Abuse and Neglect

Question 1

Definition of child abuse

Answer 1

can be defined:

by the nature of the abusive act

or

by the result of the abuse

A parent, guardian or other carer can harm a child by a deliberate act or by failure to provide adequate care.

Question 2

Neglect

Answer 2

Poor parenting or neglect

occurs in at least 5% of children under 5 years.

Question 3

Types of abuse

Answer 3

The various types of abuse (and their estimated incidence) are classified as:

physical (5–10% of children)

neglect (12%)

emotional (11%)

sexual:

• ♂: 1–8% penetrative
• 6–16% non-p
• ♀ 4–12% penetrative
• 14–36% non-p

female genital mutilation

potential

Münchausen syndrome by proxy

Question 4

Facts and figures

Answer 4

Greater risk with younger children and disabled

Girls are more likely to be abused than boys

Girls are more often assaulted by someone they know

Most of the adults who sexually abuse are men (>90%)

About 75% of offenders are known to the child

Abuse is the misuse of a power situation (e.g. a close relative) coupled with the child’s immaturity

Question 5

The distribution of child abuse in Australia is:

Answer 5

motional 48%

neglect 28%

physical 15%

sexual 9%

Question 6

Typical relative age patterns for child abuse

Answer 6

Underdiagnosing and under-reporting are sad facts