“Child abuse is the intentional, non-accidental use of physical force, or intentional, non-accidental acts of omission on the part of a parent or other caretaker interacting with a child in his care aimed at hurting, injuring or destroying that child” (Gill, 1973).
Child sexual abuse is the biggest kept secret in India due to societal denial, ignorance, and silence owing to the discomfort generated out of acknowledgement. Abuse of girls is usually not reported due to family honour and “purity” related issues, while, abuse of boys is often ignored as it may be considered impossible.
Child abuse may take the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect.
PHYSICAL ABUSE OF CHILD- is when a child younger than age 18 years has experienced injury or risk of injury as a result of having been hit with a hand or other object or having been kicked, shaken, thrown, burned, stabbed, or choked by a parent or parent-substitute.
SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILD- is when an adult engages in sexual activity with a minor or exploits a minor for sexual purposes.
NEGLECT OF CHILD- refers to harm as a result of inadequate nutrition, clothing, hygiene and supervision.
Child abuse can have a wide range of adverse consequences as some of the commonly reported psychological disorders in adults are seen as a result of child abuse like alcohol and substance abuse disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, dissociative disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, eating disorders, etc.
Numerous researches have substantiated the link between childhood abuse and adult psychopathology highlighting the need for immediate intervention post reporting of abuse so that the victims do not develop maladaptive coping strategies.
IT IS NOT THE PERSON’S FAULT THAT THE ABUSE HAPPENED TO HIM/HER. UNDERSTANDING THAT YOU ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ABUSE IS THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS POSITIVE HEALTH.
COMPILED BY:
BANDNA REKHI
CONSULTANT CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
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