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  Yet the child might seem sad, depressed, timid, angry or withdrawn.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