Many people are talking about child abuse but are not sure what it is. There are different kinds of abuse like sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Neglecting a child is also a form of abuse.
Parents Tips
Child Physical Abuse is the Intentional Infliction of an Injury to a Child. These are Indicators that a Child is Being Physically Abused:
Physical indicators of physical child abuse
Bite marks
Bruises on uncommonly injured body surfaces
Lacerations
Burns
High incidence of accidents or frequent injuries.
Fractures/broken bones in unusual places such as the skull, ribs etc
Injuries, swellings to face and extremities
Discolouration of skin
Blunt-instrument marks
Human hand marks
Multiple injuries at different stages of healing
Evidence of poor care/failure to thrive
Behavioural indicators of physical child abuse
The child:
Avoids physical contact with others
Is apprehensive when other children cry
Wears clothing to purposely conceal injury, such as long sleeves
Refuses to undress for sport or for required physical exams at school
Give inconsistent versions about occurrences of injuries
Seems frightened of parents
Is often late/absent from school
Comes to school early and seems reluctant to go home afterwards
Has difficulty getting along with others
Plays aggressively and often hurts peers
Complains of pain upon movement or contact
Has a history of running away from home
Children’s rights
I have the right to a loving and caring family, a proper safe and comfortable home, clothing and healthy food
I have the right to be told the house rules of where I live
As a child, I should not be forced to work
I have the right to an education suitable to my aptitudes and abilities
I have the right to a say in my care, and any changes to how I am cared for, according to my age & maturity
I have the right to get special care for special needs
I have the right to be protected from hurt
I have the right to good health care if I am sick and to be kept away from cigarettes, alcohol & drugs
I am a real person and have a right to be treated properly
I have the right to be taken seriously and to make mistakes
I have the right to my own religion and culture
I have a right to my name and my nationality
I have the right to be treated the same, no matter what my colour, race, gender, language or religion
I have the right to be proud of my heritage and beliefs
I have the right to speak and be heard
I have the right to send and receive private mail that is not read or opened by others
I have the right to privacy
I have the right to own my own things
I have the right to speak and visit in private with my family or any other person like my big friend, a person representing me like my social worker or my lawyer
I have a right to a lawyer in courtrooms and hearings affecting my future
I have a right to live in a nice place and not be put in prison or in a police cell
I have the right to know what my rights are
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