What is Child Abuse?

Child abuse is the ill-treatment of children by adults or older children. There are several types of child abuse. These include:
•	Neglect
•	Emotional Abuse
•	Physical Abuse
•	Sexual Abuse

Neglect:

The failure – intentional or unintentional – of parents or guardians to provide food, shelter, clothing, health care, education, love and/or nurturing to a child.

Some Signs of Neglect: 

•	Unkempt appearance
•	Lack of medical or dental care
•	Poor hygiene
•	Abandonment
•	Consistent hunger

Some Behaviours of a Neglected Child:

•	Begs for food
•	Steals
•	Lack of interest
•	Tired and listless
•	Passive or aggressive
•	Poor attendance at school
•	Rocking
•	Isolation
•	
•	Depression

Emotional Abuse:

The repeated rejection and humiliation of a child, 
constant negative communication, withholding of love and affection and the ultimate destruction of the child’s self-esteem.

Some Signs of Emotional Abuse:

•	Physical problems resulting from stress
•	Poor performance at school 
•	Low self-esteem 
•	Low confidence 
•	Constantly putting self down

Some Behaviours of an Emotionally Abused Child:

•	Depression
•	Excessively passive or aggressive
•	Sleep problems
•	Slow development

Physical Abuse:

The intentional physical injury or pattern of injuries caused by a parent, guardian or caregiver.

Some Signs of Physical Abuse:

•	Unexplained bruises
•	Burns
•	Fractures
•	Other injuries
•	Hiding or lying about injuries

Some Behaviours of a Physically Abused Child:

•	Afraid and timid
•	Afraid to go home
•	Resists physical contact
•	Violent to others or self
•	Lack of trust
•	Depression

Sexual Abuse:

The involvement of a child in any sexual 
practices with an adult or older child. Includes fondling, sexual suggestions, touching, and penetration (anal, oral, or vaginal).

Some Signs of Sexual Abuse:

•	Unexplained bleeding or discharge from genital or anal areas
•	Stress related disorders
•	Infections of the mouth or throat
•	Sexually transmitted diseases
•	Loss of appetite
•	Unexplained vomiting or gagging
•	Nightmares

Some Behaviours of a Sexually Abused Child:

•	Promiscuous sexual behaviours
•	Resist physical contact
•	Obsession with private parts
•	Fearful
•	Self-destructive 
•	Suicidal
•	Withdrawal
•	Depression

Keeping Your Child Safe:

•	Never leave your child alone, even in a car
•	Listen to your child when he/she says that he/she does not want to be with someone
•	Get to know your child’s friends/activities
•	Be cautious if someone shows excessive interest in your child
•	Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour
•	Do not dress your child in clothes that display your child’s name. Strangers could pretend to know your child, giving the child a false sense of security
•	Be sure that your child’s school or nursery does not allow anyone other than yourself or someone you have identified to collect your child from school
•	Talk to your child about who to talk to or call if lost or separated from you when away from home
•	Listen to your child

What every child should hear:

•	I’m so lucky to have you
•	You’re a great helper
•	I like it when you try hard
•	Let’s talk about it
•	I’m sorry
•	You’re very special to me
•	Thank you for your help
•	I love you

Child Abuse

What  you need to know.

If you want more information about child abuse, please look at some of our other brochures or contact Help & Shelter. 

If you experience any of the following, please contact Help & and Shelter for help

•	You feel lonely and isolated with no one to turn to
•	You feel nervous and unable to cope
•	You feel you have no control
•	You feel that you are not a good parent
•	You are depressed
•	Your problems seem overwhelming 
•	You’re afraid of what you might do to your child
•	You sometimes hurt your child
•	You experience sexual feelings toward your child
•	You suspect your child or another child may be experiencing abuse

Our Phone number: 02-73454
When you can call:  24 hours/day, 7 days/week
Who will talk with you: A trained counselor

All information is confidential

•	Counselling for all forms of abuse
•	Support through the court experience for victims of rape and child sexual abuse
•	Consciousness raising for the        community
•	Training of new volunteers
•	School talks to educate young people about violence

Services Offered by Help and Shelter

August, 2000

c/o Ministry of Housing Annexe
Bottom Flat
Homestretch Avenue
Durban Park
Georgetown

Phone: 02-73454, 02-54731, 02-78353
Email: hands@sdnp.org.gy
Website: http://www.sdnp.org.gy/hands

Acknowledgements:
The Crisis Centre
Knowles House 
Princess Margaret Hospital
Bahamas

If you suspect child abuse, please call your nearest Probation and Welfare 
Department. Or, call Help & Shelter at 73454