CHILD ABUSING FAMILIES : A DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Child abuse has often been studied as an isolated phenomenon involving the abuser and the abused. Few studies have addressed the role and function of the whole family system in contributing to and perpetuating the abusive environment. Various factors have been identified to play a significant role in affecting the family system. However the interaction and effects of these factors have not been clearly outlined in the literature. This study has been an attempt to understand developmentally, the effects of these various factor upon the family and how they have contributed to the development and the maintenance of the abusive environment in the family. Based on the findings, a process model of the interactions and effects of these factors is proposed. Two developmental trends of abusive families were also identified from the 4 cases studied.