ABSTRACT

This study examined Child Abuse: Causes, Effects, and Remedies in Andoni Local Government of Rivers State. Four research questions were answered with five questions complementing each research question. The sample size was three hundred (300). A validated structured questionnaire was administered to the randomly selected respondents by a simple random sampling technique. Three hundred validated questionnaires were analyzed. Frequencies and simple percentages were used in analyzing the data. The result revealed that emotional problems, economic crisis, depression, and mental health problems are some of the general causes of child abuse. The findings also show that minor injuries, severe brain damage, and death of the child; serious health problems that can adversely affect a child’s development and result in irremediable lasting effects are some of the effects of child abuse. In addition, it was found that educating parents about warning signals that indicate that the child is having difficulties managing anxiety, powerlessness, or anger can help; helping the child’s parents/caregivers address issues of role reversal, boundaries, and setting limits that will not affect the child; removal of the abused child or the offender from the home can remedy child abuse in Andoni LGA. It is recommended that parents and caregivers should put the future of their children at heart and endeavor to create such a relationship that will encourage their children to focus on opportunities and to give positive feedback about their behavior.

TABLE OF CONTENTS   ii

ABSTRACT   v

CHAPTER ONE   1

INTRODUCTION   1

1.1      Background of the Study  1

1.2      Statement of the Problem   2

1.3      Objective of the Study  3

1.4      Research Question  4

1.5      Significance of the Study  4

1.6      Delimitation of the Study  4

1.7      Limitations of the Study  5

1.8      Definition of Terms  5

ENDNOTES   7

CHAPTER TWO   8

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE   8

2.1      Introduction  8

2.2      The Concept of Child Abuse  8

2.3      Causes of Child Abuse  10

2.4      Signs & Symptoms of Child Abuse  12

2.5      Effects of Child Abuse  13

2.6      Remedies and Treatment of Child Abuse  15

2.7      Summary  18

ENDNOTES   19

CHAPTER THREE   22

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY   22

3.1      Research Design  22

3.2      Area of Study  22

3.3     The Population of the Study  22

3.4     Sampling and Sampling Techniques  22

3.5     Instrument for Data Collection  22

3.6     Administration of Instruments  23

3.7 Method of Data Analysis  23

CHAPTER FOUR   24

DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF RESULTS   24

4.1      Introduction  24

4.2      Research Question one  24

4.3      Research Question Two  27

4.4      Research Question Three  29

4.5      Research Question Four 31

CHAPTER FIVE   34

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS   34

5.1      Discussion of Findings  34

5.2      Conclusion  35

5.3     Recommendations  36

5.4      Suggestions for further study  37

BIBLIOGRAPHY   38

APPENDIX   42