The impact of child abuse and neglect on the nigerian society

Project Abstract

Child abuse and neglect are significant issues that have far-reaching impacts on individuals and societies. In Nigeria, these problems are pervasive and have detrimental effects on the country's social fabric. This research project aims to explore the impact of child abuse and neglect on Nigerian society. The study will investigate the prevalence and types of child abuse and neglect in Nigeria, examining the various forms such as physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect. It will also analyze the contributing factors to child abuse and neglect in the Nigerian context, including cultural, economic, and social factors. Furthermore, the research will delve into the consequences of child abuse and neglect on the victims, families, communities, and the society at large. It will explore the short-term and long-term effects of abuse and neglect, including physical health issues, mental health problems, social maladjustment, and the perpetuation of cycles of violence. Moreover, the project will examine the response of the Nigerian government and society to child abuse and neglect. It will evaluate the existing legal frameworks, child protection policies, and support services available for victims of abuse. Additionally, it will assess the effectiveness of interventions and strategies aimed at preventing and addressing child abuse and neglect in Nigeria. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys to determine the prevalence of child abuse and neglect, qualitative interviews to explore the experiences of victims and key stakeholders, and documentary analysis of relevant policies and programs. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the impact of child abuse and neglect on Nigerian society. By gaining a deeper understanding of the prevalence, causes, and consequences of these issues, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders can develop more effective strategies to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the promotion of child rights, well-being, and protection in Nigeria.

Project Overview

<p> </p><div><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>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.</p><p>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.<br>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.</p><p><strong>1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong>1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>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:<br>i) Determine the impact of child abuse and neglect on the child.<br>ii) Determine the relationship between child abuse, child neglect and crime.<br>iii) Determine the roles of parents and government in curbing the menace.<br>iv) Determine the influence of culture in propagating child abuse and neglect.<br>v) Make appropriate recommendations to the government.</p><p><strong>1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong>1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF STUDY</strong></p><p>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.</p></div><h3></h3><br> <br><p></p>