The statistics on physical child abuse are alarming. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of children are physically abused each year by a parent or close relative. Thousands die as a result of the abuse.
For those who survive, the emotional trauma remains long after the external bruises have healed. Early recognition and treatment is important to minimize those long-term effects.
Whenever a child says he or she has been abused, it must be taken seriously and immediately evaluated. Symptoms include:
- A poor self-image
- Sexual acting out
- Inability to trust or love others
- Aggressive, disruptive, and sometimes illegal behavior
- Anger and rage
- Self-destructive or self-abusive behavior, suicidal thoughts
- Passive, withdrawn or clingy behavior
- Fear of entering into new relationships or activities
- Anxiety and fears
- School problems or failure
- Feelings of sadness or other symptoms of depression
- Flashbacks and/or nightmares
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Sleep problems
Often, the severe emotional damage to a child does not surface until adolescence or later, when abused children become abusing parents.
These men and women may have trouble with physical closeness, touching, intimacy, and trust as adults. They are also at higher risk for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, medical illness, and problems at school or work.
AspenPointe licensed professional Counselors can conduct a comprehensive evaluation and provide treatment for children who have been abused. Through treatment, the abused child begins to regain a sense of self-confidence and trust.
Physical abuse is not the only type of abuse. Many children are also victims of neglect, sexual abuse or emotional abuse.
Eligibility Criteria:
Any family who know of or suspect child abuse within their family.
Insurance(s) Accepted:
Self-pay and most private insurances including: UBH/UH, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield and TRICARE
Hours
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Evenings and weekends upon request.
