CHILD ABUSE AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

Is There a Real and Direct Connection Between Child Abuse and Juvenile Delinquency?

Is There a Real and Direct Connection Between Child Abuse and Juvenile Delinquency?

Introduction

What is juvenile delinquency? In common parlance, there is an understanding of juvenile delinquency as meaning adolescents breaking the law or participating in mischievous behavior. Defining juveniles as being under the age of 18 years is the general rule of thumb because, in the current legal system, upon reaching this age individuals can be tried as adults, serve in the military, and, in some states, consume alcohol. One may ask why juvenile delinquency is viewed as a separate construct from adult deviant behavior. The answer to this legitimate question is derived historically from societal attitudes about children (Aries, 1962). Juvenile delinquency has increased recently, and researchers are aiming to find out the main cause. This study, in this connection will attempt to investigate if there is a connection between child abuse and juvenile delinquency or not and what impact does it cause.

Discussion and Analysis

When children are abused in their childhood, it is hard for them to stay focused on school because they are worried about what is going to happen when they get back home. Children who were physically abused showed higher aggressive and delinquent behavior. Researchers also found that they were less popular and have fewer friends. Children who were neglected had more problems in receptive and expressive language than children who was physically abused. They also showed other psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, paranoia and hostility. Some children who are abused may exceed in school because it's the only way they feel loved. Also other children that are abused may do horrible in school hoping someone will care or that someone will pay them the attention they need from their parents they may not be receiving.

At the time we have to understand that just because a child acts out in class it does not mean that the child is being abused. It can mean other things or the child may just want some attention that they don't get at home. Some children who are abused are very quiet and shy away from everyone. They may be afraid that anyone may abuse them and they cannot do anything about it. They may be scared to talk or walk around with their heads down. Also they may be scared to disappoint you because they may think you will react how their parents would. The child will begin that abuse is ok when it's not and may inflict abuse on another child because it's all that they know. Child abuse can stop a child from learning what they need to in school. The child will not be able to focus on anything because of what is happening to them.

Physical abuse such as damage to a child's growing brain can have problems such as cognitive delays or emotional difficulties. The National Adoption Center found that 52% of adoptable children have attachment disorder ...