Child abuse refers to the emotional, sexual or physical mistreatment of a child. It may also refer to the act of neglecting a child. A child`s abuse may occur in various places such as homes, schools, organizations or in the society at large. Maltreatment and abuse is not limited to a particular age group. Considering the case of school-age children, there are various forms of abuse that are often inflicted on them. These include sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, and neglect. Child sexual abuse occurs when a child is forced to engage in sexual activities such as actual sexual intercourse, participating in a child pornography, touching a child`s genitalia, and exposing the genitals of a child. On the other hand, physical abuse involves non-accidental and intentional infliction of a physical injury. Physical abuse causes scratches, lacerations, burns, bruises, and in some cases lead to death. Emotional abuse includes the production of social deficits in a child`s life. This may severely damage the social development and mental health of a child. Emotional abuse results from behaviours such as persistent yelling, limited contact through acts such as hugs and kisses, and bullying. In addition, emotional abuse may include threatening, belittling and making negative comparisons to others. Emotional abuse is extremely harmful as it leaves lifelong scars on the child and seriously affects his or her esteem. Lastly, neglect refers to the failure to provide a child with necessities such as clothing, medication, shelter, and food. It also refers to lack of love and attention towards a child.
There are different signs and symptoms through which a nurse can be able to detect different forms of child abuse. Firstly, a child who is sexually abused could experience difficulty in walking, shies from changing before other people, becomes pregnant or contracts a sexually transmitted disease, and could also experience bedwetting and nightmares. Secondly, the signs of physical abuse include bites, bruises, burns, and broken bones. Excessive fear of adults could also be a sign of physical abuse. Thirdly, the signs of neglect include frequent absenteeism from school, abuse of drugs, or lack of general medical care. Fourthly, the signs of emotional abuse include attempted suicide and lack of attachment to ones parents.
There are various cultural variations of health practises that can be misidentified as child abuse. For instance, disciplining a child can be misidentified as physical abuse. This occurs both at home and in schools where pupils are beaten as a form of punishment. However, any physical pain should be reasonable and not excessive as it can lead to death. Cultural practises such as belief in divine healing rather than medical attention and marrying off children at a tender age can be misidentified as child abuse.
A nurse has a responsibility to report a suspected case of child abuse. This is because she or he has a civil liability to do so especially if a child is significantly injured as a result of failure to report. Therefore, a nurse has the responsibility of knowing his or her state`s child abuse laws. A nurse should also be aware of the hotlines through which cases of child abuse are reported. In general, a nurse should provide a report regarding the personal details of the child, his or her condition, extent of abuse, evidence related to the purported abuse, and any action taken.
In conclusion, child abuse is an extremely serious offence and includes neglect, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and physical abuse. It should be discouraged as it may even lead to death in severe cases.
References
Hughes, N. S. (2004). Child Survival: Anthropological Perspectives on the Treatment and Maltreatment of Children (Illustrated ed.). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer.
Pelzer, D. J. (2002). A Child Called "It": One Child's Courage to Survive (Revised ed.). Florida: HCI.
