CAUSES OF CHILD ABUSE

 isolation and lack of support — no family members, friends, partners or community support to
help with the demands of parenting

 stress — financial pressures, job worries, medical problems or caring for a family member with a
disability

 unrealistic expectations — a lack of understanding about a child’s developmental stages and

behavior

 intellectual disability or mental illness — parents may be unable to adequately care for their
child

 lack of parenting skills — parents may not know how to care for their child or may believe it is
acceptable to use excessive physical force to discipline or punish a child

LONG VERSION

1. Domestic Violence

Children who are part of households where there is frequent domestic violence are prone to
becoming victims of abuse themselves. Men who abuse their female partners are responsible for
abusing the children in their homes too.

2. Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Parents who have a history of alcohol and drug abuse can be responsible for child abuse.
Dependence of substance abuse is one of the major causes of child abuse and maltreatment which
includes physical abuse and intentional neglect. Alcohol or drug-abusing parent is more likely to initiate
child abuse with kids of five years or below.

3. Untreated Mental Illness

A parent’s untreated mental illness is a common cause of child abuse. Manic depression or any
other illness of the mind can become a prime cause for the parents to be unavailable for the child. A
mother may remain withdrawn from her kids or in extreme cases suspect that the child plotting against
her. A parent’s suffering is often the cause of subjecting a child to abuse.

4. Lack of Parenting Skills

Most parents are naturally gifted while caring for their children, but few may not be able to
manage their physical and emotional needs adequately. Many parents would often equate disciplining
children with abusing them and will need counselling to understand the role of a parent in a better
manner.