Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is the substantial and observable impairment of a child's mental or emotional functioning that is caused by:
- rejection
- deprivation of affection and/or cognitive stimulation
- exposure to domestic violence or severe domestic disharmony
- inappropriate criticism, threats, humiliation, accusations or expectations
- the mental or emotional condition of a parent/guardian
- chronic alcohol or drug abuse by anyone living in the child's home
A child's appearance might not indicate the existence or extent of the problem. He or she might appear clean, well-groomed and well-nourished. Yet the child might seem sad, depressed, timid, angry or withdrawn. If possible, determine whether the parents/guardians are displaying behaviors that could be causing the child's impairment.
Source: Central Alberta Child and Family Services Authority (CFSA)
http://www.centralalbertacfsa.gov.ab.ca