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Essay / Child Abuse and Maltreatment - 605
Child abuse is described as any form of physical harm to an individual, neglect, emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse that can result in injury or emotional harm to a child (Echlin, 1995). ). Children who are victims of violence generally display maladaptive behaviors (Echlin, 1995). Although certain behaviors are commonly observed in most children at some point in time, when they are prevalent and enduring, rather than isolated and temporary, they may indicate child maltreatment (Echlin, 1995). Children who have been victims of physical, emotional or sexual violence can be divided into four main categories, described by their behaviors (Echlin, 1995). Maltreated children may be overly obedient, extremely aggressive, display overly adaptive behaviors, and experience developmental delays (Echlin, 1995). Additional general behaviors that differentiate abused children include: inability to form trustworthy relationships with individuals, lack of responsibilities, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, difficulty learning new things., ...