3 - Child Abuse as a Form of Aggression

Child abuse is a highly condemned form of aggression that is often successfully hidden from public criticism by the offenders. Some of the injuries inflicted on helpless youngsters by parents and family members are unbelievable and horrifying.

Sometimes parents have extremely high expectations for their children at inappropriately early ages. They use harsh measures to enforce demands on their children, which can lead to child abuse. Abusing parents were often abused children themselves. Because these individuals grew up seeing abusive techniques used as a form of discipline, they may believe it is a natural way to raise their children. Another reason parents abuse their kids is a lack of parenting skills. They really do not know how to raise a child. Parenting involves tremendous responsibility and some stress. When frustrations build in the home, the parents may lash out with uncontrolled anger.

In 75% of the cases of child abuse, parents are responsible. Babysitters, step-parents and other relatives are found at fault to a lesser degree. Sometimes for their own safety and best interests, the children must be removed from the homes. Usually this action is taken only if the child is in serious physical danger. Although separating the child from the abusive family member may be important, the child may be unhappy with such a solution. From the child’s point of view, he or she is being punished in a sense by being removed from the familiarity of the home environment. Another solution to correct abusive parenting is counselling for the whole family. Parents learn anger management and how to teach their children responsibility and problem solving in a nonviolent way.

Besides mental and physical abuse, children can be sexually abused by people they love and trust. Adults are in a position of power and authority, which makes it relatively easy to sexually abuse a child. The pain of betrayal can scar the child for life and may interfere with the development of intimate relationships as adults. Sexually-abused children have intense feelings of shame and guilt although they are innocent victims. They feel isolated and develop low self-esteem. Some abused children are too confused or afraid to report what is happening to them, and thus, some of them endure many years of mistreatment. As adults, they may become abusers themselves. Physically, they may develop chronic pain of one kind or another. Some may have eating disorders. Emotionally, they may turn to alcohol, promiscuity, and even prostitution in some cases. Feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts are other symptoms.

phoneAdults who have a reasonable suspicion that a child is being physically or sexually abused are obligated to report it to the authorities.

If you suspect a child is being abused, call 310‑0000 to get the telephone number of your local office or call the Child Abuse Hotline at 1‑800‑387‑KIDS (5437) to speak with a caseworker.