School talk : Ms Naiker
Definition : “Any action or inaction which is detrimental to the physical, emotional and developmental well-being of the child. It includes (but is not limited to) neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual harassment and sexual abuse.” (WC Dept. Ed.)
Incidence (2009)
Still very high - over 4000 cases of neglect and ill-treatment of children reported last year
Most not reported
Many more could be included under sexual offences of which 71 000 were reported for 2009
Child abuse is usually found in 70% of domestic violence cases
The Childline Toll free number receives approximately 60000 to 90000 calls per month across all the provinces.
5 Areas of child abuse
Physical abuse (beatings)
Sexual abuse( rape and sexual assault)
Psychological abuse-breaking down the mental state of the child with ridicule or humiliating him/her (insults, threats, unkind words)
Emotional abuse –breaking down child emotionally with swearing, shouting, or ignoring–causing severe emotional upsets
Neglect (financial abuse)-not providing for the child’s basic needs in terms of food , shelter or education
Factors involved in child abuse
• Social systems approach
Speak of factors –not causes
Issues relating to the child cannot be separated from family issues, culture and role of society (form a circular pattern of interaction)
• The role of stress
Stress has been found to be the major factor leading to violence and child abuse in families –abuse usually set off by an incident
• The child’s personality or characteristics
Child is hyperactive -causing stress to parents
Child is demanding –learning problems,
Child has lack of discipline-(esp step-parents) – stress
Child is vulnerable, whining, (babies) sickly or disabled (high maintenance)
Child is disliked (esp step-children) unattractive, or parent is resentful towards child
(note the importance of the relationship with the child)
No early bonding or absent parent
• The family circumstances
Parent inherited certain traits (low frustration, quick temper )
Parent has personality problems ( low self-esteem, bad self-image-bully, anti-social or dominant personality)
Dysfunctional family (domestic violence, alcohol or drug abuse-not coping)
Parent has problems -past trauma, depression, other mental problems
Bad child–rearing practices (very strict, religious or cultural beliefs –patriarchal)
(corporal punishment)
Lack of parental skills –cannot deal with conflict or children (not coping)
Stress in family circumstances ( large family, single parent, marital problems, work or money problems)
• Social factors
Family shut off from community or extended family (class or bad relationships no help available)
Stressful socioeconomic conditions –unemployment, crime, bad housing, poverty,
lack of services (bad lifestyle)
Social pressures on parents regarding children - focus on performance, success , money)
Social class –ignored or isolated (social attitudes)
Cultural or religious values and beliefs regarding children (culture of violence)
Availability of community resources (churches, school guidance, help-centres, shelters, counseling, social welfare , NGO’s (Childline etc)
Role of media-TV, films and magazine can increase family pressures -promote violence, advertising (alcohol)
• Physical indicators of child abuse
Bruises on uncommonly injured body surfaces
High incidence of accidents or frequent injuries.
Fractures/broken bones in unusual places such as the skull, ribs etc
Lacerations, burns, injuries, swellings to face and extremities
Discolouration of skin, blunt-instrument marks, human hand marks
Evidence of poor care/failure to thrive.
• Behaviour associated with child abuse
Avoids physical contact and is suspicious of others (withdrawal)
Seems frightened of parents
Has difficulty getting along with others (aggressive and often hurts peers)
Overly anxious or otherwise depressed
Wears clothing to purposely conceal injury and refuses to undress for sport
Gives inconsistent versions about occurrences of injuries
Comes to school early and seems reluctant to go home afterwards or Is often late/absent from school
Has a history of running away from home
• Solutions
Education of the child –prevention and education programmes in schools, communities and other contexts. (as provided by Childline)-these provide information on children’s rights, what is child abuse, HIV/AIDS, responsible relationships and sexual behaviour
Children need to be encouraged to speak to someone they trust or to phone help organisations such as Lifeline or Childline
Education of parents –dealing with stress-related issues (coping and parenting skills)
Involvement of community and NGO’s (Childline, Lifeline, churches, societies, educational Ngo’s)
Involvement of government –school monitoring, child welfare institutions and police
(application of Domestic violence Act and Child Care act)
References
Barlow, D.H.& Durand, V.M. (2002). Abnormal psychology: An integrated approach. (3rd ed.). Belmont : Wadsworth/Thompson Learning.
Coleman, J., Butcher, J., Carson, R.(Ed.)( 1984). Abnormal Psychology and Modern Life. N.J.: Scott, Foresman and company.
Fein, G. (1978 ). Child development. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Havelin, Kate. (1961). Child abuse: Why do my parents hit me?. U.S.A : Capstone Press.
Articles
Browne, D.H. (1988).High risk infants and child maltreatment .Early child development and care , 31, 43-53.
Farrington, K. (1986) The application of stress theory to the study of family violence. Journal of family violence,1(2),131-148.
Gelles, R.J.,& Strauss, M.A.(1979).Violence in the American Family. Journal of Social Issues,35(2), 15-38.
Internet articles
http://www.childline.org.za/
http://www.wced.wcape.gov.za
http://www.wced.wcape.gov.za/documents/abuse/abuse_12.html.
http://www.saps.gov.za/children/child_abuse.htm http://www.saps.gov.za/statistics/reports/crimestats/2009/categories.htm
