Your child is being abused when someone uses his or her power or position to harm them emotionally, physically, or sexually.Emotional Abuse
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Is a verbal attack on a child's self esteem by a person in a position of power, authority, or trust such as a parent or coach
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Occurs even if the attack is intended as a form of discipline or is not intended by the adult to cause harm
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Takes many forms, including any of the following:
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Name calling ("Hey, Fatty!" or "Hey, Shorty" or "Hey, Mr. Klutz")
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Threatening ("If you don't win, you can forget about me buying that new CD you want")
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Insulting ("You're stupid" or "You're clumsy" or "You're an embarrassment to our family" or "You don't deserve to wear that uniform.")
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Criticizing or ridiculing ("You are a loser" or "I thought you were better than that. I guess I was wrong.")
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Intimidating ("Watch out kid, my son is going to break your nose")
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Yelling at a child for losing or not playing up to the adult's expectations
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Hazing
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Negative questioning ("Why didn't you win?" or "How could you let that guy beat you?")
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Shunning or withholding love or affection (not speaking to, hugging, or comforting your child after she plays poorly in a game or practice, or her team loses; showing obvious signs of disappointment)
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Punishing a child for not playing up to your expectations or when her team loses.
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