It’s hard to believe that anyone would intentionally hurt a child, but it happens far too often in today’s world. However, not all abuse is deliberate. There are factors that can cause a person to react in a negative way that causes him to harm a child.
Stress of all types.
Dealing with a special needs child.
Alcohol or drug abuse.
Having the responsibility of caring and providing for a child.
Loss of work.
Financial problems.
A history of child abuse.
Spousal abuse.
Conflict in a marriage or other intimate relationship.
There is no way to determine when these factors will cause someone to act out of character and commit child abuse. People who have been abused as children are prone to abusing children under their care.
In some circumstances, child abuse stems from isolation, benign neglect, ignorance or cultural heritage. Here are some forms of abuse that is passed down in a person’s cultural heritage:
Tradition beliefs that children are the property of their parents.
That girls must be genitally mutilated.
The belief that children need to be tough in order to face the hardships of adulthood.
That parents, especially fathers, have the right to treat children as they wish.
Results of Child Abuse
Low self-esteem and destructive behavior.
Self mutilation.
Impairment of social and psychological development.
Reclusive behavior.
Compulsive lying.
Spousal abuse.
Lack of trust.
Withdrawal of affection.
Severity of abuse can depend on how deeply the person was affected in childhood. The trauma of child abuse is always carried into adulthood emotionally. It is something that affects a person’s entire life.