Child abuse is the ill-treatment of children by adults or older children. There are several types of child
abuse. These include:

Neglect

Emotional Abuse

Physical Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Neglect:

The failure – intentional or unintentional – of parents or guardians to provide food, shelter, clothing, health
care, education, love and/or nurturing to a child.
 
 

Some Signs of Neglect:	Some Behaviours of a Neglected Child:
Unkempt appearance  Lack of medical or dental care Poor hygiene  Abandonment  Consistent hunger	Begs for food  Steals  Lack of interest  Tired and listless  Passive or aggressive  Poor attendance at school  Rocking  Isolation  Depression

 
 

Emotional Abuse:

The repeated rejection and humiliation of a child, constant negative communication, withholding of love
and affection and the ultimate destruction of the child’s self-esteem.
 
 

Some Signs of Emotional Abuse:	Some Behaviours of an Emotionally Abused Child:
Physical problems resulting from stress Poor performance at school Low self-esteem Low confidence Constantly putting self down	Depression Excessively passive or aggressive Sleep problems Slow development

 
 

Physical Abuse:

The intentional physical injury or pattern of injuries caused by a parent, guardian or caregiver.
 

Some Signs of Physical Abuse:	Some Behaviours of a Physically Abused Child:
Unexplained bruises Burns Fractures Other injuries Hiding or lying about injuries	Afraid and timid Afraid to go home Resists physical contact Violent to others or self Lack of trust Depression

 

Keeping Your Child Safe:
 

• Never leave your child alone, even in a car
• Listen to your child when he/she says that he/she does not want to be with someone
• Get to know your child’s friends/activities
• Be cautious if someone shows excessive interest in your child
• Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour
• Do not dress your child in clothes that display your child’s name. Strangers could pretend to know your child, giving the child a
• false sense of security
• Be sure that your child’s school or nursery does not allow anyone other than yourself or someone you have identified to collect
• your child from school
• Talk to your child about who to talk to or call if lost or separated from you when away from home
• Listen to your child

What every child should hear:

• I’m so lucky to have you
• You’re a great helper
• I like it when you try hard
• Let’s talk about it
• I’m sorry
• You’re very special to me
• Thank you for your help
• I love you

For parents, If you experience any of the following, please seek help

• You feel lonely and isolated with no one to turn to
• You feel nervous and unable to cope
• You feel you have no control
• You feel that you are not a good parent
• You are depressed
• Your problems seem overwhelming
• You’re afraid of what you might do to your child
• You sometimes hurt your child
• You experience sexual feelings toward your child
• You suspect your child or another child may be experiencing abuse

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