Crime Prevention Association of NB Inc 15 THE EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN THE FACTSABOUT CHILD ABUSE Canada’s first national study of child abuse and neglect has shed much needed light on the scope and circumstances of family violence and children. Reporting suspected child maltreatment is important because almost half of the investigations are substantiated, and another 22% remain suspect. Neglect is the most common reason for investigation, followed by physical abuse, emotional maltreatment and sexual abuse. Girls and boys are equally likely to be abused, but boys are more likely to be physically abused and girls sexually abused. One important fact about child abuse: children rarely mistake it or lie about it. Most cases of physical abuse involve inappropriate punishment, but one third are more severe.The most common form of sexual abuse is fondling or touching the child’s genitals, but one in three cases involves attempted or completed sexual intercourse. Fully half of adult women in Canada and one in three men say they were sexually abused as children In 9 out of 10 cases of the substantiated maltreatment cases, the alleged perpetrators are family members or other relatives. Most physical abuse is committed by fathers and mothers, but sexual abuse is usually committed by other relatives or non-relatives. Parents who maltreat their children often come from harsh backgrounds themselves, including child abuse.They often have few supports and little idea of positive parenting.The family often functions poorly in terms of problem-solving, communication and behaviour control.Almost half of child maltreatment investigations occur in loneparent families, most headed by women, and (Family Violence in Canada:A Statistical Profile 2006) in a bit less than half of investigations (43%) there is no full-time employment in the household. Where there is spousal violence, there is also child abuse in 30% to 60% of cases. Exposure to family violence is the most common form of emotional maltreatment of children. IMPACT OF FAMILY VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN Children who live in situations of family violence can suffer immediate and permanent physical harm, even death.They can also experience short and long-term
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