Child Abuse and the Criminal Justice System (Studies in by Kimberley A. McCabe

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Over time, the physical abuse at the hands of siblings, as well as with adult abusers, may increase in frequency and severity. The long-term effects may be permanent physical injury or emotional injury and even death. The victimization usually continues until the parents intervene or the victim discovers a way to end it. Some victims finally confront their abusive siblings, and some victims end their abuse by simply moving away from their abusers. one line short McCabe: Child Abuse 24 page 24 CHILD ABUSE AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Abuse Theories There are a variety of theoretical explanations for the physical abuse of children that include both internal and external factors.

Many children are terrorized. A caretaker who uses verbal threats either directly aimed at the child or at other members of the family (as in the case of spousal abuse) maintains a climate of fear and produces a frightened child. In turn, this terrorizing creates a stifling and hostile environment for the child. Just as the intimidation of an adult is a crime, the intimidation of a child, even at the hands of his/her caretaker, is considered a crime (McCabe & Gregory, 1997). Often, in these cases, the child views the world as hostile and rejects any initiatives from others outside of the home.

McCabe: Child Abuse PHYSICAL ABUSE page 23 23 bite, and shove each other. In these cases of abuse, the abusing sibling is usually much larger and stronger than the victim. Thus, the child cannot defend himself/herself from the abusive older brother or sister. Sibling jealousy is often the motivating factor behind this type of abuse; however, as we know, not all jealous siblings abuse each other. The unusual form of physical abuse includes such actions as tickling and/or restraining the victim. Although not thought to cause permanent damage to the child, victims of tickling may report later in life that they still feel controlled by others and dislike any sort of touching by other human beings (Wiehe, 1997).