Introduction

Physical Abuse is when a child suffers significant harm or death received from an injury inflicted by another person. It is the use of unreasonable physical force on any part of a child that results in a non-accidental injury. The injury may be inflicted intentionally or may be the inadvertent consequence of physical punishment of physically aggressive treatment of a child. Physical abuse is the most visible form of child maltreatment due to the injuries sustained. Injury usually occurs from punching, kicking, beating, biting, burning, or other means that causes harm to a child.

How often have we seen a news report where a child has been beaten to death or severely injured because of physical abuse? Usually the mistreatment described is so horrific as to be almost unbelievable. At times because of their injuries they are almost beyond recognition, their poor bodies bruised, scared, fractured and swollen caused from the abuse. They lay there, their bodies looking like rag dolls tossed about and then left there forgotten for all intensive purposes. The unfortunate part of this is that these incidents are reality and occur more frequently than we like to think. These children have had to endure inhumanities that are undescribable and nauseating to most of us. Yet, many have suffered repeatedly until death has finally claimed them, ending their pain and suffering. Although thinking of these poor little angels who have lost their lives is sad, they are the minority as far as physical abuse goes. Even as a minority, it is not acceptable and must be stopped.

We don't hear about many other cases of abuse. Abuse by parents who may not really mean to harm their children, nevertheless, they are abusing them. It may be a lack of knowledge on the parent's part, a form of punishment they do not consider abuse. Usually this is called corporal punishment which consists of spanking, hitting or slapping and by law is not considered physical abuse. The problem concerning corporal punishment is the frequency and amount force used. It can also lead to what is considered physical abuse because the parent loses control over their emotions and no longer is aware of the intensity of their actions. There is never any valid reason for a person to use violence against a child. There are many acceptable means of punishing a child which does not involve violence. Violence promotes violence, no matter how insignificant the act may seem to an adult.

Child abuse can happen in any family, at all levels of society. The rate of physical abuse has increased substantially over the past couple of years with more cases being reported to the authorities. Children can be abused at any age, although it has been shown that those under two years of age or children with disabilities are most frequently abused. Another high rate for physical abuse is during adolescent years when the desire for independence is high. The problem of Child Abuse will not disappear on its own. Everyone needs to understand and to do their part in helping to protect our children. If child abuse is suspected, a person has a moral and legal responsibility to report it to social services or the local police force. Children have the right to live in an environment free from abuse. Allow our children the right to grow and develop normally as they were meant to.

Physical Abuse and Neglect

Why is that so many of today's children live in a constant state of fear, hurt, guilt and shame every day? Is there any justification why so many children live with abuse every day of their lives? Child abuse now represents a national emergency. It is out of control, measures must be taken to end this violence against innocent children before it is too late. The most dangerous type of violence today is that of child abuse. A child suffering from abuse is more likely to experience serial victimization. Abuse rarely occurs only once, it is an ongoing event. Another fact is that in 59.4% of the homes where the mother is battered, the children also suffer the same consequences.

When we think of physical abuse, we think of the visible signs. Signs which can usually be seen, such as bruising, but there are other aspects which we should be aware of as well. We have also to think about a child's physical dependency needs. When we are speaking of physical dependence, normally that can be translated in neglect. Many children are not given sufficient nourishing food. Consequently, they attend school hungry and have difficulties learning because of this. How often have we seen children inadequately dressed for the weather? In winter these children are often cold and suffer teasing from other children because of their clothing. A child has the right to live in a clean and safe home. How often have we seen pictures of children living in substandard housing? Filth every where, a mattress thrown on the floor or often just a blanket with the child sleeping on the floor? Many of these children lack the proper medical and dental treatment which they require. It is not always the fault of the parents that they do not meet these basic needs, but, it is still considered abuse. Anything that is harmful to a child's health is physical abuse and society must ensure the basic needs of children are met. Programs must be implemented to ensure these needs are met for it is not the fault of the child. They are not the ones to blame, but, they are the ones who suffer.

Recognising Physical Abuse or Neglect in Children

It is up to every person especially those dealing with children to be capable of recognizing the signs of physical abuse. The presence of a single indicator does not mean that a child has been abused. The repeated occurrence of one indicator or the presence of several indicators raises the possibility that the child may be experiencing abuse.

Physical Indicators

Behavioural Indicators

Signs of Neglect

Although there is no single cause for physical abuse, it usually occurs where there is a combination of risk factors:

Thousands of infants are hospitalized every year because of injuries they acquire as a result from an adult shaking them in an effort to stop their crying. "Shaken Baby Syndrome" is a growing problem in which infants are punished to the point of death, just for crying. Shaken Baby Syndrome is not cause by the parent playing casually with their child. It is a result of the infant being forcefully shaken, usually by the shoulders, causing the child's head to flop back and forth. Of the infants diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome usually one third die and another third suffer irreversible brain damage. This form of child abuse usually occurs because caregivers become enraged and lose control. Typically Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs before age one and seldom occurs after age two. Fathers or boyfriends are twice as likely as women to inflict the injury, followed by female care givers, then mothers. It should also be noted that in the infants boys outnumbered girls three to two.

Infants less than six months of age are particularly vulnerable because of their heavy heads, weak neck muscles, and think skulls. The whiplash action of shaking causes the brain to ricochet about the baby's tiny skull and the blood vessels connecting the brain to the skull to tear. Consequences include brain damage, seizures, paralysis, blindness and death.

Some Signs of Shaken Baby Syndrome

Although these can signal other medical reasons, having your child checked by a physician is advisable if he or she:

Coping Strategies

· Try to remain calm. Crying spells are normal and can last anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.

· Try speaking softly or singing to your child. Often rocking or walking with the infant will help, it has a calming effect on them.

· If you find yourself losing control call a friend or relative to sit with the infant for a while. If this is not possible place the baby in a crib or other safe place and retreat to another room in the house. Check on the baby every 10 to 15 minutes to ensure they are ok.

· If the crying persists contact your pediatrician and have the baby checked to ensure there is nothing physically wrong. A pediatrician may also be able to offer some advice that will help.

· Finally, remember, never shake your baby. The result could end in death or severe damage to your child.
 
 

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