Victim of child abuse and child molestation

Introduction3

Child Abuse3

Child Molestation3

Victimology4

Discussion4

The process of child abuse4

Result of Abuse on the Victim (child)5

Impact on victims of child abuse in later life6

Conclusion7

References8

Victim of child abuse and child molestation

Introduction

Child Abuse

Child abuse is a broad term and comprises of physical mistreatment (physical abuse), sexual mistreatment (sexual abuse) or emotional mistreatment (emotional abuse). Even the 'neglect' of a child (or children) by the parents falls under child abuse. The mistreatment of a child can be defined as an act (or acts), done (or not done - usually in the case of neglect) by parent or caretaker that causes harm (or is harmful in nature) or is 'likely to harm' a child. Child abuse can take place at the child's home or at school, and can happen in communities in interaction with the child. There four foremost types of child abuse are emotional (psychological) abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse (often referred to as child molestation), and neglect.

Child Molestation

Sexual abuse, also called child molestation, is a type of child abuse. Molestation often involves an adult, or sometimes an older adolescent, using a child for sexual stimulation. Common methods of child molestation include asking or forcing the child into engaging in sexual activities (without considering the consequence), sexual contact (of a physical nature) with a child, improper and immoral exposure of the genitals (male and/or female) to a child with the aim of satisfying one's own sexual desires (or to intimidate or groom the child in sexual knowledge) or even using a child in the production of 'child pornography'.

Victimology

It is the study of the process and the resulting consequences of a victim's experiences, it also comprises of the recovery phase.

Discussion

The process of child abuse

The processes of child abuse vary depending on the type of abuse the child faces. The process of sexual abuse has been highlighted above (under child molestation). Physical abuse involves physical violence inflicted on a child, usually by an adult. Most countries with child-abuse regulations consider infliction of serious injuries or actions leading to serious injury or death to be highly illegal. Physical abuse can be intentional or unintentional creation of a physical injury (e.g. burns, lacerations, broken bones, bruises, scratches). Usually disciplining a child is often similar to child abuse. Cultural norms regarding what can be called an abuse differ greatly. Sometimes punishment can take the form of physical abuse.

Emotional abuse occurs when a child undergoes psychological and social shortfalls during his growth. It is generally the result of improper behavior which involves deprivation of attention, vulgar and rude attitude, yelling loudly, unkind criticism, and belittling of the child's personality. It might also result from degradation, ridicule, name-calling, destruction of belongings, unnecessary criticism, torture/killing of pets, unsuitable or extreme demands, barring communication (silence treatment), and routine humiliation or labeling.

Neglect is said to occur when a parent fails in (or anyone else responsible) providing the child with the required necessities like shelter, food, safety and protection, clothing, medical care. Neglect is, in addition, a lack of attention ...