Title: Understanding and preventing child abuse and neglect
Headings: Understanding and Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
Understanding and Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
Date created: 2009

Content: Abuse and neglect of children occurs in families from all walks of life, of all incomes, religions and ethnicities. There is no single cause of child maltreatment; rather, it occurs as a result of many forces working together to impact the family. Parent or caregiver risk factors
Low self-esteem, poor impulse control, depression, anxiety or antisocial behavior. Experiencing or witnessing violence as a child, which teaches violent behavior or justifies it as proper behavior. Substance abuse, which interferes with mental functioning, judgment, self-control, ability to be protective of one’s child and making the child’s needs a priority. Lack of knowledge about normal child development and unrealistic expectations, frustration and/or inappropriate methods of discipline. Family risk factors
Children living with single parents are more likely to live in poverty with fewer social supports, which may contribute to stress and increase risks of maltreatment. Children in violent homes may witness intimate partner violence, may be victims of physical abuse themselves and may be neglected by parents or caregivers who are focused on their partners or unresponsive to their children due to their own fears. Stressful life events, parenting stress and emotional distress (e.g., losing a job, physical illness, marital problems or the death of a family member) may worsen hostility, anxiety or depression among family members and increase the level of family conflict and maltreatment.