Physical

Abuse

CYC 209-0LB

Aaliyah Bieuz, Jessica

Pelley, Victoria Roca,
Carley Warren, Cailie
Wright
https://imgur.com/gallery/m8ovp

Picture: Child abuse, YOU can prevent it.

What is physical
abuse?
● Physical abuse is when a
caregiver physically
harms a child. This
includes all acts of
Physical abuse.
● This can involve minor
injuries such as a scratch
or bruise.
● Also, physical abuse can
lead to a more serious
injury such as permanent
damage. For an example,
● 75% of proven cases of physical abuse
were resulted from an inappropriate
punishment.

● Corporal punishment can include:

→ being hit by hand or objects

→ being punished,
→ punched,
-> kicked,
→ bitten,
→ shaken,
-> painful and humiliating
punishments such as; kneeling
on frozen peas.
 Spanking
● Few people within Canada continue to tolerate or even encourage spanking as
an appropriate response to children’s misbehaviour.
● Of course, in the past this is where parents did what they knew and carried
out how the ways there parents taught them, today in society this is not
accepted as we have learned how children develop.
● Spanking is considered abuse when:
○ The child is injured
○ An object is used
○ The punishment is inappropriate to the child’s behaviour or level of
understanding or
○ Physical punishment is the only form of discipline used by the
parent/caregiver.
○ “spanking” should not leave marks
○ “spanking” is never ok above the shoulders.
● Reasonable force that “crosses the line” to suspicions of abuse or risk
of abuse;

➢ The child is injured (there are

bruises, burns, scratches)

➢ The child is slapped across the face

or there is a blow to the head.

➢ An object is used ( a belt, spoon,

shoe, branch)

➢ A baby or teenager is physically

punished.
The Dynamics
Around
Physical
Abuse
Causes Around Physical Abuse
- Immaturity
- Unrealistic expectations
- Emotional issues
- Economic crisis
- Lack of parenting knowledge
- Depression
- Mental illness
- Stress
- Drug/alcohol abuse
- Low self-esteem
PCANY reports that 50 to
70 percent of men who
abuse their female
partners also abuse their
children.
Cues and
Clues
How to recognize
when a child has
been physically
abused

Carley
Physical Abuse Symptoms:
Unexplained Injuries
❖ Bruises/welts
❖ Burns
❖ Bite marks
❖ Fractured or broken bones
❖ Dry burns
❖ Tears in tissue of the gums
❖ Injuries in unusual spots: torso, back, buttocks,
thighs and neck

Head Injury Indicators:

❖ Being comatose- coma
❖ Seizures, vomiting
❖ Respiratory problems

Carley
Other Injuries/Health Problems to Watch Out For

❖ Behaviour change: withdrawn,

anxious, depressed, aggressive,
obsessive, clingy
❖ Eating disorder
❖ Wets the bed/soils clothes
❖ Self-harm/thoughts about suicide
❖ Dressed inappropriately to cover
injuries
❖ Frequently absent from school
❖ Poor peer relationships

Carley
Baby Shaking Syndrome: Signs
❖ Difficulty staying awake
❖ Body tremors
❖ Trouble breathing
❖ Poor eating
❖ Vomiting
❖ Discolored skin
❖ Seizures
❖ Coma
❖ Pale or blue skin
❖ Lethargic eyes

Carley
Long Lasting/Psychological Clues
❖ Not doing well in school or education ❖ Suicidal behaviour
❖ Criminal risk-taking behaviour ❖ Self-mutilation- mental or emotional
❖ Drug and alcohol problems disturbance
❖ Long-term disability ❖ Panic Disorder
❖ Low self-esteem ❖ Post-traumatic stress disorder
❖ Trust issues
❖ Excessive crying

Carley
 Risk Factors Around Physical
Abuse
Risk Factors of the Risk Factors of the
Child Caregiver

- Having a disability - Pregnancy not

- Birth to age 3 wanted
- Lack of - Background of abuse
attachment - Unsupported mother
- Baby/Child is often w/ low
sickly, colicky, or education
unwanted - Overwhelmed
 Risk Factors Continued…

Risk Factors of the Risk Factors of the

Family Environment

- Family Structure - Poverty and

- Domestic Violence Unemployment
 Abusive parents often
report that they were
abused (physically,
sexually, emotionally as
children)
 CYC APPROACHES
Things a CYC can do for/with a child/youth who has experienced
physical abuse is to:

Use a reminder: A CYC may approach the child/youth that they are
a strong individual who has the strength to move forward and
make progress as well as boost their self esteem. Give them the
skills to empower them.

Conveying caring: A CYC may use the skills of conveying caring

as it shows the client that you do care for them and want what is
genuinely best for them. The client will need someone to rely on
and be their additional support system.
 CYC Approaches
Cont’d...
Counselling: A CYC may approach the child or
youth one-on-one in order for them to be more
comfortable in discussing their situation with
yourself as it also gives you the opportunity to give
them guidance and methods for them to cope and
resolve any underlying issues that may have been
affected due to the abuse or answer any questions
they may have.

Signals: When a CYC is conversing with the

child/youth it is important that we keep our facial
expressions neutral or show that we care but never
to show judgment as it makes the youth feel
uncomfortable with confiding in you. Posture and Based upon the Forty Influence
hand gestures should appear encouraging as well Techniques by Maier, Henry W.
Developmental Group Care of
as open. Children and Youth. Pp. 144-151
 QUICK FEW TIPS TO REMEMBER:

- Obtain the ability to identify warning signs

- Disclosure of confidentiality
- Be aware of safe locations and specific spaces in the area of the
child/youth
- Contact a neighbour, friend, or family member
- Call 911
- Contact Kids help phone, in the case that you have no one else to
go to and would like to speak with someone.
http://www.power