What is Child Abuse?

The term "child abuse" covers a wide range of mental and physical injuries done to a minor.

There are a set of experiences that experts generally consider to fit in this category:

Physical Abuse: Physically hurt or injured, such as bruising or broken bones.

Sexual Abuse: Being subjected or exploited in a sexual manner by someone older.

Emotional abuse: Undergoing emotional attacks, such as verbal abuse or degradation.

Other forms of abuse can be more passive, such as in the case of physical neglect, where the child is denied basic necessities, like food or water.

There is also emotional neglect, where a child's emotional needs are ignored.

No form of abuse is considered more severe than another; all forms of abuse can have long-lasting implications for the person and can shape their mental state.

Both child abuse and neglect can be related to the development of psychological disorders.

Sometime the term "child maltreatment" is used to describe both abuse and neglect of children.

I am doing my 5K Santa Dash to help children affected by abuse gain access to the correct support needed and to not feel like they have to suffer in silence alone, there are people who want to help. By sponsoring me, you can help me make a difference to children affected by abuse, and help them see the brighter side of life, feeling cared for, supported and loved. But most of all help them to realise they DO matter.