Emotional abuse is the wilful or reckless infliction of emotional anguish which significantly harms a child’s emotional development. It most often occurs at home, when a parent, carer, sibling, relative or baby sitter behaves in a threatening, humiliating and aggressive way. This can range from neglect, rejection, continuous criticism and lack of affection.

Identifying when a child is being emotionally abused can be very difficult. The effects can be damaging affecting the child developing into a healthy and well-adjusted adult. A child who is being emotionally abused or neglected may be slow to learn to walk and talk, be passive and unable to be spontaneous, find it hard to develop close relationships, be easily distracted and struggle or perform badly in school.

Children need to be loved, shown affection, disciplined, encouraged and protected by those close to them. An important part of normal child development is the growth of moral awareness, acquiring a sense of what is right and wrong and the ability to abide by rules or norms. Children growing in an environment which lacks affection and is continuously threatening often lack self esteem, moral awareness and remorse.

If you are worried about a child you know, you may be able to help them to talk about it. However, it is not always easy for the child to tell anyone about it, especially if the person inflicting the emotional anguish is a parent or carer. If the child is at school, you may suggest that he/she talks to a teacher. The child may feel more comfortable talking to someone that they see on a regular basis. You can also contact the school or local Social Services for further information and advice.

If you know the parent or carer well, you can also talk to them and suggest ways in which they can be helped. Many parents may treat their children in an inappropriate manner because they are under stress and feel that they are losing control. You may suggest that they talk to a health visitor who may also be able to assist with difficulties around managing a house hold with children.