The Rise In Emotional Abuse

        When considering forms of child abuse and neglect, physical harm usually emerges first since it is the most perceptible. However, “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation” (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2011, p. 2) constitutes child abuse and neglect. 

A depiction of emotional abuse.

        According to an article published in USA Today, new trends regarding the prevalence of child abuse and neglect are emerging. Though increased awareness around this topic has led to a considerable decrease in reported physical and sexual abuse cases in the past 20 years, emotional abuse rates have risen while neglect remains at an all time high (Healey, 2013). The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System demonstrated that more than six million children are involved each year in child abuse and neglect referrals to Child Protective Services (Healey, 2013). Of the six million children involved each year, emotional abuse and neglect account for 75% of cases (National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine, 2013). This marked increase in cases is related to the evolution of the idea of emotional abuse and society’s emerging outlook regarding what comprises maltreatment (Healey, 2013).

        The topic of child abuse and neglect deeply resonates with every individual working with members of the pediatric population. This sensitive matter is particularly applicable to the Monroe County Intermediate School District health clinical site, which serves children with complex developmental disabilities. According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway (2012), children with disabilities are 1.68 times more likely to experience abuse or neglect than able-bodied children. Since registered professional school nurses interact individually with children on a daily basis, they can effectively protect every child’s health and safety. In 2009 alone, 57.6% of suspected child mistreatment reports were filed by professionals (USDHHS, 2012). Additionally, they are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect within a certain time period or face fines and/or imprisonment (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2012). 

How to report suspected child maltreatment.

        Though child abuse and neglect was labeled a devastating social problem in a 1993 National Academy of Sciences report, it is now also viewed as a public health problem due to the “long-term consequences and the impact to society and families” (Healey, 2013). There are numerous lasting effects of abuse and neglect including lack of trust, leading to inability to maintain relationships and engaging in unhealthy ones, lasting feelings of worthlessness or being damaged, and difficulty controlling one’s emotions, leading to anxiety, depression, anger, and risk for alcoholism or early sexual activity (USDHHS, 2012). Additionally, the accumulative, long-lasting, and costly effects of child abuse contribute to $80.3 billion of financial burden to individuals and society annually (Healey, 2013). In an effort to combat child abuse and neglect, it is recommended that a national surveillance system linking data across various systems be created connecting federal agencies with private groups and academic institutions (Healey, 2013).