Preschoolers are among the age groups who are most at risk of maltreatment. All acts of abuse committed by parents, other caregivers, peers, or strangers are considered violence against children (World Health Organization, 2020). Preschoolers frequently encounter emotional, sexual, and physical abuse related to immaturity and fragility. Children who return home with inexplicable bruises, burns, fractures, cuts, or other injuries are frequently victims of physical abuse. Repeated injuries might be a symptom of physical abuse if they occur often. Additionally, this may cause a child’s behavior to change, such as making a sad or melancholy face or becoming furious with parents or other adults. In essence, they could fight, cry, or act scared when there are grownups around. Preschoolers with genital pain, itching, bruises, or bleeding may be victims of sexual abuse. When it comes to emotional abuse, a child may feel undesired due to parental or adult mistreatment. Children who experience this abuse exhibit issues or behavioral changes, such as constantly avoiding their parents’ affection or becoming easily agitated or unhappy.
Many nations use cultural healing techniques that resemble child abuse signs and are frequently mistaken. Cupping, a type of therapy that uses a hot cup put to the skin and suctions and sucks the illness out, is one of these procedures. Essentially, this frequently causes bruising and petechiae due to the suction force and may be mistaken for abuse. Another form of therapy used by several Southeast Asian nations to cure minor illnesses is coin rubbing. When a coin’s edge is brushed against oiled skin, erythematous spots or purpura may develop.
Various states have different mechanisms pertaining to the reporting of suspected child abuse. The statute of New York requires that if there is clear evidence of maltreatment or neglect, it must be disclosed to the state, local police, or the district attorney’s office. Professionals have a responsibility to inform authorities after careful client observation. Nurses dealing with pediatric patients and their families require keen monitoring and evaluation skills since child abuse happens across all socioeconomic levels, genders and races (Overton, 2022). In essence, if these experts have cause to suspect they have seen abuse or neglect, they are required by law to report it immediately. The failure to notify the officials may be regarded as improper behavior. Additionally, they must give the victim educational resources and how they may access other programs.
References
Overton, J. (2022). Child abuse: Recognition, reporting, and response. Journal of Christian Nursing, 39(2), 104-111.
World Health Organization. (2020).Violence against children.