Tackling such a daunting and sensitive topic without the result being offensive and inattentive requires thorough and detailed research into it. There are many scientific research papers, studies and experiments that have taken/ are taking place that I could look into; however, initially I would like to look into more publicly available sources of knowledge. As these sources are more readily available and ever-changing to keep updated with new revelations and insights on the topic.
Some of the sources where I have gathered information from about the topic are: Childline, NSPCC (National Society to the Prevention of Cruelty to Children), Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board and Healthline – The links to the websites will be located at the bottom of the post.
Key Takeaways from Research
Is Emotional/Psychological abuse in children such a big issue? According to the Government’s Office for National Statistics, Emotional abuse was the most common category for children on the CPR (Child Protection Register) in Wales at 31 March 2019, accounting for 46% of cases (See Figure Below). This proportion has been increasing in recent years, from 37% at 31 March 2017 to 43% at 31 March 2018, and emotional abuse has replaced neglect as the most common category. Therefore, the issue of emotional/psychological abuse is extremely large and only getting bigger.
Other takeaways
- Children often don’t recognise emotional abuse as they see their parents as trustworthy and they are a figure of authority for them
- It is difficult for children to recognise that what is happening to them is wrong as emotional abuse is often not as severe as other forms of abuse
- Kids find difficulty in telling others – let alone other adults of their situation
- Common characteristics of emotional abuse include:
- Humiliation – Name calling, Abusing power to get children to do things
- Manipulation – Parents being overly controlling of their children
- Isolation – Parents being neglectful towards their children
- Accusation – Parents blaming children for faults and/or being overly harsh on them
What can we do?
When trying to approach such a topic in a way to help others, it must be done in small strides in order to see any change and/or progress. The first step towards further prevention of emotional abuse in children is recognising it, seeking help is impossible if the issue isn’t identified in the first place.
How will this effect my game?
The approach I am aiming for will be to be subtle yet effective, hiding small hint/subtleties within the player character and their interactions with the game world will hopefully be enough to get players thinking. Furthermore, short scenes upon the players death will insinuate that something else is going on behind the core gameplay – similar to how “something” makes short yet memorable appearances in Omori. Additionally, the true ending in my game – resulting in the child acknowledging his situation – will be hidden from the player unless they defeat the three other bosses which aren’t the Demon King in the game (all of which are optional); similar to the Hangman in Omori or the Dreamers in Hollow Knight.
References
OSCB (2024). Emotional Abuse – Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board. [online] Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board. Available at: https://www.oscb.org.uk/practitioners/multi-agency-procedures-and-resources/emotional-abuse/.
Elkin, M. (2020). Child emotional abuse in England and Wales – Office for National Statistics. [online] www.ons.gov.uk. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/childemotionalabuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2019.
Childline (2019). Emotional abuse | Childline. [online] Childline.org.uk. Available at: https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/abuse-safety/emotional-abuse/.
NSPCC (n.d.). Emotional abuse. [online] NSPCC. Available at: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/emotional-abuse/#types.