Is there a direct link between poverty and child abuse?

Answer 1

Strong correlation. But not cause and effect.

So the conclusion is that they vary proportionately but one do not necessary cause the other.

Answer 2

It seems that way doesn't it? Blame the media. As a former foster parent, I've seen all socioeconomic groups burn, hit, drown, abandon, and torture their children in ways a novelist could not dream up. But lets face it. If the parents are in the top 3 quintiles of society, their name and the facts are NEVER in the news. There are rare exceptions such as Andrea Yates. But I stress the word 'rare'.

But if a crack-addicted prostitute, or a homeless, alcoholic man abuses his/her children, every news outlet from coast to coast will be carrying the story. It seems that poverty is linked to child abuse because those are the only stories that make it to your eyes and ears.

And yes, poverty is a stressor and severe stress sometimes leads to child abuse, But so is working too many hours, constant flying around the country, high turnover in nannies, adultery, divorce and step families. I could go on and on.

Remember each time you see a story about a poverty-ridden adult abusing a child, there are probably 10 more that you don't hear about. I know. I've been on the receiving end with children of rich people.

Answer 3

More likely if the poverty is caused by drug addiction in my opinion. But overall child abuse happens just as much in middle class, upper class as well. Child abuse can also be verbal as well as physical.

Answer 4

There is a direct link between stress and child abuse. Lack of money can cause a lot of stress.

Answer 5

While child abuse shows up in all socioeconomic groups, there is a "strong relationship" when it comes to child abuse and poverty.

Answer 6

Possibly, and lack of education with a lot of frustration. And in such a rich country, kind of sad.

Answer 7

no.