What is child abuse?
When most individuals hear of child abuse, they think of being touched sexually or physical assault. There are horrendous cases that occur which frequently hit the news media. Nancy Grace as well as others thrive on bringing these cases front and center to our living room. We take these cases to our dreams and workplace. Did you hear about such and such? How terrible?!
Child abuse is the atrocity of pain, physical or emotional, that is thrust upon a child against their will or knowledge. It can take the form of any unwanted intrusion upon their senses.
A child witnessing physical assault on a parent in marital discord is a form of abuse. It is not just the spiral fracture of a twisted arm, or the shaken baby syndrome that we frequently hear about. It is also the gross indiscretion of being slapped in the face. Here is where I must add an addendum. Many times, good parents who believe in corporal punishment are fearful of being accused of child abuse. There is a gross difference between slapping a three year-old for not finishing their meal, as opposed to slapping a sixteen year-old who is consistently breaking boundaries, getting arrested, frequently cursing at parents, and abusing substances. I am not an advocate of ANY corporal punishment. At the same time, a professional cannot rush to judgment and call in a child abuse case without looking at all the facts.
What is important is that the intent of the parent or caretaker is totally irrelevant. It does not matter, for the child’s well being, what the intent was. The bottom line is that we must protect the child at all costs. There are parents who have intent to abuse, and others who have no premeditated intent. However, the outcome is still an abused child.
How the book,Above His Shoulders, will help you :
In the book I specifically explain how difficult it was to disclose and how long the effects lingered before I realized I needed to focus on me,and stop indirectly hurting others. Parents can be proactive. As you read the book you will see how therapists can help one flip through the pages of memory, to address the pain and then move forward.
Become a fan on facebook. See the photographs of the actual oak tree and the authors home, as well as a sneak peak at the new book. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Above-His-Shoulders/274131107309?ref=nf
For more information please see:http://www.peaceandhealing.com/psychology/child-sex-abuse/
