NCJ Number
119613
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The findings of a research project concerning maltreated and neglected children are presented. The research was based on a questionnaire addressed by mail to priests and local authorities in a sample composed of 500 communities. It focused mainly on children who were maltreated or neglected by their own families.
Abstract
A quarter of the parishes that responded stated that there were abused children in their area. A third of those parishes confirmed the existence of seriously neglected children. The most frequent types of abuse were beatings and want of the most basic care. A significant number of cases of psychological abuse, such as constant scolding, lack of love, and interdiction of playing were mentioned. A relationship seems to exist between child abuse and the predominance of cultural patterns which accept physical punishment as a legitimate educational tool. The characteristics of families who abused or neglected their children were of low cultural and financial status. 7 notes