Child abuse is a complex and deeply distressing issue that affects many children across Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 1 in 126 Australian children aged under 18 were identified in 2022-2023 as being or at risk of being maltreated.
As child protection lawyers in Melbourne, we believe it is vital for us as a society to recognise the signs of abuse in order to protect vulnerable children and get them the help they need. This blog will help you understand the various types of child abuse, recognise warning signs, and know when and how to seek help.
Understanding Child Abuse
Child abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect. On a broad level, these forms of child abuse can be defined as such:
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse occurs when a child is intentionally harmed or is at serious risk of being hurt by someone they know, such as a family member, relative, carer, or another adult or child. Signs of physical abuse can sometimes be subtle and are often easier to notice if the child cannot hide the injury.
Some examples of physical abuse may include hitting, shaking, burning, physical assault with objects, or otherwise physically harming a child to the extent of leaving marks or injuries. The effects of these actions may show up as unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, injuries in different stages of healing, or even bald patches where hair has been pulled out.
Beyond physical evidence, a child may also exhibit unusual behaviour if they have faced physical abuse. Some behavioural indicators include being noticeably afraid of certain adults, reluctant to go home, or overly fearful of physical contact. They may also wear long-sleeved or baggy clothes to conceal their injuries, and often can be either aggressive or withdrawn.
Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse involves forcing or persuading a child to take part in sexual activities. This can include physical contact or non-contact activities and can happen online or offline. A child may not always realise they are being sexually abused, which makes it essential to be aware of potential signs.
Examples of sexual abuse include but are not limited to inappropriate touching or fondling, engaging a child in sexual activities and/or exposing them to pornography. Evidence of this abuse can manifest as injuries to genital or rectal areas, the child having difficulty walking or sitting, as well as showing symptoms of sexually transmitted infections or having frequent urinary tract infections.
Physical evidence of sexual abuse may be more difficult to identify, so some behavioural indicators to guide identification include the child demonstrating age-inappropriate sexual behaviour, displaying drastic behavioural changes such as being depressed, withdrawn, or fearful, as well as showing evidence of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse happens when a child is consistently rejected, isolated, threatened, or humiliated. It also includes exposure to family and domestic violence, which can cause significant emotional, physical, and psychological harm to children, increasing the risk of other types of abuse and neglect.
In many ways, emotional abuse can be difficult to identify because acts such as constant criticism, rejection, belittling, threats or isolation can be framed as a well-intentioned parenting style. However, this form of abuse is not to be trifled with: it can cause noticeable delays in emotional or physical development, the emergence of speech disorders like stuttering or selective mutism, and frequent psychosomatic complaints.
A child who has experienced emotional abuse may also display behavioural indicators such as being overly compliant and passive, as well as having low self-esteem and frequent mood swings. Alternately, however, they can also be aggressive and attention-seeking, as well as turning to violent drawings and writings to express their frustrations.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a child’s basic needs for food, shelter, medical treatment, supervision, care, or nurturance are not met, leading to harm or impaired development. As a general rule, parents that fail to provide adequate food, shelter, medical care, supervision, or overall unsafe living conditions are considered to be neglecting the wellbeing of their child.
A child victim of neglect may look consistently dirty and unwashed, always be wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather, and experience frequent and/or chronic illnesses. They may also exhibit signs such as gorging on and hoarding food to the extent of begging for or stealing it, being withdrawn or listless, and constantly not showing up to or doing well in school.
When to Seek Help For Child Abuse
Recognising the signs of child abuse is crucial, but knowing when to seek help from child protection lawyers or government agencies is equally as important. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, it is essential to act promptly. Here are key situations when you should seek help:
Observable Signs of Abuse or Neglect
If you notice any physical, behavioural, or emotional indicators that a child is being abused or neglected as described above, you should seek help immediately.
Direct Disclosure from the Child
If a child confides in you about being harmed or neglected, take it seriously. Children rarely fabricate such serious claims, and your immediate action can have a significant impact on their safety and well-being.
Suspicious Behaviour from Caregivers
Be wary if you notice a carer being overly controlling, secretive, or uninterested in the child’s well-being. These behaviours can be red flags of potential abuse or neglect. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek help.
Evidence or Witnessing Abuse
If you witness a child being harmed or discover clear evidence, such as inappropriate materials, report it to the authorities immediately. Your eyewitness account or tangible proof can be crucial in ensuring the child’s protection.
Repeated Signs of Distress
Pay attention if a child regularly misses school, seems hungry, or is unusually tired. These patterns might point to neglect or abuse that needs addressing.
Unexplained Changes in Behaviour
If you notice a drastic shift in a child’s behaviour without any apparent reason, it could be a cry for help. Consider the possibility of abuse or neglect and seek help if the situation worsens.
When to Contact Authorities
If you’re unsure whether to report your concerns, it’s always better to be cautious. Contacting the authorities doesn’t mean you’re making accusations – you’re simply ensuring professionals can look into the situation if needed.
If a child abuse report results in a Children’s Court case, child protection lawyers can represent children, parents, stepparents, and carers to guide them through the process. Some also accept Legal Aid referrals and are committed to supporting underprivileged children and their families.
Ultimately, it is our responsibility to act in the best interests of children, protect their innocence, and give them a voice if they have none. All children have the right to grow up safe and healthy. Together, we can make a difference in ensuring that future for them.
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