| Most people associate the term 'child abuse' with a physical or sexual act of violence, or neglect. We use the term in its widest context -- which includes domination, repression and control. We recognise that many parents are not equipped with fundamental knowledge and without support, simply lack the ability to raise happy well-balanced children. In the UK child care has never been taught at school and parenting is currently not part of the National Curriculum. The long-term psychological damage any abuse has on the developing child has implications for all of us, right across the socio-economic spectrum. It is now well documented that children facing difficulties in their early years are far more likely to under achieve in education, have difficulty in forming relationships, and be more susceptible to drug abuse and crime. Becoming a parent with this sort of background and no other positive experiences to draw upon, offers a grim prognosis for a child. The cycle continues and the abused can become the abuser. |
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"30-40% of parents who suffered abuse or neglect as children go on to abuse or neglect their own children." |
