Violence
Violence or Domestic violence, also known as partner abuse, spouse abuse, or battering, occurs when one person uses force to inflict injury, either emotional or physical, upon another person they have, or had, a relationship with. It occurs between spouses and partners, parents and children, children and grandparents, and brothers and sisters. Victims can any age, race, or gender.
Child Abuse
Child abuse is doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to a child or puts a child at risk of harm. Child abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Neglect, or not providing for a child's needs, is also a form of abuse.
Most abused children suffer greater emotional than physical damage. An abused child may become depressed. He or she may withdraw, think of suicide or become violent. An older child may use drugs or alcohol, try to run away or abuse others.
Child abuse is a serious problem. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the police or your local child welfare agency.
Child neglect can include physical neglect (withholding food, clothing, shelter or other physical necessities), emotional neglect (withholding love, comfort or affection) or medical neglect (withholding needed medical care).
The best way to check for signs of abuse is to be alert to any unexplainable changes in your child's body or behavior. Don't conduct a formal "examination" unless you have reason for suspicion, as this may make the child fearful, but do look further if you notice any of the following:
Signs of Physical Abuse
- Any injury (bruise, burn, fracture, abdominal or head injury) that cannot be explained
- Fearful behavior (nightmares, depression, unusual fears, attempts to run away)
- Abdominal pain, bedwetting, urinary tract infection, genital pain or bleeding, sexually transmitted disease
- Extreme sexual behavior that seems inappropriate for the child's age
- Sudden change in self-confidence
- Headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause
- Abnormal fears, increased nightmares
- Attempts to run away
- Failure to gain weight (especially in infants)
- Desperately affectionate behavior
- Voracious appetite and stealing of food
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Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a type of abuse. It involves injuring someone, usually a spouse or partner, but it can also be a parent, child or other family member.
Domestic violence is a serious problem. It is the most common cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44. Victims may suffer physical injuries such as bruises or broken bones. They may suffer emotionally from depression, anxiety or social isolation.
It is hard to know exactly how common domestic violence is, because people often don't report it. There is no typical victim. It happens among people of all ages. It affects those of all levels of income and education.
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Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to an elderly person or puts a helpless older person at risk of harm. This includes
- Physical, sexual and emotional abuse
- Neglecting or deserting an older person you are responsible for
- Taking or misusing an elderly person's money or property
Signs of neglect observed in the home
- Absence of necessities including food, water, heat
- Inadequate living environment evidenced by lack of utilities, sufficient space, and ventilation
- Animal or insect infestations
- Signs of medication mismanagement, including empty or unmarked bottles or outdated prescriptions
- Housing is unsafe as a result of disrepair, faulty wiring, inadequate sanitation, substandard cleanliness, or architectural barriers
- Poor personal hygiene including soiled clothing, dirty nails and skin, matted or lice infested hair, odors, and the presence of feces or urine
- Unclothed, or improperly clothed for weather
- Decubiti (bedsores)
- Skin rashes
- Dehydration, evidenced by low urinary output, dry fragile skin, dry sore mouth, apathy, lack of energy, and mental confusion
- Untreated medical or mental conditions including infections, soiled bandages, and unattended fractures
- Absence of needed dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids, walkers, wheelchairs, braces, or commodes
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases despite a care plan
- Worsening dementia
Teen Violence
Many people think of school shootings when they think of teen violence. But teen violence includes many different activities. These include fights, gang violence and suicide. The victims of teen violence are most often other teenagers.
Teens who commit acts of violence are often involved in other types of risky or criminal behavior. They may use drugs, carry weapons, drive recklessly and have unsafe sex.
The most critical risk factor for violence for your children is the behavior of their friends and classmates. You should know who your kids hang out with and encourage healthy behavior and relationships.
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Reasons for Violence
There is never a simple answer to that question. But people often commit violence because of one or more of the following:
Expression. Some people use violence to release feelings of anger or frustration. They think there are no answers to their problems and turn to violence to express their out of control emotions.
Manipulation. Violence is used as a way to control others or get something they want.
Retaliation. Violence is used to retaliate against those who have hurt them or someone they care about.
Violence is a learned behavior. Like all learned behaviors, it can be changed. This isn't easy, though. Since there is no single cause of violence, there is no one simple solution. The best you can do is learn to recognize the warning signs of violence and to get help when you see them in your friends or yourself.
Factors that contribute to violent behavior include:
- peer pressure
- need for attention or respect
- feelings of low self-worth
- early childhood abuse or neglect
- witnessing violence at home, in the community or in the media
- easy access to weapons
People who behave violently lose respect. They find themselves isolated or disliked, and they still feel angry and frustrated.
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Information obtained from National Institute of Health