The Causes And Effects Of Child Abuse

The Causes And Effects Of Child Abuse In a civilized society one would expect the occurrence of child abuse to be nearly non-existent, however the statistics do not support this belief. This paper defined what child abuse is .It also revised the short term and long-term effects of this abuse and the resulting mental, physical and societal issues that arise from early abuse and continue on throughout their childhood. It will bring up the statistical information showing the continued abuse against a child. It is hoped that this research enlighten readers on pertinent facts and information on the causes and effects of this cruel act. The term child abuse covers a wide range of behavior, from actual physical assault to simple neglect of a childs basic needs. Child abuse is also sometimes called child maltreatment. Infants and preschool children are most likely to suffer deliberately inflicted fractures, burns, and bruises. This is known as the battered-child syndrome. Although the extent of child abuse is difficult to measure, it is recognized as a major social problem, especially in industrialized nations. It occurs in all income, racial, religious, and ethnic groups and in urban and rural communities. Studies have shown that most parents who abuse their children were once abused as a child (Funk Wagnalls, 2006). Eight percent of all children abused are emotionally maltreated. Sixteen percent are sexually abused. Twenty-seven percent are physically abused. Fifty-five percent of all children abused are neglected (Child Abuse, 1994).Any type of Child Abuse, carried out for a long period of time, may cause long-term mental damage. Although there are many formal and acceptable definitions of child abuse, the following is offered as a guide for information on child abuse and neglect. Child abuse is the act or series of acts that is described in commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver and results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to child. Most child abuse happens in childs home, with a smaller amount occurring in the organizations, schools or communities they interact with. Abuse of a child is anything that causes inj ury or puts the child in danger of physical injury. Child abuse can be physical, sexual, or emotional. Neglect happens when a parent or responsible caretaker fails to provide adequate supervision, food, clothing, shelter or other basics for a child. Child abuse is any action or lack of which endangers or impairs a childs physical, mental or emotional health and development. As it will be shown in the following presentation .There are many causes of child abuse as well as effects. The most prominent one among the causes is mental illness, as well as psychological problems. The tendency is that people who are not in their right minds, could easily do harm to children, whether intentional or not. Effect of child abuse can be manifested in poor social skills, depression, difficulty in building up relationships in people, low self image, eating disorders, as well as physical disabilities. Child abuse could also lower the self worth of the child who experienced it. Regardless of the type of abuse, if not stopped and having the resultant social and psychological issues dealt with as quickly as possible may result in the vicious cycle of abuse where the abused goes out on their own and then becomes the abuser. Despite all good intentions this cycle of violence can and does occur because it is the only way that an untreated abused individual knows how to deal with stressors in a relationship. In 2007, the United States reported, among all 50 states, 753,357 cases of child mistreatment which is a ratio of 1 out of every 100 children have been reported as being abused in some fashion throughout the year. This abuse ranged from 59% being neglected, 11% being physically abused, and 7.5% sexually abused 4.2% having emotional abuse, and less than 1% being medically mistreated. Of these cases, the abuse was near evenly split between boys and girls, and 79% of the abuse occurred in those under the age of 11, with the most prominent being under the age of 4 (Child Maltreatment, 2007). Statistics are more readily reported within the United States than they are elsewhere throughout the world. However, available data from (World Health Organization [WHO], 2001) shows a global epidemic which is evidenced by: Almost 53,000 children died worldwide in 2002 as a result of homicide Up to 80 to 98% of children suffer physical punishment in their homes, with a third or more experiencing severe physical punishment resulting from the use of implements. 150 million girls and 73 million boys under 18 experienced forced sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual violence during 2002. Between 100 and 140 million girls and women in the world have undergone some form of female genital mutilation/cutting. In sub-Saharan Africa, Egypt and the Sudan, 3 million girls and women are subjected to genital mutilation/cutting every year. Worldwide, approximately 40 million children are subjected to child abuse each year UNICEF estimates that two million children died as a result of armed conflict during a recent 10-year period and that another six million were injured or disabled (Human Right Watch, 2001). Each year, approximately one million more children around the world are introduced into commercial sexual exploitation (Casa Alianza, 2001). Sexual abuse statistics vary between countries and reports, but are consistently alarming: One countrys research indicates that up to 36% of girls and 29% of boys have suffered child sexual abuse; another study reveals up to 46% of girls and 20% of boys have experienced sexual coercion (The 57th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights). We have explored the statistical occurrence of child abuse; next will be the causes that drive one to actually abuse a child. Though all of the causes of child abuse are not known, a significant amount of research points to several factors that put children at risk for abuse. There are many reasons why some people have difficulty meeting the demands of parenthood, including: Immaturity and unrealistic expectations Unmet emotional needs The stresses of child care Economic crisis Domestic violence Lack of parenting knowledge Difficulty in relationships Depression or other mental health problems Drug or alcohol problems Family history of abuse In most case that involve child abuse, the most common reoccurring factors are having a family history of abuse, mental health problems which inhibit proper abilities to cope with different situations and majority of the case involve some type of drug or alcohol use or abuse prior to the incident. In a more disturbing trend, that of child on child abuse, which is defined as a child at least 2 years of age older than the victim has been linked to after effects of a child being abused. This is to say that the abuser is abusing another child because that is what happened to them so they think it is okay or normal since they are mimicking the actions of their abusers. This last point shows why for the most part child abuse and other forms of violence is learned behavior. In new studies they are attempting to show the link in mental development being slowed in those that receive abuse at an early age, compared to those that did not receive abuse. one recent study on a group of monkeys showed that those babies that received mild abuse as an infant grew to later have deficiency of serotonin, the chemical known as the pleasure center of the brain, and as adults, those levels would rise to normal when they would abuse others. With these actions, being learned or brought about due to family, mental, emotional or addiction disorders the course of action is through prevention. The term prevention is typically used to represent activities that stop an action or behavior. It can also be used to represent activities that promote a positive action or behavior. Research has found that successful child abuse interventions must both reduce risk factors and promote protective factors to ensure the well-being of children and families. Protective factors are conditions in families and communities that, when present, increase the health and well-being of children and families. They are attributes that serve as buffers, helping parents who might otherwise be at risk of abusing their children to find resources, supports, or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even under stress. The impact of child maltreatment can be profound. Research shows that child maltreatment is associated with adverse health a nd mental health outcomes in children and families, and those negative effects can last a lifetime. In addition to the impact on the child, child abuse and neglect affect various systems including physical and mental health, law enforcement, judicial and public social services, and nonprofit agencies as they respond to the incident and support the victims. One analysis of the immediate and long-term economic impact of child abuse and neglect suggests that child maltreatment costs the nation as much as $258 million each day, or approximately $94 billion each year (Child Welfare Information Gateway, n.d). Protective factors are conditions in families and communities that, when present, increase the health and well-being of children and families. These attributes serve as buffers, helping parents to find resources, supports, or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even under stress. Research has shown that the following protective factors are linked to a lower incidence of child abuse and neglect. Nurturing and attachment A childs early experience of being nurtured and developing a bond with a caring adult affects all aspects of behavior and development. When parents and children have strong, warm feelings for one another, children develop trust that their parents will provide what they need to thrive, including love, acceptance, positive guidance, and protection. Research shows that babies who receive affection and nurturing from their parents have the best chance of healthy development. A childs relationship with a consistent, caring adult in the early years is associated later in life with better academic grades, healthier behaviors, more positive peer interactions, and an increased ability to cope with stress. Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development There is extensive research linking healthy child development to effective parenting. Children thrive when parents provide not only affection, but also respectful communication and listening, consistent rules and expectations, and safe opportunities that promote independence. Successful parenting fosters psychological adjustment, helps children succeed in school, encourages curiosity about the world, and motivates children to achieve. Parental resilience Parents, who can cope with the stresses of everyday life, as well an occasional crisis, have resilience; they have the flexibility and inner strength necessary to bounce back when things are not going well. Multiple life stressors, such as a family history of abuse or neglect, health problems, marital conflict, or domestic or community violence-and financial stressors such as unemployment, poverty, and homelessness-may reduce a parents capacity to cope effectively with the typical day-to-day stresses of raising children. Social connections Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves. Most parents need people they can call on once in a while when they need a sympathetic listener, advice, or concrete support. Research has shown that parents, who are isolated, with few social connections, are at higher risk for child abuse and neglect. Concrete supports for parents Many factors affect a familys ability to care for their children. Families who can meet their own basic needs for food, clothing, housing, and transportation-and who know how to access essential services such as childcare, health care, and mental health services to address family-specific needs-are better able to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. Partnering with parents to identify and access resources in the community may help prevent the stress that sometimes precipitates child maltreatment. Providing concrete supports may also help prevent the unintended neglect that sometimes occurs when parents are unable to provide for their children. All of these factors along with many others can help decrease the occurrence of child abuse, but for any of it to work the cycle of violence must stop within the home before any child may have any hope for an abuse free society. Child abuse is a topic that has many aspects and issues to discus. There are many causes for this problem that lead to adverse effects on the child and community. Treating this phenomenon needs major governmental, financial, educational, health care givers and social support and awareness. Also strict roles and disciplinary actions should be applied through the governments in order to control this problem. In my point of view the earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not perpetuate the cycle. The Causes and Effects of Child Abuse The Causes and Effects of Child Abuse Day by day the safety and well being of some children across the nation are threatened by child abuse and neglect. Child abuse is doing harm to child intentionaly or not provides the essential needs for the child. Abuse child can be in physical, emotional, sexual in form or neglect. Each form has its different characteristics. Causes of child abuse can be parents causes, ecological causes or child problems. Parents causes involves parent who have background of emotional deprivation, unaware of difference between discipline and abuse, and isolated from the community. Teenage or single parent also can harm their children because they lack experience in raising children. Ecological causes which are related the environment surround the child. For example, poverty, overcrowding, substance abuse, and problems in marriage. Child causes include child disability and requirement of special needs. Child abuse has great impact on childs life, damaging a childà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s s elf esteem, ability to have healthy relationships, and ability to function at home, at work and at school. The Causes and Effects of Child Abuse Child abuse is one of the major issues that bring the attention of entire nation. Several organizations formed because it is not just an individual or familial problem. It takes different forms, physical or psychological maltreatment of children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define child abuse as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child (http://www.cdc.gov/violanceprevention/pdf/CM-FactSheet-a.pdf) The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) define child abuse and neglect as any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker who result in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation (What is Child Abuse and Neglect, 2008, para.2). Every year millions of children suffer from different type of child abuse. Most child abuse results from attempt to punish or control the child. Parents try to punish their children when they are doing something wrong and to avoid spoiling the child, but these attempts will increase to produce physical harm to the child. Therefore we have to distinguish between physical discipline and physical abuse. The most common way to distinguish physical punishment from abuse is by the presence or absence of physical injury. It is important to recognize that most parents do not want to beat their children. Virtually all parents feel regret after such an incident and most believe physical punishment is not an effective route to increase compliance, learning or respect for the parent (Durrant, 1996, p.186). In 2001, an estimated 3 million children were reported to state Child Protective Service (CPS) agencies as suspected victim of abuse and neglect. One million children were confirmed victim of maltreatment (physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, medical neglect, psychological abuse, other abuses), with another 4 million involved in referrals to Child Protective Services (National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information, 2003a;2003b). Three fourths of the perpetrators were caregivers, and an additional one tenth were relatives. However, only about one half of the child abuse and neglect report are investigated nationally, and on average only about one-third of the investigation find evidence of child abuse and neglect (Potts Mandleco, 2007, p 1208). Some people believe that the child abused by stringers only, but the truth that the child can be abused by parent, a friend of parent, neighbourhood, or even a family member. This essay paper on the causes and effects of child abuse will include types of child abuse and clinical manifestation can be seen in each type, causes and effects of child abuse. There are four forms of child abuse that is neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse and sexual abuse. The most common form of child abuse is neglect. According to Longman dictionary neglect is pay insufficient attention to, or ignore . It means parents or caregivers fail to provide the important needs for their children. Neglecting the child can be noticed if the child lacks of hygiene, dresses clothes which is dirty, old, and inappropriate for age and weather, frequently absents from school, always sick and no medical assistance provided, malnourished and isolated from others. These signs of neglect are mostly observed by people who are always with close contact to child like the teacher, doctors, nurses and neighbours. They are frequently the ones who notice, suspect and report child neglect. Neglect has three forms which are physical neglect, emotional neglect and educational neglect. Physical neglect is the most abuse noticed among children. Physical neglect can be seen in many ways for example if the parent not provides supervision, repeat shuttling of child from one household to another for a day or week at a time, not providing adequate food for their children, clothes, house, not seeking medical care for a serious health problem or not giving the child his treatment. Emotional neglect includes inattention to childs need of affection and emotional support, expose child to extreme spousal abuse, permitting the child to use drugs and drink alcohol, refuse of medical assistance for child with psychological problems and applying high expectation that is inappropriate for childs age and level of development. Educational neglect can be if the parent refuses to enrol the child in school, failure to provide the essential learning needs and allow frequent absence from school. The second type of child abuse is physical abuse which is the most clear and has a huge physical effect on the child. Physical abuse should always be suspected when there is an injury that cannot be explained, or when the history provided is incongruous with the physical findings or the childs developmental level. Suspicion should also be aroused when the caregiver claims the injury was self-inflected, inflected by a sibling or when there is a delay in seeking medical services (Potts Mandleco,2007, p 1211). There are certain clinical manifestations can be observed in children who are abused physically which is unexplained bruises or welts that appear in various stages of healing often in clustered patterns that reflect the shapes of the articles used to inflict injury, unexplained burns especially on the soles, palms, back, or doughnut-shaped (on buttocks or genitals), unexplained fractures to the skull, nose, or facial structure; multiple or spiral fracture; or dislocations and num erous fracture in various stages of healing and bald patches on the scalp (Ashwill Droske, 1997, p 1287). A third type of child abuse is emotional abuse. Among all different child abuse, emotional abuse is the hardest type to identify. According to American Humane, Emotional abuse of a child is commonly defined as a pattern of behaviour by parents or caregivers that can seriously interfere with a childs cognitive, emotional, psychological, or social development (http://www.americanhumane.org/aboutus/newsroom/fact-sheets/emotional-abuse.html). Emotional abuse occur when parents ignoring and humiliating the child, isolating the child from the family, verbally assaulting the child, threatening the child, rejecting childs value and request, putting higher expectation on the child and exposing the child to family or community violence. The clinical manifestations which can be observed on a child who is emotionally abused are speech problems, lags in physical development, failure to thrive and hyperactive or disruptive behaviour. The last type of child abuse is sexual abuse which is the least frequently reported of child abuse. According to (Potts Mandleco,2007) Sexual abuse is defined as exploitive sexual act(s) imposed on a child who lacks the emotional, cognitive, or maturational development to deal with the actions (Giardino, Brown, Giardino, 2003). Sexual abuse can be in different ways which are pressuring the child to engage in sexual activities, exposing the child genitals, sexual contact with the child, incident exposure of genitals to a child, and physical contact to child genitals. Everybody believes that the girls are more often abused sexually, but the fact that both girls and boys are sexually abused. Studies have shown those sexual abuse victims are usually between 6 and 9 years of age. Ashwill made it clear that children will show some physical signs such as difficulty walking or sitting, torn, stained or bloody underclothing, pain, swelling or itching of genitals, pain on urination, bruises, bleeding or lacerations involving the external genitalia, vagina, or anal area and excessive masturbation (Ashwill Droske, 1997, p 1289). Understanding causes of child abuse is important to address the problem in order to prevent it. Specialists and experts who evaluated a bused childs environment and family background have come out with three causes for child abuse which are parental causes, ecological causes and child problems. Parental causes include parents who are very young and lack of experience of taking care for children are more likely to neglect childs need. For example; teenage parent or single parent never learned the skills necessary for good parenting. Although, parents who suffer many problems and they cannot control their anger which will inflict their children by abusing them physically. On the other hand, parents who were abused when they were children are more likely to abuse their own children too. It is like cycle of violence and abuse. Also, some parents raise their children same the way as they rose even if parents were abused. Some parents not differentiate discipline from abuse which lead to p hysically abuse their children in order to teach them the right things. Parents who physically abuse their spouses can also abuse their children. At same time, parents who suffer from mental disorder, anxiety or depression cannot take right decision for themselves, either for their children. Ecological causes involve abusing drug and alcohol by parents. Parents who are drunk they cannot think properly for the needs of their children. Also they are unrealistic in their behavior which can lead to abuse their children without even feeling that they are doing so. Some studies show that poverty play major role in abusing children. As the parents face financial difficulties, they cannot provide childs need. Also, those parents usually isolated and lack of social support. On the other hand, if couple have problem in their marriage that may inflict their children emotionally. Some parents are aware they are mistreating a child but are unable to stop. Other abusive parents literally hate children or are disgusted by them. The childs need, sloppiness, crying, or dirty diapers are unbearable to the parent. Abusive mothers tend to believe their children are intentionally annoying them. In many cases, troubled parents expect the child to love them and make them happy. When the child cannot meet such unrealistic demands, the parent react with lethal angry. Such parents are more likely to physically abuse their children (Coon, 2004, p 154). Child problems include handicapped children. Caring of child with special needs is difficult and need family and community support. Some parents ignore the needs for the child which lead to abusing childs rights. All types of child abuse regardless the causes; affect the child by some way. The effects of child abuse vary depending on the type of child abuse. Some of these effects are physical and other are emotional or psychological. Studies show that sexual and emotional abuse has the major impact on child. Effects can be classified to short term effects and long term effects. Short term effects can easily detect and the signs of abusing show in short period. For example; wound, burns or fracture that occur after physical abuse, which healed after seeking medical treatment. Child will show some sexual behaviors include sexual play with dolls. Child will be aggressive, fear of parents, fear to go home, and isolated from public. Child will fight to other student in class. Child may have difficulty in speech and cannot express feelings. Child who has been abused by his parent will not trust them to provide physical and emotional needs, which eventually lead to lack of trust to other people in the community. Long term effects are signs that difficult to detect at beginning of abusing incidents and will progress with the developmental process of the child which lead it to occur after long time. Almost it will occur in adult age if child did not seek medical assistance. For example; the adult will have difficulty to establish normal relationships with other. Adult survive from child abuse, can have unexplained signs of fear, anxiety and depression. Adult survivor of sexual abuse can abuse other children which is the cycle of abusing. Also the adult may suffer from sexual transmitted disease. The adult will have difficulty to express feeling, and may turn to substance abuse (alcohol or drugs). The adult may attempt to suicide. To sum up, child abuse is worldwide problem affecting children from birth to 18 years of age. There are different types for child abuse which is neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. There are three main causes for child abuse which is parent causes, ecological causes, and child problems. Based on causes many effects can be observed on the child which affect child emotionally, physically and social development. In my opinion detecting the early signs of abuse will end further harm to child, better chance for recovery, and appropriate treatment will be provided for the child. Since the family is the core of love and care for the child, it is important to bring their attention and highlight the causes and effects of child abuse, so they can play significant role in stopping the matter. Therefore, proper awareness of the community plays an important role in preventing this problem from going further.