Child Abuse and Neglect Who Are the Abusers

Child Abuse and Neglect

Who Are the Abusers? • Child abusers are usually ordinary people caught in situations that are beyond their control.

Who Are the Abusers? PERSONAL RISK FACTORS • Abused/Neglected as a child • Stress, Life Crisis • Illness • Substance Abuse • Marital Problems • Lack of Parenting Knowledge/Skills

Who Are the Abusers? ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS • Economic Burdens • Social Isolation • Cultural differences • Acceptance of Violence

Who Are the Abusers? COMMON CHARACTERISTICS • Young adult – mid twenties without high school diploma • Depressed – has difficulty coping with stressful situations. • Living at or below poverty level • Has experienced violence first hand

Long Term Effects EMOTIONAL • Fear, mistrust, guilt • Anger, hostility • Poor self-esteem • Anxiety, depression

Long Term Effects SOCIAL • Difficulty developing close relationships • As adults, they may have difficulty holding jobs. • 1/3 are likely to become abusers. • Display inappropriate sexual behavior: Females are 28 times likely to become involved in prostitution.

Long Term Effects • 2/3 of abused and neglected children lean toward some type of substance abuse: • Smoking • Overeating • Drug abuse

Long Term Effects • Victims face additional difficulties during teenage years: • Delinquency is 59% more likely • Pregnancy • Low academic success

Long Term Effects MENTAL • Higher risk of developing mental health disorders. • May have cognitive delays: learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD

Long Term Effects PHYSICAL • Bruises, broken bones, burns, brain damage • 18, 000 are permanently disabled each year: seizures, blindness, cerebral palsy. • Death for 1, 500 in 2004

Long Term Effects EFFECTS ON FAMILY • Guilt, mistrust • Violent • Ineffective, non-supportive, poor role model

Long Term Effects EFFECTS ON CAREGIVERS • Inability to deal with disruptive behavior. • Unskilled in dealing with psychological issues of child.

Long Term Effects EFFECTS ON COMMUNITY • 24 billion spent on the child welfare system • 69 billion spent on health care, human services and education