Child abuse is the physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect of children. While
most child abuse happens in the child's home, large numbers of cases of child
abuse have been identified within some organizations involving children, such
as churches, schools, child care businesses, and residential schools. It also
can occur almost anywhere (eg. kidnappings, random murders etc.)
According
to a recent UNICEF report on child well-being the United States and the
United Kingdom ranked lowest among first world nations with respect to the well
being of their children. This study also found that child neglect and child abuse
are far more common in single-parent families than in families where both
parents are present. There are many forms of abuse and neglect and many governments
have developed their own legal definition of what constitutes child maltreatment
for the purposes of removing a child and/or prosecuting a criminal charge.
In the United States, the Federal Government puts out a full definition of child
abuse and neglect and creates a summary of each State definition.
There
are many causes of child abuse. Many child abusers were also victims of
abuse. Mental illness is another common factor, with many abusers having personality
disorders or other severe forms of mental illness. Psychosocial factors
also play a role.
Parental choices and other unforeseen circumstances
that place families under extraordinary stress -- for instance, poverty, divorce,
sickness, disability, lack of parental skills and drugs are often associated
with child maltreatment. Children in families that have a parent deployed in
combat are also more likely to be victims of child maltreatment. Many of these
factors may contribute to family stress that can result in child abuse or neglect.
Understanding the root causes of abuse can help better determine the best
methods of prevention and treatment. |
