"Neglect: The Silent Killer" ???? #crisisintervention #psychology101 #crisiscounseling - Video

Neglect is just as harmful as physical abuse – but it’s often overlooked. Here’s how to recognize the signs and take action.

What Is Neglect?
Neglect is the failure to provide basic needs, including:

Food (Malnourishment, constant hunger)
Shelter (Unsafe or unstable housing)
Medical care (Untreated illnesses/injuries)
Supervision (Leaving children/elders alone for long periods)
Key Truth: Neglect is abuse.

Signs of Neglect
In Children:
Always hungry ("I haven’t eaten today")
Poor hygiene (Dirty clothes, unwashed hair)
Untreated medical conditions (Infections, injuries)
Frequent absences from school
Wearing inappropriate clothing (No coat in winter)
Example:
Child: "I’m hungry. Can I have some food?"
You: "When was the last time you ate?"

In Elders:
Malnourishment (Weight loss, dehydration)
Poor hygiene (Dirty clothes, bed sores)
Unsafe living conditions (Hoarding, pests)
Untreated medical conditions (Ignored prescriptions)
Example:
Elder: "I haven’t seen a doctor in years."
You: "Would you like help finding medical care?"

Behavioral Signs of Neglect
Stealing food (Because they’re hungry)
Hoarding food (Fear of not having enough)
Withdrawal (Avoiding social interactions)
Developmental delays (In children)
How to Ask About Neglect
✅ Be direct but gentle:

"Do you have enough food at home?"
"Do you have clean clothes to wear?"
"Have you seen a doctor recently?"
✅ Avoid judgment:

❌ "Why don’t your parents take care of you?"
✅ "It sounds like you’re going through a really hard time. How can I help?"
Next Steps (Part 2 Covers This!)
How to respond to neglect disclosures
Reporting protocols
Resources for victims
Part 1 of 2 – LIKE to learn neglect signs, SHARE with crisis workers, and SUBSCRIBE for Part 2!

#NeglectAwareness #EndAbuse #ProtectTheVulnerable #ChildAbusePrevention #ElderAbuse #CrisisCounseling