Introduction

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment or neglect of a child or children. It is also define child maltreatment as any act by a parent or other caregiver that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. Child abuse can occur at anywhere and anytime.

According to the Journal of Child Abuse and Neglect, child abuse is "any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm".



Why does child abuse happen?
Harm, or the risk of harm to children and young people, can occur when stress, tiredness, lack of skills, information and support combine to make the pressures of caring for children overwhelming.


There are some factors that can contribute to the likelihood of harm:

• isolation and lack of support - when there is no one, such as extended family, friends, a partner or community support to help with the demands of parenting 
• stress - financial pressures, job worries, medical problems or taking care of a family member with a disability can increase stress and overwhelm parents 
• unrealistic expectations - a lack of understanding of a child or young person's developmental stages and behaviour 
• lack of parenting skills - not knowing how to help children and young people learn, grow and behave in a positive way 
• drug and alcohol problems - addiction or substance abuse may limit a parent's ability to meet their children's needs 
• low self esteem and self confidence - sometimes insecure parents doubt their ability to meet their child's needs and do not seek help and support 
• poor childhood experiences - inter-generational patterns of abuse. 

The presence of one or more of these factors does not by itself prove that a child is being harmed or is at risk of harm, but it can alert you to the possibility that a child may be at risk. Given the right skills and resources, most people who have harmed a child can learn to parent in a positive way.

Community attitudes are also a contributing factor to child abuse. There is still some acceptance in the community for the use of physical force for the purposes of discipline and punishment of children and young people. People may not consider it any of their business, may not want to get involved or do not trust child protection authorities, and therefore do not report their concerns.


Credits to: https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety/protecting-children/what-is-child-abuse/why-does-child-abuse-happen