Myths and Facts About Child Abuse and Neglect

Myths and facts about child abuse and neglect

MYTH #1: It's only abuse if it's violent.

Fact: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse.  There is also sexual and mental abuse.  Neglect and emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical if not worse, since they are more subtle, others are less likely to intervene.

MYTH #2: Only bad people abuse their children.

Fact: While it's easy to say that only "bad people" abuse their children, it's not always so black and white. Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children. Many have been victims of abuse themselves, and don’t know any other way to parent. Others may be struggling with their every day life and stressors can nearly send almost anyone over the edge, but when there's mental health issues or a substance abuse problem, these can lead to serious damage.

MYTH #3: Child abuse doesn't happen in “good” families.

Fact: Child abuse doesn't only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. It crosses all racial, economic, and cultural lines.
No one is immune and not everything is as it seems and many are hiding a very different story behind closed doors.  

****As a responsible human being, keep a watchful eye and the life of a child should not be thwarted by cowardice.

MYTH #4: Most child abusers are strangers.

Fact: While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or others close to the family.

MYTH #5: Abused children always grow up to be abusers.

Fact: It is true that a good percentage of abusers were in fact abused themselves, and a good percentage of them unconsciously do repeat what they experienced as children. On the other hand, many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through, and can become overly protective.  Although these people excel as parents, this can also lead to other problems.