What type of parents abuse their children

Sexual abuse is sexual contact like sexual acts or non-contact sexual activities like taking or sharing sexual photos and sexual talk between:. Most cases of sexual abuse involve a close trusted adult or family member who abuses the child's trust. Often, the child is pressured or talked into the activity, offered gifts, or asked to keep secrets, not physically forced into it. Neglect is when an adult doesn't do what is needed to take care of a child.

This means not giving the child enough:. Emotional abuse or psychological abuse happens when adults caring for a child judge, threaten, put down or reject kids or teens, withholding love so the child feels bad about themselves or worthless. Substance abuse , when adults use drugs or too much alcohol, can put a child in danger.

It can cause adults to neglect, physically, sexually, or emotional hurt a child. When adults use drugs or overuse alcohol around a child, many state laws say this is child abuse, even if no one neglected or physically hurt the child. Medical child abuse is when adult caregivers harm a child with too much medical care, such as medicines, appointments, surgeries, or lab tests that are not needed.

There is not one type of person who causes child abuse. Most of the time a child knows the abuser well. Sometimes people who abuse children were abused when they were children.

Sometimes, people who abuse kids can show some signs. For example, parents who abuse their children may:. Kids and teens often have a hard time speaking up about abuse. So knowing the signs of child abuse can help. Kids who see abuse but are not the victims themselves or see violence between adults caring for them sometimes show similar signs. These signs don't always point to abuse. This list provides an opportunity to explore, evaluate, and discuss other types of child abuse. Be mindful of any further escalation.

Getting counseling for the abusive behavior is highly recommended. Reminder: This list is a starting point to bring about discussion. There are many more ways a parent can be abusive to a child. Narcissistic projection is a defense mechanism of turning all the fault onto others, especially sensitive people who are more empathic.

Growing up with unloving parents can affect how you see the world today. Healing is possible. Here are 13 ways to start the process. Handling an abusive situation can be a challenge, but you can take steps to manage the situation without escalating it. It can be difficult for many people to understand why a person would stay in an abusive relationship, but there are some reasons. In most places, you do not have to give your name when you report child abuse. Authors: Melinda Smith, M.

Prevent Child Abuse America. Nemours Foundation. Stop It Now! Emotional Abuse — Recognizing and responding to emotional child abuse. Child Welfare Information Gateway. Department of Health and Human Services. A generous donor will match all contributions made before December 31 — doubling your gift and your impact!

Cookie Policy. What is child abuse and neglect? Myth: Only bad people abuse their children. Myth: Most child abusers are strangers. Myth: Abused children always grow up to be abusers. Effects of child abuse and neglect All types of abuse and neglect leave lasting scars. The effects of abuse and neglect on a child include: Lack of trust and relationship difficulties.

Recognizing the different types of child abuse Abusive behavior comes in many forms, but the common denominator is the emotional effect on the child. Examples of emotional abuse include: Constant belittling, shaming, and humiliating. Calling names and making negative comparisons to others. Ignoring or rejecting a child as punishment, giving them the silent treatment. Limiting physical contact with a child—no hugs, kisses, or other signs of affection.

Exposing a child to violence against others, whether it is against the other parent, a sibling, or even a pet. With physical abuse, the following elements are present: Unpredictability.

The child never knows what is going to set the parent off. There are no clear boundaries or rules. The child is constantly walking on eggshells, never sure what behavior will trigger a physical assault. Lashing out in anger. Abusive parents act out of anger and the desire to assert control, not the motivation to lovingly teach the child.

The angrier the parent, the more intense the abuse. Using fear to control behavior. Sexual abuse Child sexual abuse is an especially complicated form of abuse because of its layers of guilt and shame.

They may feel that they are responsible for the abuse or somehow brought it upon themselves. This can lead to self-loathing and sexual and relationship problems as they grow older. The shame of sexual abuse makes it very difficult for children to come forward.

Because of these difficulties, false accusations of sexual abuse are not common, so if a child confides in you, take them seriously. Warning signs of child abuse and neglect The warning signs that a child is being abused or neglected can vary according to the type of abuse inflicted.

Warning signs of emotional abuse The child may: Be excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong. Show extremes in behavior extremely compliant, demanding, passive, aggressive. Not seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver. Act either inappropriately adult taking care of other children or inappropriately infantile thumb-sucking, throwing tantrums. Warning signs of physical abuse The child may: Have frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts.

Their injuries may appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt. Shy away from touch, flinch at sudden movements, or seem afraid to go home. Wear inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as long-sleeved shirts on hot days. Warning signs of child neglect The child may: Wear ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate clothing for the weather. Have consistently bad hygiene unbathed, matted and unwashed hair, noticeable body odor.

Have untreated illnesses and physical injuries. Be frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations. Be frequently late or missing from school. Warning signs of sexual abuse in children The child may: Have trouble walking or sitting. Display knowledge of sexual acts inappropriate for their age, or even exhibit seductive behavior. Make strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an obvious reason. Not want to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities.

Try to run away from home. Risk factors for child abuse and neglect While abuse and neglect occurs in all types of families, children are at a much greater risk in certain situations. Breaking the cycle of abuse If you have a history of child abuse, having your own children can trigger strong memories and feelings that you may have repressed.