Child abuse refers to physical, emotional, and sexual maltreatment and neglect of a child by their parent or any other caregivers.  The World Health Organization (WHO) specifically defines this as "all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power (HE LIFTS US UP: ABUSE AWARENESS– Child Abuse, 2014)."

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It occurs at every socioeconomic status, within all groups of ethnicity, religion, age (David, 2008). Laws vary on what is discipline and what consist with abuse, due to the obscure crossing line of child abuse, some of the parent might hurt their children unconsciously (Child abuse, 2008). If you are can’t really differentiate the difference between child abuse and child discipline, those following tips might help you understand more clearly…

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CHILD ABUSE

·       Physically injured, including bruising，broken skin, swelling or a situation that requires medical attention

·       Punishment is meant to instill fear rather than educate the child

·       Words or behavior which create an impairment to the emotional well-being

·       Sexual exposure of a child by an adult, or an older child

·       Negligent actions that can’t provide a child with minimally adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, emotional stability            or other essential care.

        (HAMILTON COUNTY JOB & FAMILY SERVICES, n.d.)

 

 

CHILD DESCIPILINE

·       Praising good behavior and correcting bad behavior

·       Teach children without hurting them

·       Take time to cool down before punishing a child

·       Non-physical discipline such as taking away privileges (e.g. Reduce the time require of amusement)

·       Providing discipline in a clam way which helps the child understanding that there is good reasoning behind the punishment