Child Abuse

The term child abuse refers to a wide range of behavior varying from physical assault to neglect of child’s basic needs. Child abuse is also called as child maltreatment. Child abuse has become a major social problem especially in industralised nations. It occurs in all income, ethnic, religious and in urban and rural communities but commonly among some groups that is below the poverty line.   

There are different types of child abuse namely physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. But the most common form of child abuse is neglect. Physical neglect involves a parent’s failure to provide enough food, clothing, shelter or medical care to a child. Emotional neglect occurs when a child or caretaker fails to meet a child’s basic needs for affection and comfort. Another form of neglect involves failing to meet a child’s basic education needs.

Researches   confirm that 2000 children under the age of 18 are killed by parents or caretakers every year. More than 18,000 children suffer permanent disabilities from abuse or neglect annually. The major reason for child abuse is due to the mental disorder of the parent or caretaker.  It is an irony that most abusers though they love their children have less patience and less mature personalities than other parents.

     Child abuse results due to the combination of   personal, social and cultural factors and the consequence can be devastating and far reaching. But child welfare agencies have taken steps to protect those children who are abused by parents or caretakers. Many prevention and treatment programs provide short time relief and only lower the risk of maltreatment.