Psychological Abuse / Emotional Maltreatment
A repeated pattern of caregiver behaviour or extreme incident (s) that convey to children that they are worthless, flawed, unloved, unwanted, endangered, or only of value in meeting another’s needs.
Indicators of Psychological Abuse
Physical Indicators
- Constant shaming
- Humiliating a child
- Bedwetting which is non-medical in origin
- Psychosomatic complaints
- Child’s physical appearance
Behavioural Indicators
- Reluctance to play or participate
- Extreme withdrawal or aggressive
- Too well-mannered i.e. neat/clean
- Fear of consequences of actions, hence often lying