EMOTIONAL ABUSE Extremely damaging to the child’s self-esteem and psychology. Results in severe lifelong effects
TYPES OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE Repeatedly making fun, teasing the child Calling the child by demeaning names Always finding fault, criticizing, belittling, rejecting, blaming, screaming Showing no respect, love, nurturing Expecting performance far beyond their developmental level
CHIDREN MOST AT RISK Child of “wrong” sex Unwanted child Child seen as ugly, stupid, willful, or bad even though he/she is normal
PHYSICAL INDICATORS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE Speech disorders Sickly, sunken, empty facial expressions Delays in physical development Hyperactive, disruptive behavior Failure to thrive Habit disorders like biting, rocking, scratching, head banging
BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE Anxiety and unrealistic fears Sleep problems, nightmares Delay in development Conduct and academic problems at school Poor relationship with peers Depressed, withdrawn, isolated, aloof, indifferent Behavioral extremes – Aggressive/ Passive – Inappropriate adult-like / infantile, immature childish – Oppositional, defiant / overly complaint – Over controlled, rigid / overly impulsive
MOST HARM DONE BY THOSE THE CHILDS NEEDS/WANTS THE MOST PARENTS CLOSE RELATIVES TEACHERS “GOOD” FRIENDS