What is child abuse?

Four main types of child abuse may be identified:



Physical abuse is...
...when children are hurt or injured by parents or other people. Hitting, kicking, beating with objects, throwing and shaking are all physical abuse, and can cause pain, cuts, bruising, broken bones and sometimes even death.

Sexual abuse is...
...when children are forced or persuaded into sexual acts or situations by others. Children might be encouraged to look at pornography, be harassed by sexual suggestions or comments, be touched sexually or forced to have sex.

Emotional abuse is...
...when children are not given love, approval or acceptance. They may be constantly criticised, blamed, sworn and shouted at, told that other people are better than they are and rejected by those they look to for affection.

Neglect is...
...when parents or others looking after children do not provide them with proper food, warmth, shelter, clothing, care and protection.

petefergie wrote:I think everyone would agree the McCanns should at minimum have been charged with neglect for (at the very least) failing to provide care and protection!

I totally agree!

There are many forms of abuse and neglect but they dont have any excuse to be neglectful.....as their careers are based on giving out care and attention to the public...so why did they ignore that in the case of their own children???

poinksy wrote:

Ambersuz wrote:

petefergie wrote:I think everyone would agree the McCanns should at minimum have been charged with neglect for (at the very least) failing to provide care and protection!

I totally agree!

There are many forms of abuse and neglect but they dont have any excuse to be neglectful.....as their careers are based on giving out care and attention to the public...so why did they ignore that in the case of their own children???

It's the same with any job that entails caring for others. Some do it because they have a 'need' to help others..... whilst other people do it for status and money. Yes...they should have been prosectuted and in my opinion been struck off. Had this happened in this Country i would hope they would have been dealt with differently, having said that i do believe that they have been protected for some reason. Their conduct has been disgraceful, i'm surprized their employers have been so 'forgiving'

I agree and for the reasons I gave above...if any of them came to doctor me...I would tell them to get lost!