Abuse refers to cruel, violent, harmful or injurious treatment of another human being. Smoking, alcohol addiction, use of drugs, high fat and cholesterol rich diets, excessive junk food and reduced physical activity are risk factors for illness and early death. Health habits and behaviour influence chronic and fatal diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer and AIDS. These can be substantially reduced by a nutritious diet, regular exercise and by avoiding drugs, alcohol and smoking.
1. Abuse and Its Types
Abuse includes physical, emotional or psychological, verbal, child and sexual abuses. It can occur within the family and with people who are not associated with the family.
Child Abuse
- Child abuse covers all forms of physical or emotional ill treatment, sexual abuse and exploitation resulting in the child's ill health, survival and development.
- Physical abuse of a child: acts that cause physical harm such as threatening, beating, kicking and hitting the child.