Cause and effect

Why abuse?

Behind all abusers is a reason for what they do. Common causes are depression, themselves are victims of abuse, and lack of parenting knowledge. The two most frequent causes in child maltreatment are the caregiver is involved with drugs and alcohol abuse, 70% of all cases are due to substance abusers.(Hermes A. 1) Living in poverty is another major cause to child abuse. The build up of stress leads to aggression and anger, and when a breaking point is reached, the consequences could put a child at risk for harm.

The type of abuse to a child varies with age, an infant is more vulnerable to a situation, such as shaking. Battered Child syndrome is when an adult shakes a baby causing bleeding in the brain, which could lead to long term effects.

Teenagers and young children ages 5 and up are more aware of their surroundings. Many young children at school are prone to drawing pictures of violence and a disoriented family photo. Teens are likely to run away from home on more than one occasion, and tend to favor staying at school for safety.

Everyone that has gone through or going through child abuse, handle their situation in different ways. Besides the visual scars on the body from abuse, children tend to have emotional and behavioral problems, along with the haunting memory sticking with them later in life. Children may pick up on health issues such as obesity, sexual dieses, and cancer.

Behavorial problems that often occur include pregnancy, alcohol and drug use, and a tendency to end up in a juvenile facility. Children ae likely to have mood swings out of frustration that revolves around anger and violence. When a child is abused he/she is suspected to isolate themselves as a way to deal with a lack of confidence.

Child maltreatment is an emotional experience that can result to anxiety, depression, and ptsd. They struggle expressing their feelings and live in constant fear of not being good enough. Feeling worthless from their parents/guardians make them settle for low grades and poor jobs. Children that undergo abuse are extremely hard to communicate wit due to trust issues.

Citations

Kamei, S., E., D., E., E., Godfrey, M., & E. (n.d.). Child Abuse and Neglect - Causes of Abuse and Neglect, Effects of Abuse on Children, Prevention of Child Abuse. Retrieved January 15, 2018

from http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1823/Child-Abuse-Neglect.html

Battered child syndrome. (n.d.). Retrieved January 15, 2018

from http://www.healthofchildren.com/B/Battered-Child-Syndrome.html

Hermes, A. (2017, June 13). Causes & Effects of Child Abuse. Retrieved January 15, 2018, (1)

from https://www.livestrong.com/article/229260-causes-effects-of-child-abuse/

Image: Child neglect [Young girl comforting herself with teddy bear]. (n.d.). Retrieved

from http://www.victimcaremerseyside.org/userfiles/Child_abuse_neglect_CSE1_crop.jpg