Richard is an eight year old living in an unstable environment. He resides in subsidized housing with his parents and sister. The child has observed his father’s chronic spousal abuse towards his mother his whole life. Richard knows not to interfere or there will be violent consequences. He is isolated from having social contact with his friends and other adults. Richard’s father communicates with him by calling the boy stupid, dumb and retarded. What form of neglect is being described?
Explanation
- This situation is an example of emotional/psychological neglect, a pattern of which can result in a child’s poor self-image, drug or alcohol abuse, destructive behaviors or even suicide. Examples of emotional child maltreatment include ignoring, rejecting, verbally assaulting, terrorizing and exploitation.
