Physical Abuse

Causes of Child Abuse:

Psychopathological - The primary cause of abuse resides within the abuser. - The personality characteristics of the abuser predispose a child to be abused.

 Interactional - Abuse results from a dysfunctional system, especially dysfunctional family patterns

Environmental-Sociological-Cultural - The primary cause of abuse lies on the stresses in the society

Characteristics of an Abused Child:

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS:
Bruises Fractures Head & internal injuries Burns

BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS: Apprehensive & demonstrates passive watchfulness Incapacity to enjoy life Pseudomature - lacked ability to play Low self esteem Withdrawal Compulsivity

 Fearful of failure Verbal inhibition Regression Poor peer relationships

Abusive Parents:
Tasks that are not learned: To get their needs met in appropriate ways To separate feelings from actions To determine responsibility for actions, not for the actions of others To make decisions To delay gratification

Treatment of the Abused Child:

Medical Services Social Services Crises Nurseries Daycare Remedial Help Parental Aides

 Psychotherapy
3 major categories: 1) Relation with others 2) Expression of Affect 3) Self-concept

Relation with others

Therapist must present the child with a consistent and caring relationship Also provide nurturance and ultimately build trust

Expression of affect
The therapist teaches the child how not to hurt himself or herself or others. Help the child learn to recognize the breaking point of his or her control and how to sublimate this energy to functional channels for change.

Self-concept
Provide a caring relationship to help the child manage little successes that eventually will improve the childs self-image. Create a relationship in which the child can observe and experience nonpunitive behavior as well as enjoy warm concern.

Play therapy
Use of dolls, puppets, games and drawings. Older victims may engage into board games, leisure sports and athletics.

Group therapy
Children enhance their ability to socialize, decrease their sense of isolation & improve relationship with their peers.

Treatment of the Abusive Parents:

Nurturing and reparenting of the parent Therapeutic work with psychic conflicts and pathology Amelioration of the distorted parent-child relationship

Laws protecting children from abuse:

RA 9262 (An act defining violence against women and their children)
Includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. A child (below 18 years old) is one of those protected by this law.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Eliminate domestic violence Empower battered women and children Promote and unify direct service programs Alert and educate the public Promote partnerships