|
The childhood years are supposed to be the best times of one's life;
playing and having fun. Yet there are many children who are deprived of this
childhood. They are tortured and verbally and physically abused.
There is no reason or excuse for child abuse. Abusers claim they do it
because of the stress of work. Child-abusing housewives way they feel
harassed by a crying child and are unable to curb their own fury, especially
if no support is received from anyone. This is not surprising since support
is extended to a victim of child abuse more readily than to the
perpetrator. Occasionally, parents may
vent their frustrations on their child
if they fight and quarrel with each other. In cases like there, it is the
children who are the victims.
In this modern age where both parents are usually holding jobs, children
are left with babysitters and nurseries. Abuse by these carers may occur
when there are too many children to be minded. The disappearance of the
extended family system is partly to be blamed for these incidents.
Crowded homes and financial problems can also lead to child abuse. When
there are too many mouths to feed, parents feel the pressure and vent their
anger on a child.
Substance abuse is another factor which increases the incidents of child
abuse. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a parent many not know what
he or she may be doing. Or, rather, knows what he or she is doing but is not
bothered at all. A drug addict many experience mood swings and is easily
provoked by a crying baby. Thus we see and read horrifying reports of a
child being savagely tortured and dumped elsewhere, like garbage.
Psychologists believe that child abusers may have been victims of abuse
themselves. Thus, in anger and hatred, they repeat the vicious cycle of
abuse. Some have no love for the children they abuse. Some have been brought
up to believe that children should be beaten in order to maintain control.
These are troubled people who need help.
A home is supposed to be a haven where a child ought to feel safe and
secure. Unfortunately, more often than not, the home is also where a child
is abused. Whatever the reasons for the abuse, something must be done to
stop the cruelty and help these parents who simply cannot
cope with parenting. Parents-to-be
should be counseled and inculcated with parenting skills. The Child
Protection Act which was passed in Parliament in 1991 does not effectively
prevent child abuse. Stricter enforcement is necessary. Thus. it requires a
commitment from each individual to help families with victims. and troubled
parents, the perpetrators. |
