Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is common, and can occur alone or in conjunction with other forms of abuse. It occurs when there is persistent psychological maltreatment, leading to an adverse effect on the child. Abuse can happen in many environments, but frequently within the home. It can be active, for example r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Child Protection Practice Manual
Main Author Holland, Charlotte
Format Book Chapter
LanguageEnglish
Published United Kingdom Oxford University Press 01.01.2016
Subjects
Child abuse
Paediatric medicine
Paediatric nursing
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Summary:Emotional abuse is common, and can occur alone or in conjunction with other forms of abuse. It occurs when there is persistent psychological maltreatment, leading to an adverse effect on the child. Abuse can happen in many environments, but frequently within the home. It can be active, for example rejection or exploitation, or passive, including emotional unavailability or negative interactions. Signs of emotional abuse can be subtle and agedependent. Children may present with physical manifestations of stress, such as secondary enuresis or selfharm, or strange behaviours including aggression or submissiveness. They may be referred because of developmental delay or anxiety. Recognition and management of emotional abuse is vital to prevent longterm sequelae. This may include removal of the child from the harmful environment, or structured interventions, including parent or family behavioural schemes or social care input, or psychotherapy sessions.
ISBN:0198707703
9780198707707
DOI:10.1093/med/9780198707707.003.0008