Child abuse can happen anywhere: • in poor, middle class, well-to-do homes • in any ethnic, cultural, occupational, religious and age groups • in child’s own home or outside it • in rural areas, suburbs, cities • involving one or both parents Tragically, though, it most often happens at home and usually the abuser is known to the child. Generally, the abuser is a caretaker. A caretaker can be a parent, stepparent, relative or baby-sitter.
Child abuse usually happens in the child’s home. Usually, the abuser is someone the child knows, such as a parent, neighbor, or relative. Children who are the greatest risk of abuse have caregivers who feel isolated or inadequate, who are teenagers, or who have problems with depression, alcohol, or drugs. Other things that may put a child at an increased risk for child abuse include children less than 1 year of age, children born prematurely or with low birth weight, those with medical problems, those living in poorer communities, boys, twins, and stepchildren. Detecting abuse can be difficult because it is often hard to know when normal parenting ends and abuse begins. Caring for children of all ages can be stressful, and caregivers may lose their temper from time to time. However, parenting “styles” that include physical or emotional punishment, such as hitting or not recognizing the good things a child has done, deserve evaluation. What can you do? You can help to prevent child abus
Child abuse can happen anywhere: – in poor, middle class and well-to-do homes – in any ethnic, cultural, occupational, religious and age groups – in the child’s own home or in other locations – in rural areas, suburbs, cities – can involving one or both parents Child abuse knows no economic, religious, racial or demographic boundaries. Tragically, abuse most often happens at home; usually the abuser is known to the child. Why do parents abuse their children? Although studies show that a parent is the most frequent child abuser, other guardians, e.g., parental friend or relatives may also be involved. Often, abuse is a reaction to past or present problems or stresses the abuser can’t cope with, such as: UNMET EMOTIONAL NEEDS: A parent who does not relate well to other adults may expect children to take care of the parent, satisfy their need for love, protection, self-esteem or other needs. FREQUENT CRISES: Finances, job, legal problems, major illness, etc., can cause a parent to “take i
Child abuse can happen anywhere: – in poor, middle class and well-to-do homes – in any ethnic, cultural, occupational, religious and age groups – in the child’s own home or in other locations – in rural areas, suburbs, cities – can involving one or both parents Child abuse knows no economic, religious, racial or demographic boundaries. Tragically, abuse most often happens at home; usually the abuser is known to the child.