Physical and Sexual Abuse
Abuse and neglect can have a long-term impact on the well-being of children and teenagers. Common types of abuse include physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as neglect, which is a failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs.
Vital warning signs of abuse include withdrawal from friends or usual activities; behavior changes; depression; anxiety; apparent lack of supervision; frequent school absences; attempts at running away; reluctance to leave school activities; defiant behavior; and self-harm. Parents may be at a higher likelihood of becoming abusive if they have a history of being abused/neglected as a child, physical or mental illness, developmentally or physically disabled child, financial stress or unemployment, substance abuse issues or social isolation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least one in seven children have experienced some form of child abuse and/or neglect within the past year. In 2017, an estimated 1,720 children died from abuse or neglect. Abuse during childhood and adolescence can contribute to a higher risk of health issues in adulthood. Victims of child abuse are vulnerable to developing depression, addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It is crucial that child and adolescent victims of physical or sexual abuse seek mental health treatment. Mental health services are offered for children from birth through age 24 and their families at all three sites of North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center. These services include comprehensive evaluation, an individually tailored treatment plan that may include any combination of individual, family and group therapy, and, when indicated, medication management from a psychiatrist. All treatment plans require family consent and participation. For more information about our services, please call us at 516-626-1971.
National Resources:
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
Prevent Child Abuse America: 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373)
If in need of immediate medical attention, call 911.
Local Resource:
Read more in our blog:
Keeping Teens Safe from Dating Violence and Abuse
Sources:
CDC: Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect