Why parents abuse their children

If you believe a child you know is being abused, seek immediate help for that child. Child abuse is any type of abuse or neglect that harms a child. Child abuse is almost always preventable.

It requires a level of recognition on the part of parents and caregivers. However, this work is worth the effort. Overcoming abuse and neglect can help families become stronger. It can also help children lower their risk for future complications. A study examined the role of a variety of adverse childhood experiences on health in adults. Experiences included:. Individuals who were abused as children are more likely to repeat the cycle of behavior with their own children. Child abuse or neglect may also lead to substance use disorders in adulthood.

If you were abused as a child, these consequences may seem dismal to you. But remember, help and support is out there. You can heal and thrive. Knowledge is also power. Understanding the side effects of child abuse can help you make healthy decisions now. They may attempt to hide some of the evidence of the abuse. Healing is possible when adults and authority figures find ways to help children, their parents, and anyone involved in child abuse.

This can stop the cycle of abuse. There is no shame in getting help. Quite the opposite. You can learn new and better ways to cope with the hard times that inevitably come your way. By learning new methods of coping, you will also be teaching your children better ways to relate when they become parents.

If you need to reach out, call your health care provider, local public health unit, spiritual leader, or a local shelter for abused women or children. They will know where to direct you. Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Why do parents abuse their children? Geriatrics Nursing. More than 90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser. Child neglect can include physical neglect failing to provide food, clothing, shelter, or other physical necessities , emotional neglect not providing love, comfort, or affection , and medical or educational neglect not providing access to needed medical care or education , or supervisory neglect failure to appropriately supervise.

Psychological or emotional abuse results from all of the above, but also can be associated with verbal abuse, which can harm a child's self-worth or emotional well-being.

Most child abuse occurs within the family. Risk factors include parental depression or other mental health issues, a parental history of childhood abuse or neglect, parental substance abuse, and domestic violence. Child neglect and other forms of maltreatment are also more common in families living in poverty and among parents who are teenagers or who abuse drugs or alcohol.

It is not always easy to recognize when a child has been abused. Children who have been maltreated are often afraid to tell anyone, because they think they will be blamed or that no one will believe them. Sometimes they remain quiet because the person who abused them is someone they love very much, or because of fear, or both. Parents also tend to overlook signs and symptoms of abuse, because it is hard to believe it could happen or they fear what might happen if people found out.

However, a child who has been abused needs special support and treatment as early as possible. The longer children continue to be abused or are left to deal with the situation on their own, the harder it is for them to be able to heal and develop optimally physically and mentally. Here are some physical signs and behavioral changes in children who may have experienced abuse or neglect:. It is important to remember that the following changes are seen in many children as a result of many different kinds of stressful situations and are not specific to child abuse and neglect.

Fearful behavior nightmares, depression , unusual fears. In most cases, children who are abused or neglected suffer greater mental health than physical health damage.

Emotional and psychological abuse, physical abuse, and neglect deny the child the tools needed to cope with stress , and to learn new skills to become resilient , strong, and successful. So a child who is maltreated or neglected may have a wide range of reactions and may even become depressed or develop suicidal , withdrawn, or violent behavior. As they get older, they may show learning difficulties, use drugs or alcohol, try to run away, refuse discipline, or abuse others.

As an adult, they may develop marital and sexual difficulties, depression, or suicidal behavior. Not all children who are abused have severe reactions.

Usually the younger the child, the longer the abuse continues. The closer the child's relationship with the abuser, the more serious the mental health effects will be. A close relationship with a very supportive adult can increase resiliency , reducing some of the impact. If you suspect your child has been abused, get help immediately through your pediatrician or a local child protective agency. Physicians are legally obligated to report all suspected cases of abuse or neglect to state authorities.

Your pediatrician also will detect and treat any medical injuries or conditions, recommend a therapist, and provide necessary information to investigators. The doctor also may testify in court if needed to secure legal protection for the child or criminal prosecution of the person suspected of perpetrating the abuse or neglect. If your child has been abused, you may be the only person who can help them.

There is no good reason to delay reporting your suspicions of abuse. Denying the problem will only make the situation worse.