When a child has an adverse experience, it can lead to greater issues down the line. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) correlate with negative health impacts. Those who have six or more ACEs lose 20 years to their average life expectancy compared to those who do not have any ACEs. Those with 4 or more ACEs are more likely to have a chronic health condition and engage in unhealthy behaviors.
Unfortunately, for some children, one ACE they will experience is physical abuse. In Idaho, a reported 19.2% of adults have experienced physical abuse as a child, and in 2017 there were 402 confirmed cases of physical abuse reported in the state.
The legal definitions of physical abuse are different for each state. Generally, physical abuse happens when a parent or caretaker does something that results in a physical injury to a child. Physical abuse is usually intentional and repetitive—a pattern that may be difficult to predict. Physical injuries resulting from abuse can include red marks, cuts, welts, bruises, muscle strains, broken bones, etc.
Corporal punishment is a form of harmful behavior toward a child that is a topic of debate as it relates to whether or not it is considered abuse. Child development and health experts have stressed that any use of violence should be avoided as these types of behaviors, including spanking, can emotionally damage a child. Behaviors toward children and adolescents that cause pain, physical injury, or emotional trauma, even when done to discipline, could be considered child abuse.
Punishment does not have to become physical in order for it to have a harmful impact on a child. Several studies have shown that children who are exposed to physical threats and violence by their caregivers can develop post-traumatic stress responses and other psychological issues down the line including aggressive behaviors, depression, and anxiety.
The symptoms of abuse present differently in each child. They will vary in terms of the age the child was abused, the severity of it, how long it continues, and the level of resiliency of the child. Some children internalize the abuse and it presents as depression or anxiety while others will externalize the abuse and act out in physically aggressive ways toward others.
There are some warning signs to look out for that can help determine if a child is being physically abused such as:
If you suspect a parent or caregiver might be abusing a child in their care, some signs might include:
The effects of physical abuse are both physical and psychological. Some children are able to overcome the impacts of physical abuse easier than others. Those with the greatest chance of thriving after abuse are those with a strong support system and high levels of resilience or resiliency skills. For many children and adolescents, unfortunately, there are physical, behavioral, emotional, and mental health effects experienced for years to come if they are not nurtured and supported after the abuse in a healing way.
Some risk factors that could increase the likelihood of becoming abusive include:
Of course, the presence of these factors don't automatically mean someone will be abusive.
To help protect your child from becoming a victim of abuse or being impacted negatively by known or potential abuse, it’s important to offer love and attention to your child. Let your child know they are supported and loved unconditionally. It’s also important not to respond in anger, as this could be triggering and cause fear. Be mindful of the supervision your child is exposed to when outside of your care, both ensuring your child is supervised and that you are familiar with those who are supervising. You may want to volunteer for afterschool events in an effort to become acquainted with those your child is exposed to daily. It’s also important to teach your child when and how to say “no,” how to stay safe online, and how to ask for help when they need to disclose a concern.
If you know of any form of abuse that is happening in the state of Idaho, legally you are mandated to report it. Call 2-1-1 and state your intent to report child abuse or neglect. You can also call 1-855-552-KIDS or your local authorities.
If you are not located in Idaho, it’s still important to report suspected abuse, and may be required by your state's law. Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD for the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline or Prevent Child Abuse America at 1-800-CHILDREN.
If you are concerned that you or someone in your home may hurt your child, it is important to seek help immediately. Child abuse is preventable, and oftentimes a symptom of something deeper going on that may be treatable. If you feel like you have an out-of-control teenager or find yourself thinking my teenager is depressed or are curious about anxiety in teens, we would love to help you get your family back on track.
List of parenting resources in the Treasure Valley:
The skilled team of professionals at Idaho Youth Ranch is available to help you get back on track and thrive whether you’re seeking parenting support or child counseling. We work with children, teens, and their families in an effort to help them overcome the long-term effects of abuse.