Mothers and fathers are the most prevalent perpetrators; They represent approximately 70% of all cases. .
Familial* perpetrators constitute 93.5% of the total cases of abuse and neglect in Oregon. .
* Familial includes stepfathers, live-in companions and ex live-in companions.
Risk Factors.
Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk factors are greater in families where there is: .
Abuse of alcohol or drugs: In Oregon, 40% of the substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect involve drugs or alcohol. Mothers who abuse alcohol or drugs are preoccupied with their addictions, are either drunk or hung-over when their children are present and often become violent when the children place demands or become irritable. These homes are often chaotic, with little or no food in the home and lack daily routines. Furthermore, the mother frequently leaves the children unattended for extended periods of time with frequent compromises of health and safety. Neglect is the major reason that children are removed from the home in which parents have alcohol or other drug problems. .
Domestic Violence: A 1998 study cited by Womenspace indicates that 70% of men who abuse their partners also abuse their children. Other national studies cite the overlap between domestic violence and child physical or sexual abuse ranges from 30-50 percent. Parental conflict spills over and affects the children when the elements of anger, stress and violence explode in either short-term or long-term rage that produces both physical and psychological damage to the child. Children living in this environment come to believe that this behavior is acceptable. .
Isolation from families or communities: Isolated families lack the social support network needed to handle the daily stresses of raising children. .
Maladaptive parenting practices: Parents and caregivers who lack knowledge about early child development do not understand the importance of nurturing and stimulating interaction with the child during the first few years.
