Definitions of Abuse
In my neverending quest to provide you all with the information you seek, I noticed that someone was searching for
defintions of abuse. Here are the basics that I have written out for you. If you are looking for defintions of terms used
in online support group settings, please click here for the glossary I've set up sometime back.
And if something is amiss here, or you'd like to suggest additions or changes, please
email me.
Defintions
Child Abuse: Child Abuse is mistreatment of the child. It can be physical abuse, such as overly violent discipline
including whipping, beating, slapping, overly violent spanking. It can be neglect and other mistreatment such as not
bathing a child who cannot bathe themselves or comb their hair, it may be starving the child, a general lack of physical
and emotional care for the child. It may be sexual, such as rape, molestation, exposure to pornography. It can be
emotional, such as calling the child names, telling them they are no good, etc.
Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse is an inappropriate and unwanted act against any child or adult. These include rape,
molestation, early exposure to pornography. In adolescents and adults, it may include coercive behavior or even partner
rape against people of any gender.
Physical Abuse: Is a violent act against a person. It may include hitting, kicking, punching, choking, slapping,
etc.
Emotional Abuse: Is often name calling, putdowns, insults, humiliation in front of others. There are a wide array
of things that can be deemed a form of emotional abuse.
Rape – any act of sexual intercourse that is forced on a person.
Domestic Violence - Acts of violence against a person living in one's household, esp. a member of one's immediate family.
(The last two definitions come from Dictionary.com)
As Waters Passing By > Defintions