treatment, physically abused children can be damaged for
life. Early identification and treatment is important to minimize
the long-term consequences of abuse. Child and adolescent psychiatrists
provide comprehensive evaluation and care for children who have
been abused. The family can be helped to learn new ways of support
and communicating with one another. Through treatment, the abused
child begins to regain a sense of self-confidence and trust.
Physical abuse is not the only kind of child abuse. Many children
are victims of neglect, or sexual abuse, or emotional abuse. In
all kinds of child abuse, the child and the family can benefit from
the comprehensive evaluation and care of a child and adolescent
psychiatrist.
Daycare.com would like to thank American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry for this information in striving to make daycare and childcare
a more productive and efficient service. You can contact them at:
3615 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016-3007 voice: 202-966-7300
fax: 202-966-2891.