Chapter Four

Results

Introduction

This chapter presents the study findings as guided by the study objectives. However, the

chapter first presents the findings of the demographic characteristics.

Findings of Demographic Data

Table 1: Age of Respondents

Age Frequency Percentage

Below10 years 4 5.71

11-20 years 13 18.57

21-30 years 34 48.57

31-40 years. 15 21.43

41-above years 4 5.71

Total 70 100

From Table 1 above, it is indicated that the majority of the respondents were 34 within

the age bracket of (21-30) years comprising of 48.57% of the total respondents. These were
followed by 15 respondents within the age bracket of (31-40) years comprising of 21.43% of the

total respondents.

Table 2: Gender of Respondents.

Gender Frequency Percentage

Male 31 44.29

Female 39 55.71

Total 70 100

From Table 2 above, it is indicated that the majority of the respondents were 39 females

comprising of 55.71% of the total respondents. These were followed by 31 males comprising of

44.29% of total respondents.

Table 3: Marital Status of Respondents.

Single 39 55.71

Married 21 30.00

Divorce 1 1.43

Window 0 0.0

Others 9 12.86

Total 70 100

From Table 3 above, it is indicated that the majority of the respondents were single.

These were 39 comprising of 55.71% of the total respondents. These were followed by 21

married respondents comprising of 30% of the total respondents.

Table 4: Education Level of Respondents.

Education Level Frequency Percentage

Primary 19 27.14

Secondary 25 35.71

University 19 27.14

Others 7 10.00

Total 70 100
 From Table 4 above, it is indicated that the majority of the respondents were 25 of

Secondary level of education comprising of 37.71% of the total respondents. These were

followed by 19 respondents of Primary comprising of 27.4% of the total respondents.

Table 5: Forms of Child Abuse

Forms of child abuse Frequency Percentage

Physical abuse 19 27.14

Emotional abuse 21 30.00

Sexual abuse 10 14.29

Neglect 13 18.57

Others 7 10.00

Total 70 100

From table 5 above, it is indicated that the majority of the respondents experienced

emotional abuse. These were 1 respondents comprising of 30% of the total respondents.

These were followed by 19 respondents who experienced physical abuse comprising of

27.14% of the total respondents.

Table 6: Causes of Child Abuse

Economic factors 15 21.43

Psychological factors 5 7.13

Social-cultural factors 10 14.29

Dysfunctional Families 34 48.57

Environmental factors 3 4.29

Others 3 4.29

Total 70 100

From table 6 above, it is indicated that the majority of the respondents were 34

exposed to day functional families comprising of 48.57% of the total respondents. These

were followed by 14 respondents who reported economic factors comprising of 21.43% of

the total respondents.

Table7 Effects of Child Abuse

Physical health effects 7 10.00

Mental Health problems 23 32.86

Social and behavioral 6 8.57

problems

Cognitive impairment and 9 12.86

academic problems

Drug and substance use 5 7.14

Homeless/street children 3 4.29

Sexual and reproductive health 2 2.86

problems

Interpersonal difficulties and 8 11.43

intimate partner violence

Forced/early marriages 4 5.71

Low self esteem and self 2 2.86

concept

Others 1 1.43

Total 70 100

From table 7 above, it is indicated that the majority of the respondents selected mental

health problems as the commonest effect of child abuse. These were 23 comprising of
32.86% of the total respondents. These were followed by 9 respondents comprising of

12.86% who selected cognitive impairment and academic problems.

Table 8: Solutions of Child Abuse

Solutions to child abuse Frequency Percentage

Parent education programs 17 24.29

Addressing social economic 6 8.57

problems

Legislative reforms and policy 9 12.86

advocacy

Promoting child abuse 19 27.14

education and awareness

Technology facilitated 4 5.71

reporting and support

Addressing mental health 5 7.14

problems

Establishing supportive child 8 11.43

care homes

Others 2 2.86

Total 70 100

From table 8 above, it is indicated that the majority of the respondents were 19

comprising of 27.19% of the total population. These were in favor of promoting child abuse
education and awareness. These were followed by 17 respondents comprising of 24.29% 0f

the total respondents who selected parent education programs.

Chapter Five

Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations

Introduction

This chapter presents the discussion of the study findings as guided by the study

objectives. It also presents a conclusion as well as recommendations for the various

stakeholders.

Discussion

Forms of Child Abuse.

Objective one of the study sought to examine the forms of child abuse. Findings of

this study indicate that the most common form of child abuse is emotional abuse. This is in

agreement with the findings of Stirling and Amaya-Jackson (2008) who found that emotional

abuse is one of the most prevalent and damaging forms of child abuse. They argue that while

physical and sexual abuse often receives more attention due to their visible effects, emotional

abuse is frequently underreported despite being more common. Emotional abuse, which

includes verbal assaults, constant criticism, humiliation, and manipulation, is widespread

across various demographics. Their findings indicate that emotional abuse often accompanies

other forms of maltreatment, but in many cases, it stands alone as the primary type of abuse

(Stirling & Amaya-Jackson, 2008). In a large-scale study by Dong et al. (2004), the

researchers found that emotional abuse was the most frequently reported form of child

maltreatment, surpassing physical and sexual abuse. The study analyzed data from over

17,000 participants and concluded that emotional abuse had the highest prevalence, affecting
a significant portion of the population. The research also highlighted that emotional abuse

often goes unrecognized by caregivers and professionals, despite being the most common

type of abuse reported by children and adults who experienced childhood maltreatment

(Dong et al., 2004).

On the other hand, Finkelhor et al. (2013) argue that physical abuse remains the most

commonly reported form of child abuse, surpassing emotional abuse in frequency. Their

national survey of children in the United States found that physical abuse was the most

frequently experienced type of maltreatment among children, with visible signs making it

easier to identify and report compared to emotional abuse. The study suggested that while

emotional abuse is indeed serious, physical abuse is more often recognized by authorities and

is more likely to prompt legal and social intervention (Finkelhor et al., 2013). Stoltenborgh et

al. (2011) conducted a meta-analysis on the prevalence of child maltreatment and found that

neglect, rather than emotional or physical abuse, was the most common form of child abuse

globally. Their study reviewed numerous data sources from various countries and concluded

that while emotional and physical abuse are critical issues, child neglect was reported more

frequently than any other form of maltreatment. The findings suggested that neglect, which

includes the failure to meet a child's basic needs, is the most widespread form of child abuse,

particularly in low-income settings (Stoltenborgh et al., 2011).

Causes of Child Abuse

Objective two of the study objectives sought to examine the causes of child abuse.

Findings of this study indicate dysfunctional families as the most cause of child abuse

according to the respondents. This is in agreement with study findings from Sidebotham and

Heron (2006) conducted a longitudinal study on child abuse and maltreatment, revealing that

family dynamics, particularly dysfunctional parent-child relationships, are the most

birth, identified factors such as poor parental mental health, domestic violence, substance

abuse, and a lack of emotional warmth as the leading contributors to child maltreatment. The

authors argue that family dysfunction is the primary environment in which abuse flourishes,

making family dynamics the most common cause of child abuse (Sidebotham & Heron,

2006). Cicchetti and Toth (2005) examined the role of family dynamics in child abuse,

concluding that dysfunctional family relationships are the most common cause of child

maltreatment. Their research highlights that families with high levels of stress, unresolved

conflicts, and negative parenting practices are significantly more likely to engage in abusive

behaviors. The study found that the breakdown in family dynamics, including parental

psychological issues and lack of supportive relationships, is the most frequent precursor to

various forms of child abuse (Cicchetti & Toth, 2005).

However, according to Drake and Pandey (1996) argue that socioeconomic factors,

particularly poverty, are the most significant predictors of child abuse, rather than family

dynamics. Their study of child maltreatment cases found that low-income families are

disproportionately represented in child abuse reports. According to their research, economic

hardship increases stress on parents, leading to neglect and abusive behavior, with poverty

being the strongest contributing factor to child maltreatment. They suggest that interventions

targeting economic disparities are essential to reducing child abuse rates (Drake & Pandey,

1996). Turner et al. (2010) emphasize environmental factors like stressors and community

violence as major causes of child abuse, suggesting these factors are more common than

family dynamics. Their study shows that children exposed to high levels of violence in their

communities are more likely to experience physical abuse. Turner et al. argue that

community disorganization, crime, and exposure to violence create a hostile environment

where child abuse becomes more likely, even in otherwise functional families. They place
less emphasis on internal family dynamics and more on the external environmental factors as

the root cause of child maltreatment (Turner et al., 2010).

Effects of Child Abuse

Objective three of the study sought to examine the effects of child abuse. According

to the study findings, mental health problems are the most common effects of child abuse.

This is in agreement with Norman et al. (2012) . They conducted a meta-analysis to assess the

impact of child maltreatment on mental health and found that mental health disorders are the

most common consequences of child abuse. Their study identified a strong correlation

between abuse in childhood and the later development of mental health conditions such as

depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. The authors argue that child abuse

significantly increases the risk of mental health problems, and the severity and duration of

abuse can further exacerbate these issues (Norman et al., 2012). Gilbert et al. (2009)

concluded that mental health problems are among the most common effects. Their review

highlights the strong association between child maltreatment (including physical, emotional,

and sexual abuse) and the development of conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-

traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal behavior. The study emphasizes that the

psychological impact of child abuse often persists into adulthood, making mental health

issues the most prevalent long-term consequence of such abuse (Gilbert et al., 2009).

However, Currie and Tekin (2012) argued that the most common effect of child abuse

is poor educational and economic outcomes rather than mental health problems. Their

research shows that children who experience abuse are more likely to drop out of school,

have lower academic achievement, and face reduced earnings in adulthood. According to

their findings, the economic and social consequences of child abuse, including

unemployment and poverty, are the most pervasive and impactful, outweighing mental health
issues in terms of long-term consequences (Currie & Tekin, 2012). According to Chan and

Brown (2004) behavioral problems are the predominant effects of child abuse. Their study

highlights that child abuse frequently leads to immediate behavioral issues such as

aggression, delinquency, and antisocial behavior in children. These behavioral problems are

often observed more frequently than mental health conditions like depression or anxiety,

especially in younger children. The authors argue that the disruptive behaviors exhibited by

abused children are a primary consequence and often manifest more prominently than

internalizing mental health issues (Chan & Brown, 2004).

Solutions of Child Abuse.

Objective four of the study sought to assess the solutions to child abuse. According to

this study findings, providing child abuse education and awareness is the most solution to

child abuse. This is in agreement with Leeb et al. (2011) argue that education and awareness

are pivotal in preventing child abuse. Their study evaluates the effectiveness of various

prevention programs and finds that educational initiatives targeted at parents, professionals,

and the communities significantly improve awareness and reporting of abuse. The authors

highlight that such programs are critical for enhancing knowledge about abuse, which in turn

leads to more effective prevention and intervention strategies. McMahon et al. (2009)

emphasize the importance of public education campaigns in their conclusions about child

abuse prevention. Their research indicates that raising awareness through educational efforts

leads to a significant reduction in child abuse cases. The study underscores that community-

based educational programs and awareness campaigns are essential for equipping individuals

with the knowledge to recognize and respond to abuse, thereby contributing substantially to

prevention efforts.
 However, Coohey (2003) argue enhancing child protective services and legal system

reforms are crucial for effectively addressing child abuse. The study emphasizes that

systemic improvements in child protection agencies, including better case management, more

thorough investigations, and stronger legal frameworks, play a vital role in preventing and

responding to child abuse. The research concludes that while education and awareness are

important, systemic reforms in child welfare and legal systems are necessary for significant

progress. Dubowitz et al. (2010) argue that strengthening child protection systems and

improving community-based services are crucial for effective child abuse prevention. Their

study emphasizes that systemic support, such as enhanced child welfare services and

community resources, plays a significant role in preventing abuse. They highlight the need

for better integration of services that address risk factors and provide comprehensive support

to families.

Conclusion

This study concludes that, the most form of child abuse is emotional abuse, the most

cause of child abuse is dysfunctional families, the most prevalent effects of child abuse are

mental health problems and the most appropriate solution of child abuse is providing child

education and awareness according to respondents.

Recommendations

Child Abuse Victims should seek lifelong psychological support such as counseling

and guidance to effectively address mental health problems and other related effects of child

abuse in the short and long run. They should speak out about their experiences, breaking the

silence around abuse, and helping others understand the importance of seeking help.

Parents should participate in parenting education programs that teach non-violent

communication, positive discipline, and child development to prevent emotional and physical
abuse. Parents should also create a safe and open environment at home where children feel

comfortable discussing any issues, including any potential abuse they face.

Government should enforce strict laws and policies that criminalize all forms of child

abuse, including emotional abuse, and ensure that there are clear reporting mechanisms.

Should increase funding for child protection services, including mental health services for

children and families, and create public campaigns that raise awareness about child abuse.

Local Leaders should lead community awareness programs that educate families

about the signs of child abuse and encourage a culture of reporting suspected abuse. Local

leaders should collaborate with local organizations, institutions, schools, and healthcare

centers to offer support services for victims and provide families with the resources needed to

prevent abuse. They should also advocate for child protection programs at the local level and

work to reduce the stigma around seeking help for emotional abuse.

Researchers should continually update the body of knowledge on child abuse,

identifying emerging trends and providing evidence-based recommendations for intervention.

Researchers should also identify effective interventions for both victims and perpetrators of

child abuse and collaborate with policymakers to implement these strategies.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) should develop and implement

educational programs that raise awareness of child abuse and offer training on prevention,

detection, and reporting for families and communities. They should provide support services

such as counseling, legal aid, and shelters for children and families affected by abuse,

ensuring they have access to the help they need. NGOs should also advocate for policy

reforms that strengthen child protection systems and increase funding for services that

support abuse victims.