Definitions of Childhood Abuse / Trauma

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 It involves the intentional use of force or violence that causes harm or injury to another person. This can include hitting, slapping, kicking, or using objects to inflict pian. Physical abuse is characterized by a pattern of aggressive behavior aimed at controlling or dominating the victim, resulting in visible injuries, bruises, or long-term physical damage. 

   Sexual abuse is a form of exploitation where an adult or another child engages in any sexual activity with a child. This abuse can take various forms, including physical contact such as inappropriate touching, coercion into sexual acts, or exposure to pornography. It involves manipulating or threatening a child to gain their compliance, and it can occur both within the family, involving relatives or family friends, or outside the family, involving strangers.

  Emotional neglect refers to a constant lack of emotional support, affection and attention that a child requires for healthy development. It involves failing to provide the child with a nurturing environment where their emotional needs are recognized and met. It may manifest as ignoring the child’s emotional expressions, not offering comfort or encouragement, or neglecting to respond to their psychological needs.

 Physical neglect involves the failure to provide a child with basic necessities required for their well-being and development. This can include inadequate provision of food, clothing, shelter or medical care. It may also involve neglecting to ensure that the child’s physical environment is safe and hygienic. Physical neglect leads to unmet essential needs which can result in physical harm or development delays and can significantly impact the child’s overall health and quality of life. 

  The abuser uses words to belittle, intimidate or control someone. It can involve name-calling, insults, threats, criticism or constant blame. Often verbal abuse chips away at a person’s self-esteem, causing feelings of worthlessness, fear and shame. Though it doesn’t leave visible marks, the emotional and psychological damage can be profound.

  The abuser exerts control over another’s financial resources, limiting their independence and ability to make decisions. It can involve restricting access to money, sabotaging employment opportunities, withholding financial support, or accumulating debt in the victim’s name.

   It involves the manipulation or control of a person through their faith, beliefs or spiritual practices. It can take many forms such as using religious texts or doctrines to justify harmful behavior, instilling fear of divine punishment, or dictating how someone should worship or live based on their faith. 

  Growing up in a home with someone who has a mental illness often experience significant trauma. The unpredictability of moods, behaviors and emotional responses can create an unstable and confusing environment. This instability may lead the child to feel responsible for their caregiver’s well-being or make them hypervigilant, constantly anticipating crises.

    Substance abuse in a home can create an environment of neglect and instability, as a caregiver’s focus is often consumed by their addiction. Children living in these situations may feel abandoned or unsafe, as their emotional and physical needs are frequently unmet. The caregiver’s addiction can lead to unpredictable behavior, mood swings and neglect of basic responsibilities, leaving the child to fend for themselves.

    When a household member is incarcerated, it can profoundly impact a child, who may experience feelings of abandonment and neglect. The absence of this person might create a void in the child’s emotional support system, exacerbating feelings of isolation. 

  Witnessing violence, particularly against a loved one, can be profoundly traumatic for children. When a child observes abuse directed at their mother, the experience can be especially distressing. The child may feel a deep sense of helplessness and fear, compounded by the emotional turmoil of seeing their loved one in danger. This exposure not only disrupts the child’s sense of safety but can also deeply affect their emotional and psychological development, leading to long-lasting impacts on their understanding of relationships and their own self-worth.

    The absence of a parent often disrupts the child’s sense of stability and security, leading to feelings of confusion, grief and a profound sense of abandonment. This transition can create a void in the child’s life and make it challenging to manage their emotions and adjust to their new reality.