The abuse of children: Types and symptoms of abuse

Child abuse is present in all societies. There are plenty of cases of child abuse reported in public, but the fact is that just a few of the abused children are recognized and properly treated. Four main types of abuse and symptoms of abuse are described: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. If we recognize symptoms of abuse and give victims proper treatment, that is also preventive work. Most abusers, no matter what kind of abuse they have been involved in, have something in common: they have also been victims of abuse. It is obvious in adult abusers, but we can recognize it in child abusers, too. Since victimization is a complex problem, it could be solved only through the cooperation of various experts. Unfortunately, the number of experts who are involved in solving this problem in practice, is still very low.