Child Abuse
Sociology: AQA A Level, topic 4.4.5
Sociological Theories on Child Abuse
There are different types of child abuse, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.
Types of child abuse
- There are different types of child abuse:
- Sexual abuse: when adults abuse children sexually under the age of consent (sixteen years old).
- Physical abuse: exerting physical harm on children.
- Emotional abuse: verbal, mental or psychological harm against children.
- Neglect: children are deprived of food, water and warmth and may be exposed to dangerous situations.
Psychological explanations
- There are various psychological explanations for child abuse, such as:
- Personality characteristics.
- Mental health disorders, such as personality disorders.
- External influences, including: stress, learned behaviour or previous experience of abuse.
- Such factors are sometimes attributed as the cause of child abuse.
Studies on child abuse
- Womack’s study found that 31% of children are exposed to sibling abuse.
- Bowes et al suggests that the risk of developing depression and anxiety was doubled for child victims of sibling bullying.
Child abuse statistics
- In March 2019, the CSEW reported that 8.5 million adults had been the victims of abuse before the age of 18.
- According to the Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW), in March 2019 52,260 children were subject to a Child Protection Plan (CPP).
- As of March 31st 2019, 49,570 children were looked after by local authorities as a result of abuse or neglect (Office of National Statistics).
Test yourself on Child Abuse
Complete the information from studies on child abuse.
What type of abuse involves children being deprived of food, water and warmth?