Child abuse does not discriminate.

It spans all racial, gender, socio-economic and demographic

boundaries. Abuse of children can be divided into four categories:

1. Physical abuse

2. Psychological abuse

3. Sexual and emotional abuse

Physical abuse is often the most recognizable form of abuse, as visible physical indications may
be evident.

Psychological Abuse can be verbal or nonverbal. Its aim is to chip away at the confidence and
independence of victims with the intention of making them compliant and limiting their ability
to leave.

But sexual abuse is more harmful to the children than the other form of abuses. Sexual abuse is
exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult encompasses the terms child
sexual abuse, assault and exploitation. This definition also applies to the abuse of a child by
those not legally considered adults. It may include one or more of the following: obscene
language;

pornography;
exposure;
fondling;
molesting;
oral sex;
intercourse;

Contrary to popular belief, the perpetrator of sexual abuse is not the stranger of myths;
they are usually someone that is known to the child. Effects are numerous and can be long-
term. They range from depression and low self-esteem to posttraumatic stress disorder,
and multiple personality and borderline syndromes. Victims may feel significant distress and
display a wide range of psychological symptoms, both short- and long-term. They may feel
powerless, ashamed, and distrustful of others.

The abuse may disrupt victims development and increase the likelihood that they will
experience other sexual assaults in the future. Victims may show fear and anxiety in
response to people who share characteristics of the abuser, i.e., the same sex as the abuser
or similar physical characteristics. Victims may experience difficulties in adult relationships
and adult sexual functioning.
 A child who is the victim of prolonged sexual abuse usually develops low self-esteem, a
feeling of worthlessness and an abnormal or distorted view of sex. The child may become
withdrawn and mistrustful of adults, and can become suicidal.

Emotional abuse is any act including confinement, isolation, verbal assault, humiliation,
intimidation, or any other treatment which may diminish the sense of identity, dignity, and
self-worth. Emotional abuse can be difficult to identify, as there is no scars or marks, and
the torment can continue indefinitely. Emotional abuse includes the failure of a caregiver to
provide an appropriate and supportive environment, and includes acts that have an adverse
effect on the emotional health and development of a child.