CHILD PROTECTION THEORIES OF ABUSE Tassoni et al (2005) pp76-77

THEORIES OF ABUSE As we have previously discussed, there are factors that make child abuse and neglect more likely to occur, such as mental health issues of a carer, any stressors on the family. However, there is no one idea of why abuse happens. There are several different ideas, we call these ‘models of abuse’ and they each give different reasons why some abuse may happen. Tassoni et al (2005) pp76-77

THEORIES OF ABUSE Tassoni et al (2005) pp76-77

MEDICAL MODEL This theory suggests that child abuse should be seen as an illness. Kempe and Kempe (1962)applied Bowlby’s theory of attachment to abuse and neglect. They suggested that mothers who hurt their children had themselves been abused as children. They suggested that children should be removed and parents ‘treated’ to help with bonding. Tassoni et al (2005) pp76-77

SOCIOLOGICAL MODEL This theory suggests that changing patterns in our society, such as unemployment, poverty etc are responsible for child abuse. Research has shown that there are links to social deprivation and abuse. Also, research has shown thatthere are links to abusers having been abused themselves – i.e. this has been part of the abusers socialisation. However – not all children who have been abused come from socially deprived backgrounds, or their parents have not been abused. Parents who have suffered from abuse themselves may need help to get the best from their relationship with their child. Tassoni et al (2005) pp76-77

PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL This model suggest that a dysfunctional family causes abuse. It suggsts that when the dynamics within family relationships become distorted, the family no longer functions as a unit. Dysfunction will start with an adult in the family, the family unit begins not to work and the adult then scapegoats /blames someone else – sometimes the child. Tassoni et al (2005) pp76-77

FEMINIST MODEL This model suggests that abuse can occur as a result of men and women not having the same ‘place’ in society. It suggests that men have more power, therefore there is an imbalance in the share of power. It refers particularly to sexual abuse. Tassoni et al (2005) pp76-77

CONTEXTUAL MODEL This model suggests that abuse can happen in any family, in any class of society. Exceptional context – when there are stressses in the family causing parents not to cope. Rigid context – very strict and controlling parents, children may be fearful of parent, parents intolerant and focus on negative Deviant context – parents abuse their power. May be mentally unwell e.g. Munchausen by proxy Chaotic context – discipline within family is inconsistent, lack of boundaries, care erratic, siblings may care for younger children. Tassoni et al (2005) pp76-77

MODELS OF ABUSE THERE IS RESEARCH TO SUPPORT EACH THEORY. BUT: NO ONE MODEL IS CONCLUSIVE, EACH ONE IS ONLY A THEORY. Tassoni et al (2005) pp76-77