Child abuse

Abuse is manifested in many different ways. It can be physical, mental, sexual. It is also child abuse when the life and health of an unborn child is put at risk. The consequences of abuse can be serious and last far into adulthood. Examples of consequences are low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, increased risk of long term diseases, suicidal thought and alcohol- and drug abuse.

Even though domestic violence is not aimed at the child itself, it has an effect on the health and development of the child.

Emotional abuse

It is often difficult to discern mental or emotional abuse, but it can have profoundly serious consequences, even worse than physical abuse. It is mental abuse when parents or other caregivers show a child a persistent negative attitude and negative feelings. It is mental abuse when a child witnesses violence between its parents.

Examples of mental abuse:

• Attitude or behaviour which says that the child is worthless, nobody loves it or nobody wants to have anything to do with it.
• Complete inaction, such as not showing the child any emotion.
• When the child is insulted, called bad names or treated in an inhuman or humiliating way.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse leads to harm to the child or is likely to do so. The abuse can be visible, for example bruises, scratches, burns or bone fractures but sometimes it is not visible.

Examples of physical abuse:

• A child is slapped, shaken, thrown around, burned or tied up.
• A child is purposely given dangerous medication or something else that can harm it.
• A child is denied necessary medication.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse involves sexual activity, words or pictures exposed to a child. Sexual abuse can take place between an adult individual and a child or between two children where one individual has power over the other.

Examples of sexual abuse:

• A child is forced to watch pornography.
• Photographs are taken of the child for the purpose of sexual stimulation.
• A child’s genitals are touched or a child is forced to touch someone’s genitals.
• Sexual photographs, words or conversations on social media.
• Sexual intercourse with a child.