Why Does Child Abuse Occur?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There is no single known cause of child abuse nor is there any single description that captures all families in which children are victims of abuse and neglect. Child abuse occurs across socio-economic, religious, cultural, racial, and ethnic groups.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, child abuse is most likely to occur when parents are struggling with:
? Stress—Pressures from money problems, everyday frustrations, illness, or heavy responsibilities can result in severe levels of stress.
? A painful childhood—Adults who were mistreated as children may, without meaning to, continue the pattern of abuse with their own children.
? Alcohol or other drugs—Substance use and abuse can blind a parent to a child’s needs or may reduce inhibitions and tolerance levels so that parents may be more likely to lash out.
? Isolation—Without friends or relatives nearby, parents can feel overwhelmed by the demands of raising a child.
? Inexperience with children or unrealistic expectations—If parents don’t know what to expect from children, they may expect too much. Besides lacking the parenting skills necessary to raise a child, some parents may have no models of successful family relationships from which to learn.
? Immaturity—Very young, insecure parents often can’t understand their child’s behavior and needs.
? Unmet emotional needs—Parents may expect children to take care of them and to satisfy their need for love, protection, and self-esteem.