About Abuse

How does Abuse Happen?

Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk factors are greater in families where parents or partners:

1. Seem to be having economic, housing or personal problems
2. Are isolated from their family or community
3. Have difficulty controlling anger or stress
4. Are dealing with physical or mental health issue
5. Are having relationship problems, particularly disagreements in caring for their children.
6. Abuse alcohol or drugs.
7. Appear uninterested in the care, nourishment or safety of their children.

Many adults that abuse or neglect children misunderstand, misinterpret or simply hate the child or the child's behavior. Abusers often do not feel responsible for the child's well-being either because they are not attached to the child or because they do not know what the child needs.

Factors that interfere with the adult's attachment to the child include mental health problems like depression, drug or alcohol abuse, personal priorities, lack of blood relation to the child, and any deformities or defects in the child. There are many other factors that can interfere with the adult's attachment to the child; perhaps the child simply reminds them of another person they did not like.

Caretakers that are young, without support from other family members, or who do not understand child behavior may also be at risk for abusing or neglecting their children. Crying is a very common trigger for abuse, and caretakers who do not understand, for example, that sometimes they can do nothing to stop the crying except wait may become frustrated and injure the child. Each child, at each age, right up to teenage years, faces unique challenges that can lead to behaviors that are frustrating or intolerable to adults.

Understanding these behaviors as normal developmental steps can help prevent the anger and frustration that leads to tragedy. Your pediatrician can help you understand and cope with the challenges of being a parent. In addition, this website will provide guidance and resources for caretakers to keep childhood as healthy and safe as possible.