09/08/2026
This week is Child Protection Week, and it's all about raising awareness of child abuse and neglect in order to prevent and stop it from happening.
Neglect is what happens when someone's basic needs aren't being met. There are four main types:
Physical: Not providing adequate food, hygiene, shelter, clothing, and safety
Emotional: This involves not being nurtured and stimulated properly, such as by ignoring, isolating, humiliating, or intimidating them . This can also look like having your emotions be frequently invalidated.
Medical: Not providing appropriate medical/dental care or tending to physical health in a mindful way
Educational: Providing inadequate education or education that is not well rounded so that someone could understand outside information if presented it
Abuse comes in many shapes and sizes, and can come from within or outside the household. Here are a few types and what they can look like:
Physical: causing intentional physical harm
Emotional: insults and demeaning comments
Sexual: being forced or persuaded into sexual activities or with sexual comments made about your without your consent
Childhood abuse and neglect have negative effects that follow people for the rest of their lives, often requiring long-term professional treatment. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing neglect or abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 or simply call 911 to get help.
