Protecting children to stop the cycle of domestic violence

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Children’s Adversity Experts at the University of South Australia (UniSA) have devoted key funds and resources to prevent child abuse and neglect and to provide effective social and therapeutic services to people with a history of abuse. Unless otherwise, the cycle between generations of abuse was broken.

Professor Leonie Seagull said in a UniSA announcement Thursday that it is of utmost importance for authorities to recognize the link between child abuse and domestic violence in later years, including domestic violence, including family child abuse and negligence. He emphasized that it is a major public health and social issue.

“It affects more than 20% of the population and shapes every aspect of human life, from physical and mental health to education, ability to interact with people, employment and even involvement in crime.” She said.

“But what many authorities don’t understand is that child abuse is closely linked to later violence. If you don’t respond appropriately to one, it has little effect on the other.

“If more is done to help victims of child abuse while still young, we can better disrupt the course of abuse and prevent victims from being involved in a continuous cycle of violence.” She added.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) report Since 2019, approximately 2.5 million Australian adults (13%) have experienced physical or sexual abuse as a child.

Among other negative consequences, those who have experienced childhood abuse may experience twice as much violence as adults and experience partner violence compared to those who have not been abused. The chances of doing it were tripled.

Causal relationship between child abuse and domestic violence

Evidence that child abuse leads to later domestic violence is “undeniable,” Seagull said.

“For example, a child whose mother is subject to proven child abuse or neglect is 10 times more likely to be subject to proven child abuse, and there are imminent and serious safety concerns,” she said. ..

She also stated that child abuse and neglect do not distinguish between men and women, and both can be involved in domestic violence as victims or perpetrators.

“There is too much media attention, so public opinion focuses on gender-based violence, but I find that both genders are as affected as children and that mothers are likely to be the perpetrators. We know, “said Seagull.

Epoch Times Photo
In Australia, about 17% of women and 6% of men report exposure to physical or sexual violence from intimate partners. (Idanupon / Adobe Stock)

“In Australia, about 17% of women and 6% of men report that they have been exposed to physical or sexual violence from intimate partners, while 23% of women and 16 of men. % Report that they have experienced psychological abuse by an intimate partner.

“It’s important to realize that domestic violence can affect anyone, and the cycle of abuse most often begins in childhood,” she said.

Broaden the discussion

Seagull said it is essential to “spread the debate” about causality, but it must be done safely by recognizing the path to violence and the available evidence.

“This logically leads to the need to better support infants, children and adolescents who are exposed to child abuse and ignore it as a key element of their strategy to prevent domestic violence,” she said. Told.

Meanwhile, South Australia’s Minister of Child Protection Katrine Hildyard emphasized the need for a government-wide and community-wide approach focused on child safety and well-being in order to achieve real change. did.

“We must change and deepen public discourse to better understand the risks and tensions posed by child protection systems,” she said in a UniSA release.

“Among the many actions needed to address these challenges are the complexity and interrelationships of issues faced by families and impacting child safety, such as domestic violence, domestic violence, and mental illness. , Needs deeper community involvement and understanding. Health, poverty and unemployment, intergenerational trauma, drug and alcohol misuse, cyber-based crime, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “

Hildyard said the SA government’s recent investment in child protection as part of the state budget reflects the deep commitment needed to improve the system.

“We also work with key stakeholders and service providers in other parts of the government and in the community to intervene in endangered families and build their capabilities in the right kind. We make sure we provide support and resources. Features, “she said.

Segal spoke at the beginning of June at a seminar entitled “Breaking the Road to Domestic Violence.” You can access the records of this seminar. here..

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