1. Theoretic models of child abuse

2. Feminist model
The feminist model looks at the aspect of male dominance over women. The theory looks at the role of a women and how they are they main carers of children, which make it very stereotypical.
The theory looks at how women and children are offended against and ignores the offences perpetrated by women.
Many people find it unbelievable that women with their maternal nature could abuse children.
The theory believes that men are naturally more violent and capable of abuse.

3. Social learning Theory
The social learning theory or sociological model links abuse to the social environment.
This includes poverty, unemployment, mental disorders, substance abuse, parenting skills.
Children who witness violence are more likely to be violent themselves. A child who has been abused believes to is normal.
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4. Medical model
The medical model of abuse was discovered by Kemp and Kemp in their theory “Battered Child Syndrome. The two psychologists believe that abusers suffer from a medical condition which needs a cure. They also believe abuse is an underlying psychological condition.
In some cases it is believed that there a potential for an ongoing cycle of abuse, from the abuse parents unable to parent properly which leads to the children becoming abusers.

5. Psychological model
The psychological model links abuse to the abusers pervious life experience. It includes the abusers own upbringing, role models the abuser had.
It looks at the effects of the attachment process of the abusers parents and children.
This model recognises that the abusers ability to care for children appropriately through lack of understanding.