This article was written by Gerard Kiely-Jones and first appeared on LinkedIN.
The severity of a sign does not necessarily equate with the severity of the abuse. Severe and potentially fatal injuries are not always visible. Neglect and emotional and/or psychological abuse tend to be cumulative and effects may only be observable in the longer term. Explanations that are inconsistent with the signs should constitute a cause for concern.
Neglect is as potentially fatal as physical abuse. It can cause delayed physical, psychological and emotional development, chronic ill-health and significant long-term damage. It may place children at serious risk of harm. It may also precede, or co-exist with, other forms of abuse and must be acted upon.
Experiencing recurring low-level abuse may cause serious and long-term harm. Cumulative harm refers to the effects of multiple adverse circumstances and events in a child’s life. The unremitting daily impact of these circumstances on the child can be profound and exponential, and diminish a child’s sense of safety and well-being.
Child abuse is not restricted to any socio-economic group, gender or culture. All signs must be considered in the wider social and family context. Serious deficits in child safety and welfare transcend cultural, social and ethnic norms, and must elicit a response.
Challenging behaviour by a child or young person should not render them liable to abuse. Children in certain circumstances may present management problems. This should not leave them vulnerable to harsh disciplinary measures or neglect of care.
Exposure to domestic violence is detrimental to children’s physical, emotional and psychological well-being. The adverse effects of domestic violence have been well established.
While the impact of neglect is most profound on young children, it also adversely affects adolescents. Neglect renders young people liable to risk-taking behaviours, such as running away, early school leaving, anti-social behaviour, mental health and addiction problems, including the risk of suicide.
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between indicators of child abuse and other adversities suffered by children and families. Deprivation, stress, addiction or mental health problems should not be used as a justification for omissions of care or commissions of harm by parents/carers. The child’s welfare must be the primary consideration.
Neglectful families may be difficult to engage. Research shows that families may be reluctant to seek help in response to experiencing the factors associated with neglect.
Families where neglect and abuse are prevalent may go to considerable lengths to deceive professionals. It is important for professionals to approach cases with a wary trustfulness, seek evidence to substantiate claims of improvement and speak with the children concerned individually.
Working in the area of child abuse and neglect is dealing with uncertainty. Social workers and other professionals should adopt a ‘respectful uncertainty’ on parental reporting of improvement until supported by clear evidence.
Gerard Kiely-Jones is Child Safeguarding and Child Sexual Exploitation Specialist at Ven Training Solutions.