Emotional abuse and Neglect
Emotional abuse is the repeated rejection and humiliation of a child, constant negative communication, withholding love and affection and the ultimate destruction of the child's self-esteem.
Signs of emotional abuse:
- Physical problems resulting from stress
- Poor performance at school
- Low self-esteem
Behaviour:
- Depressed
- Excessively passive or aggressive
- Sleep problems
- Slow development
Neglect is the failure, intentional or unintentional, of a parent or guardian to provide food, shelter, clothing, health care and education for a child.
Signs of neglect:
- Unkempt appearance
- Lack of medical or dental care
- Developmental lags
Behaviour:
- Begs for food
- Steals
- Shows lack of interest
- Appears dull, tired and listless
- Constant fatigue
Sexual abuse