Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Child abuse and neglect are critical issues that have significant consequences on children's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of child abuse and neglect in various settings. The research will focus on exploring the different forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect, and their effects on children's development. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data on the prevalence and factors contributing to child abuse and neglect. The quantitative surveys will be distributed to a diverse sample of parents, caregivers, and professionals working with children to assess the frequency of abuse cases and identify common risk factors associated with maltreatment. Additionally, qualitative interviews will be conducted with individuals who have experienced or witnessed child abuse to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying causes and consequences of such incidents. By combining both quantitative and qualitative data, this study aims to provide a holistic view of the complexities surrounding child abuse and neglect. Furthermore, the research will examine the impacts of child abuse and neglect on children's mental health, behavior, and overall well-being. It will explore the long-term effects of abuse and neglect on victims' development, relationships, and future life outcomes. By understanding the lasting consequences of maltreatment, this study seeks to raise awareness about the importance of early intervention and support for at-risk children. Moreover, the study will investigate the role of social services, child protection agencies, and healthcare providers in preventing and addressing child abuse and neglect. It will assess the effectiveness of current intervention strategies and identify gaps in the existing system that may hinder the protection of vulnerable children. In conclusion, this research aims to contribute valuable insights into the prevalence, risk factors, impacts, and interventions related to child abuse and neglect. By shedding light on this critical issue, the study seeks to inform policy makers, healthcare professionals, educators, and the general public about the importance of safeguarding children and promoting their well-being.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The concepts of child abuse and child neglect are forms of maltreatment on the child that impedes child survival, development and participation. Children are seen as assets to parents and government because they are human resources that any society can boast of, therefore, parents and government invest in them in order to obtain better tomorrow. This can be achieved however, if their early child socialization is devoid of harmful cultural practices that crippled their chances of survival, development and participation.

Ejikeme (1987) defines child abuse as a problem arising from the intention of an adult to carry out an act that is inimical or detrimental to the physical, intellectual, language, emotional, moral and social development of a child; while child neglect which involves some degree of deprivation refers to an intentional failure of an adult to perform physical, cognitive, moral and social development of a child.

However, it is imperative to note in this premise that what constitute child maltreatment in one society may not be considered same in another society, this is because of cultural differences an belief, practices. From the above, it will be important to trace the fact that there might be different factors that caused child abuse and neglect since the application of cultural ideology is not universal; that is, it changes across societies.

However, different forms of child maltreatment exist like: child trafficking, street begging, street hawking, child discrimination or child preference, early marriage, prostitution, child labour, use of virgin girl-child for ritual/sacrifice etc. despite tangible evidences or empirical indicators of child abuse and neglect, it is difficult to measure.

This is so because it is recognized as a major social problem that occurs in all levels of social class, race, religion and ethnic groups. It is important to note that the practice of child abuse and neglect is supported by government indirectly when the individual is seen as a product of the society.

Poor socio-economic status of parents trace its roots through unemployment and destitution as government does not address social inequality, unemployment and poverty amongst its citizens, instead people in position work towards actualizing their selfish ends and those who cannot meet the society values through the legitimate means result to deviance and crime as postulated by Robert K. Merton, Alemika and Best (1988) argues that our past successive state Governors/Administrators both military and Politicians, business individuals, foreigners etc who loot billions of Naira from the country’s treasury and precipitate years of economic crisis, political instability etc are hardly arrested, prosecuted nor jailed, instead they are rewarded with Chieftaincy tittles, honorary degrees, ministerial appointments, contracts and the like.

1.2       STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Forms of child maltreatment like; child abandonment, child abduction, child trafficking, street begging, street hawking, child labour, prostitution, early marriage and the like, deteriote and cause a total decay of the society. This foster insecurity and anarchy as a result of inadequate means of meeting legitimate goals or values of the society. This jeopardizes not only the immediate children but further endangers our future continuum and a tactical genocidal wipe of humanity since child maltreatment maimed the survival, development and participation of the child.

1.3       OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The research at glance intent to critically analyzes, appraises and examines the impact of negative attributes of child abuse and neglect on the individual, families and the society. The specific objectives are:

i)           Determine the impact of child abuse and neglect on the child.

ii)           Determine the relationship between child abuse, child neglect and crime.

iii)         Determine the roles of parents and government in curbing the menace.

iv)         Determine the influence of culture in propagating child abuse and neglect.

v)           Make appropriate recommendations to the government.

1.4       SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

Child abuse and child neglect are social problems that affects a significant number of people about which something need to be done. This menace deters technological advancement and waste a lot of wisdom and talents. This study however, would help reduce the number of people affected through adequate mobilization and campaign against this catastrophe. This study would also help in legislating against the catastrophe. This study would provide a data bank that serve as literature for further use by scholars.

1.5       SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF STUDY

This study was restricted to Gyel district of Jos south local government area; this is to provide the researcher access to sample a particular target population to ensure meaningful work.

Keywords: A STUDY ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT