281 2 Chapter 11 Promoting Children’s Safety
teachers, they knew they were
required to report suspected child
abuse. They knew Derek would
never reach his full potential
without proper nutrition.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is abuse of a
child’s self-concept through words
or actions. Children lose self-esteem
due to emotional abuse. Excessive
or inappropriate demands may be
made on the children by parents or
guardians. This can cause emotional
harm to children. Emotional abuse
is the result of insuffi love, ficient
guidance, and/or support from
parents or guardians.
Children who are emotionally
abused may repeat certain behavior
over several months. Look for the
following signs:
★ refusal to talk
★ unusual or unpredictable
behavior
★ rare smiling or laughter
★ excessive clinging or crying
★ withdrawn behavior
★ destructive behavior
★ poor motor coordination for age
★ fear of adults
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is forcing a child to
observe or engage in sexual activities
with an adult. Rape, fondling, and
indecent exposure are all forms of
sexual abuse. Each of these acts
involve adults using children for
their own pleasure. Incest is sexual t
abuse by a relative. Molestation is
sexual contact made by someone
outside the family with a child.
There are many signs of sexual
abuse. A child may have problems
when walking or sitting. The child
may complain of itching, pain, or
swelling in the genital area. Some
sexually abused children have
bruises in the genital or anal areas.
They may also have bruises in their
mouths and throats. Some may
complain of pain when urinating.
Sexually abused children
commonly have poor peer behaviors.
They may show extremely
disruptive or aggressive behaviors.
Often they will regress to infantile
behaviors, such as baby-talking,
thumbsucking, or bed-wetting. Some
will show a lack of appetite. These
children often express affection in
improper ways. See 11-9.
Reporting Child Abuse
Health care workers, social
workers, school administrators,
and teachers are mandated reporters
of child abuse. This means they
are required by law to report any
Case Study
In recent weeks, k Annabelle’s teachers began noticing
some unusual behaviors that caused them to suspect
she may be a victim m of sexual abuse. Annabelle refused
help with clothing and a toileting needs. She would not
allow teachers to h he lp her remove her outdoor clothing.
After observing ano ot her incident with another child, her
teachers had even greater concern. Annabelle liked
Richard, one of the e children in her group. They saw her
rubbing his private area with her hand during group time.
After observing g Annabelle’s behavior, the teachers
reported their susp pi cions of abuse. They realized if they
waited for more pro oo f, Annabelle could be at greater risk
of abuse.
11-9
n n c c ases as es s s uch uc h as as t t hese, he se the th e teacher’s te ac he r s priority pr io ri ty i i s s In In
children’s safety. the h