Child Abuse and Poverty

Children in poverty are more likely to suffer from neglect or physical abuse.

In 2008, 19 percent of American children were living in poverty, according to Feeding America, an organization that works to provide meals for those in poverty. In her article, "Primary Prevention of Child Abuse," published in "American Family Physician," a journal published by the American Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Lesa Bethea claims a direct link exists between the prevalence of poverty and child abuse. Understanding the causes and how to prevent abuse can help lower child abuse rates.

Identification

According to Bethea, child abuse can include the following: physical, sexual, psychological abuse and neglect, including medical, educational and general neglect. Each state has different definitions for what constitutes abuse under each of these categories.

Significance

In 2007, the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System reported 1,760 child deaths from neglect and abuse. The system claims that, with the exception of 2005, child abuse and neglect rates increase each year. Rates vary, though, and are hard to keep accurate, as not all deaths are accurately reported.

Causes

Bethea claims that poverty is the most frequently noted risk factor for child abuse. The most common forms of child abuse for those in poverty include physical abuse and neglect. Along with a high poverty rate, Bethea cites high crime rates, lack of or few social services and a high unemployment rate as risk factors for child abuse. Those in poverty might also have a lack of support from their community and extended family members, Bethea says.

Prevention

Although several programs exist to prevent child abuse in at-risk communities, Bethea says that these programs have little success. The programs that do seem to help, however, are those that teach parents to place a high value on children, discourage corporal punishment, increase families' economic self-sufficiency, improve and expand social services, and treat health problems, including mental health problems.

Programs that take care of the parents' needs are effective, as parents are more ready to meet the needs of their children when their pressing needs are met.

Working with Those in Poverty

Long-term home visitation services have been effective in preventing child abuse in poverty situations, Bethea says. With long-term home visitations, social service organizations provide regular follow-up visits for two years to determine that the child isn't in danger and that parents' coping skills are improving. These visits have been shown to improve the parents' attitudes toward their children and help them identify their needs and find the appropriate social services, according to Bethea.

When working with at-risk populations, doctors can help prevent child abuse by ensuring that unmarried women understand the impact of pregnancy and parenthood. Doctors can share possible stressors that go along with parenting and also appropriate developmental behavior in children. Doctors also should spend more time discussing psychosocial issues with parents during well-child visits, Bethea suggests.

References

• "American Family Physician": Primary Prevention of Child Abuse; Lesa Bethea; March 15, 1999
• Child Abuse Effects: Poverty and Child Neglect
• Feeding America: Hunger and Poverty Statistics

Resources

• Child Welfare Information Gateway: Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities