Dimensions of child abuse: Implications for the family in the face of systemic collapse

Abstract

This paper attempts an understanding of the dimensions underlying the endemic problem of child abuse and the implications of its continued perpetuations, particularly in Nigeria. This review tested the various forms of abuse against the postulations of the different theories of abuse and declaration of the Child’s Right Bill and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), with the intent to uncover the underlying characteristics of Child abuse. On this basis, child abuse was identified as the sequence of physical, sexual and complex, chronic experiences of maltreatment. The author identified the dimensions of Child abuse to include: physical injury; sexual maltreatment; emotional maltreatment; deprivation of necessities and child trafficking. The analysis of child abuse reveals the emotional intensity of parent - child interaction and the psychological, social and economic well being of both parent and the child. The paper concludes that modern society would have failed if the child’s socialization were not given the serious attention that it deserves by creating an enabling family environment/background. The paper recommends comprehensive measures/strategies to solve this endemic problem that would guarantee the development of a sound mental health of the child to function successfully within the family system and the society at large.