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Phone: 592-225-4731/ 227-8353/ 227-3454   Facebook 
Homestretch Avenue, D’ Urban Park, Georgetown. Guyana. S. A 

Understanding Child Abuse

What is Child Abuse?

  
  
 

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 childs 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