Models of Abuse
Models of Abuse
This essay will describe the models of abuse and compare them; there has been some controversy over these and this will be lightly discussed.
Psychological Model of Abuse - Also known as emotional or mental abuse
Emotional abuse can be described as constantly mistreating a child and therefore affecting their emotional state and development. Emotional abuse can be inflicted upon a child in many different ways; these can include telling a child that they are “worthless or unloved”. It may also include not allowing the child opportunities to express themselves, or teasing them about the way in which they communicate or what they say. This type of abuse can result in psychological trauma, which can include anxiety, chronic depression or post dramatic stress disorder.
If the family dynamics change, it becomes much more difficult for that family to function in a socially acceptable way, which can lead to scapegoating. Scapegoating is when one member of a family is blamed for the dysfunction of that family; this usually begins with an adult within the family. Theorists believe that the scapegoat becomes necessary for the family to survive.
Medical Model
This theory involves issues around the idea that the causes of child abuse were viewed as a disease. In 1962 Kempe and Kempe developed the phrase ‘the battered child syndrome’, which in 1976 was changed to ‘Child abuse and neglect’. Kempe and Kempe concluded that many parents, especially the main carers, who abuse their children, may have suffered from experiences of abuse or “poor attachment” in the early stages of childhood. In addition to this research, Kempe and Kempe ensured that children in abusive situations were removed from the abusive family and taken to a safer environment. The parents were also given treatment to help them bond with their children during these early stages.
Sociological Model
This theory is about the changing patterns in society. It
This essay will describe the models of abuse and compare them; there has been some controversy over these and this will be lightly discussed.
Psychological Model of Abuse - Also known as emotional or mental abuse
Emotional abuse can be described as constantly mistreating a child and therefore affecting their emotional state and development. Emotional abuse can be inflicted upon a child in many different ways; these can include telling a child that they are “worthless or unloved”. It may also include not allowing the child opportunities to express themselves, or teasing them about the way in which they communicate or what they say. This type of abuse can result in psychological trauma, which can include anxiety, chronic depression or post dramatic stress disorder.
If the family dynamics change, it becomes much more difficult for that family to function in a socially acceptable way, which can lead to scapegoating. Scapegoating is when one member of a family is blamed for the dysfunction of that family; this usually begins with an adult within the family. Theorists believe that the scapegoat becomes necessary for the family to survive.
Medical Model
This theory involves issues around the idea that the causes of child abuse were viewed as a disease. In 1962 Kempe and Kempe developed the phrase ‘the battered child syndrome’, which in 1976 was changed to ‘Child abuse and neglect’. Kempe and Kempe concluded that many parents, especially the main carers, who abuse their children, may have suffered from experiences of abuse or “poor attachment” in the early stages of childhood. In addition to this research, Kempe and Kempe ensured that children in abusive situations were removed from the abusive family and taken to a safer environment. The parents were also given treatment to help them bond with their children during these early stages.
Sociological Model
This theory is about the changing patterns in society. It
Bibliography: Class Notes Child Care, Learning and Development: BTEC National Diploma, Gill Squire, 2007 http://www.helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm http://www.nspcc.org.uk/inform/trainingandconsultancy/consultancy/helpandadvice/definitions_and_signs_of_child_abuse_pdf_wdf65412.pdf http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2003/05/17127/21832 https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/fatherhood/chapterthree.cfm