Child Abuse - The Nature of the Problem

Child abuse is defined as any mistreatment, either physical or emotional, to a child. Abuse can happen in any type of family regardless of economic status, race or religion. There are several conditions which are generally present in abusive families:

1. The family is under stress due to illness, unemployment, marital strife, etc.
2. The parents allow a lot of little incidents to build up without taking any actions.
3. The primary caretaker is more vulnerable because of greater sensitivity to irritating situations, no matter how trivial or typical.
4. There is a lack of knowledge of child development and parenting skills.
5. There is a history of violence/substance abuse in the family.
6. Lack of support systems - social and emotional isolation.

Child abuse is divided into two major categories, abuse and neglect. Abuse is further divided into physical abuse, emotional abuse or sexual abuse, regardless of severity. Neglect is divided into physical neglect and emotional neglect.

Domestic abuse, or violence between couples, married or unmarried, who reside together, includes abuse of the elderly as well as child abuse. Children who witness one parent mistreating the other are themselves victimized by this learned pattern of behavior. Victims of domestic abuse are often isolated and do not know where to turn for help to break this vicious cycle.

Type of Abuse

• Physical Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Physical Neglect
• Emotional Neglect

Reporting suspected child abuse and neglect in Arizona

Asked About issues regarding abuse and neglect