Citation

Varughese I. De Paul J. Sci. Res. 2016; 3(2): 48-67.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, De Paul Centre for Research and Development)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

According to UNCRC (United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child) any individual under the age of 18 is considered a child. The development of a child depends on many factors. Development in a child happens as the result of a complex process of interplays and changing influences on physical, emotional, sexual, social and cognitive levels. Child abuse stands as a major factor affecting the health of children. Child abuse consists of any act of commission or omission that endangers or impairs a child's physical or emotional health and development. The important forms of child abuse prevalent in our society are: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Studies have shown that all the forms of child abuse have negative impact on the health of children. Studies show that at least 30% of people who have been physically abused have lifetime disruptive disorder diagnosis, such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. Child abuse affects social functioning; it cause psychiatric disorders. Abused children show higher rates of anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity and dissociation. Child abuse also affects the balanced state of health in a family. The mechanisms to combat child abuse need to be strengthened and new culturally appropriate simple models especially enhancing the role of parents and teachers needs to be generated.

Language: en