Module 3, Handout 2

Module 3, Handout 2: Displays of Abuse and Neglect

Below is a breakdown of areas of abuse and neglect and possible ways children may display the effects of this maltreatment. These displays are not necessarily because of maltreatment. They may be the result of one or multiple other circumstances.

PHYSICAL ABUSE - a non-accidental physical injury, with the potential to result in consequences including death, brain damage, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities and sensory deficits.

Displays of physical abuse in children:

• Impaired capacity to enjoy life

• Psychiatric symptoms

• Low self-esteem

• Learning problems in school

• Withdrawal

• Hyper-vigilance

• Compulsivity

• Pseudomature behavior

SEXUAL ABUSE - an assault or other crime of a sexual nature

Displays of sexual abuse in children:

• Fear or anxiety

• Depression

• Difficulties in school

• Anger or hostility

• Inappropriate sexualized behavior

• Running away

• Delinquency

NEGLECT - Neglectful parents withhold attention, do not stimulate children, and rarely make physical or emotional contact. Neglect differs from the dynamics of physical and sexual abuse because physically abused children receive attention from their parents (even though it is inappropriate and damaging).

Displays of neglect in children:

• Detachment

• Repression of feelings

• Impaired ability to empathize with others

• Violence

• Decrease in general intellectual ability

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - In infants, toddlers, and preschool children, the experience of violence leads to a disruption of normative developmental processes. Domestic Violence will be further covered later in this Module.

Displays of children exposed to domestic violence:

• High levels of internalizing and externalizing problems

• Emotional dysregulation

• Sleep disturbances

• Bouts of fear and uncontrolled crying

• Regression in developmental achievements

• Difficulty establishing relationships

• Aggression and non-compliance

References

Finkelhor, D. (1994). Current information on the scope and nature of child sexual abuse. The Future of Children. 4:2. 31–53.

Polansky, N.A., Chalmers, M.A., Buttenweiser, E., and Williams, D.P. (1982). Damaged parents – An anatomy of child neglect. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Pynoos, R.S. and Nader, K. (1988). Psychological first aid and treatment approach to children exposed to community violence: Research implications. Journal of Traumatic Stress. 1. 445-473.

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