What is child abuse ?
Child abuse is any mistreatment or neglect of a child that results in non-accidental harm or injury and which cannot be reasonably explained . Child abuse can include: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.

What makes people abuse children ?
It is difficult to imagine that any person would intentionally inflict harm on a child. Many times, physical abuse is a result of excessive discipline or physical punishment that is inappropriate for the child's age. The parent may simply be unaware of the magnitude of force with which he or she strikes a child. Most parents want to be good parents but sometimes lose control and are unable to cope.

Factors which contribute to child abuse :
The immaturity of parents, lack of parenting skills, unrealistic expectations about children's behavior and capabilities, a parent's own negative childhood experience, social isolation, frequent family crises and drug or alcohol problems. Child abuse is a symptom that parents are having difficulty coping with their situation.

What are the effects of child abuse ?
-Low self-esteem
-Depression and anxiety
-Aggressive behavior/anger issues
-Relationship difficulties
-Alienation and withdrawal
-Personality disorders
-Clinginess, neediness Flashbacks and nightmares

Other behavioral effects include
-Problems in school and work
-Prostitution
-Teen pregnancy
-Suicide attempts
-Criminal or antisocial behavior
-Alcohol and drug abuse
-Eating disorders
-Spousal abuse