Biology Forums - Study Force

Distinguish between child abuse and neglect. Discuss who often is the perpetrator of abuse and the three main causes of abuse and neglect.
 
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Neglect refers to deprivations children suffer at the hands of their parents (lack of food, shelter, health care, love). Child abuse is a more overt form of aggression against the child, one that often requires medical attention.

Four-fifths of victims were maltreated by a parent either acting alone or with someone else. Nearly two-fifths of victims are maltreated by their mother acting alone; one-fifth of victims are maltreated their father acting alone and one-fifth of victims were maltreated by both parents; about thirteen percent of victims were maltreated by a perpetrator who was not a parent of the child

Of all factors associated with child abuse, three are discussed most often: (1) parents who themselves suffered abuse tend to abuse their own children; (2) the presence of an unrelated adult increases the risk of abuse; and (3) isolated and alienated families tend to become abusive.