About the Causes of Child Abuse
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Overview
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Child abuse is a serious problem in the United States. A large component of preventing and stopping child abuse is to understand the causes of child abuse. As of now, no single cause of child abuse can be identified; however, there are contributing factors that increase the likelihood of child abuse.
Defining Child Abuse
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Child abuse is the physical and/or emotional mistreatment of a child. Many people fail to report instances of child abuse because the distinction between child abuse and guardians punishing their children is somewhat vague. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clearly define child abuse as acting or refraining from acting in a manner that results in harming, potentially harming, or threatening harm to a child. Child abuse falls into four categories: neglect, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse.<br /><br />Neglect is failing to provide basic physical (food, clothing, hygiene), emotional (nurturing and affection), or educational needs. <br /><br />Physical abuse is striking, burning, choking, or violently shaking a child. Simple spankings are not considered physical abuse as long as they are not done violently.<br />Psychological abuse is belittling, shaming, or threatening serious harm to a child. A child needs to feel safe and secure in the care of a parent or guardian.<br />Sexual abuse is any and all sex acts between a child and an adult and includes forced nudity.
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Alcohol--A Contributing Factor to Child Abuse
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There are numerous contributing factors to child abuse, but alcohol is a serious one. Parents or guardians who consume alcohol in either moderation or in excess do not automatically abuse their children; however, statistics suggest that alcohol does increase a parent or guardian’s likelihood of abusing a child, because consumption of alcohol may limit a person’s self-control.
Using Illegal Substances
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Using illegal substances may greatly increase the likelihood of a child being abused. Illegal substances, because they are illegal, create an environment where violent behaviors are more likely to occur. When illegal activities are being conducted within the household, such as using or selling illegal substances, parents and guardians are much less likely to report or prevent violence because they fear getting in trouble for possessing illegal substances. Most illegal substances themselves have the same effect as alcohol--they limit a person’s self-control, increasing the likelihood of child abuse.
Socioeconomic Factors
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A family's socioeconomic status can also play a role in child abuse. The tighter the financial situation, the harder it can be for parents to control their own anger, and they may snap. In that moment a normal spanking can be turned into abuse.
Other Family Violence
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Other family violence can contribute to a child being abused. Parents or guardians who abuse their spouse or significant other are statistically more likely to abuse their children. Parents or guardians, who had parents or guardians who abused them, are also statistically more likely to abuse their children.
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