Child Maltreatment
If you are reading this, you probably have lived experience with domestic violence and want to learn about how researchers are trying to tackle the issue. You may be worried about yourself, your child, or another child you love. Either way, you are in the right place. Below is a brief overview of academic evidence on the cycle of child abuse. On all of our pages, you can click on the graphics to get further information from our sources.
The Life Cycle of Child Abuse
Parent Mistreats Child
Mistreatment can include any physical abuse, emotional abuse, and or neglect. While definitions vary, “harsh discipline” like hitting children and other physical forms of punishment are also forms of child maltreatment.
Child’s Behaviour Worsens
Maltreatment and harsh parenting behaviour tend to make a child’s unwanted behaviour worse. It is also associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression
Child is Rejected by Peers and Teachers
These unwanted behaviours can lead to rejection by peers and disapproval from teachers. This means the child’s experiences with other people are often hostile, which can affect their mental health and outlook.
Child Falls Behind Socially
Rejection by peers can lead to social isolation, limiting the child’s ability to develop socially at an age-appropriate level. This, unfortunately, leads to further peer rejection, creating a cycle.
Child is More Likely to Engage in Family Violence
Eventually, kids who experience maltreatment grow up. As adults, these kids are more likely to engage in family violence themselves.
…and the Cycle Continues
This year, more than 300 million kids will suffer maltreatment at the hands of their parents/caregivers. The current generation of kids and teens has already been affected, but we can help them to break the cycle. Find out more here and by clicking the icon above.
Do you want to get involved?