PHYSICAL CHILD ABUSE

Our children come into this world innocent and as parents we should preserve that innocence.  They need and deserve love, protection, encouragement and care.  However, child abuse is widespread and as parents we need to be aware of the problem.

 Many cases of physical child abuse are perpetrated by the parents onto their children themselves.  As a mother I know there is no greater love you can have than your love for your child so it is very difficult to comprehend why a parent would deliberately harm their own children.  Whilst discipline is vitally important in raising a respectful, stable and healthy child, there is a vast difference between having a genuine desire to help and teach your child through discipline than there is through lashing out at them and accentuating your power over them when you are angry.  Discipline should not involve injuring, violating or humiliating a child.  Unfortunately, physical child abuse happens and it happens daily all around the world regardless of culture, country or race.

Causes of physical child abuse

There is no justifiable cause to hurt a child.  However, the following are often situations in which physical abuse occurs:

When during a fight between parents violence shifts directly onto the child

Accidentally during a parental fight e.g. mother drops her baby

When a victim of family violence takes their anger out on their child instead of the abuser

When a distressed parent blames their marital problems on their child

When the abusive spouse assaults the child too

Consequences of physical child abuse

Physical pain

Mental anguish

Humiliation

Trauma

Psychological problems

Academic difficulties

Self-esteem problems

Difficulty forming friendships with peers

Behavioral problems

Profound sadness

Aggressiveness

Trust issues

Substance abuse

Communication problems

Long term disabilities e.g. brain damage

Death (in extreme cases)

The more often the physical abuse occurs the greater the effect on the child and the child is damaged not only physically but emotionally too.

If you suspect a child is being abused in any way or form, please contact your local law enforcement or child welfare.  Do not simply look away.

Lastly, I believe it is a myth that abused children grown up to become abusive parents.   Although an abusive parent could have been abused as a child this is most certainly not always the case.