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.

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