Psychology 4804 Child Abuse

Definition of family violence with special reference to child abuse

Family violence is a term that is used to include child abuse, elder abuse and other violent acts between family members. Child abuse is the physicall, sexual or emotional mistreatment of children. A widely used definition of child mal treatment is “ Any recent axct or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serioius physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm. Specific definitions of types of child mal treatment do not appear in the DSM-IV-TR. It is not defined as a form of abnormal behaviour or psychological disorder. The DSM-IV-TR considers severe mal treatment to be under the category of Axis I- “other conditions that may be a focus of clinical attention.” If an abused child is also suffering from a clinical disorder such as depression (Axis I), the maltreatment would be noted on Axis IV (psychosocial and environmental problems), Because maltreatment may affect diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the childs depression.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is multiple acts of aggression that include punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, shaking or otherwise physically harming a child. In most cases the injuries from physical abuse are not intentional but aoccur as a result of over discipline or severe physical punishment. Teh severity and nature of injuries vary considerably. As a result of harsh and insensitive treatment physically abused children are often described as disruptive and aggressive with disturbances that reach across a broad spectrum of emotional and cognitive functioning. Physical injuries may vary from minor, to moderate, to severe. The psychological development of physically abused children is often impaired in very serious ways.

Neglect

Physical neglect includes refusal or delay in seeking health care, expulsion from the home or refusal to...