Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate on child abuse and the Socio-emotional effects on the development of children. the instrument used for data collection was questionnaires in which sixty questionnaires were administered to the secondary schools Presbyterian High School (PHS) Batibo, Government High School (GHS) Bessi, Government Technical College (GTC),Batibo. The 60 survey questionnaires were entered in a simple frequency distribution table. From the findings, it was discovered that rape, indecent dressing and constant beating of a child affects the development of the children in Batibo. And therefore mission schools, parents and government should endeavor to put some restriction against rape, constant beating of children and indecent dressing in order to improve on the development of children.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Recently, there has been serious concern about the child with the realization that children play important part in the family and the society. It is generally agreed that children are the future generation, the leaders of tomorrow and the potential flag bearers of any nation.to carry out these duties, and the child therefore has certain rights that must be protected and not be trampled upon or denied. In child Abuse and its implications on Child development has gained recognition in the United Nations, European Union, Africa UNION, United Nation children Fund (UNICEF) and African Network for the Prevention and Protection Against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) have joined efforts in advocating for protection of the right and well- being of children. Among other provisions, UNICEF and the National Policy on children grant children the following rights: Protection against indecent and in human treatment like abuse and neglect; provision of a conducive environment to promote early stimulation to learning for the child Entitlement of every child (male/ female) to receive compulsory basic education and equal opportunity for higher education; promotion and encouragement of child- friendly principles in all relevant institutions. The above provisions recognize the importance for the optimum development of a child thus advocating for provision of conductive living environment. A conductive environment is therefore recognized as one avenue through which the child can develop properly.

Background of study

Child abuse is not a new phenomenon it is a worldwide problem. Research has shown that 20-25% of women and 5-15% of men are sexually abused as children. An estimated 906,000 children are victims of abuse and neglect every year. The rate of victimization is 12.3 children per 1,000 children as found by the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse Organisation.

They also have found that 1,500 children die each year from child abuse, 79% of these children are less than four years old. This distressing and in humane behaviour towards children seems to be on the rise, slowly, killing the innocents. U.S child preventive services agencies investigated 3.2 million reports alleging the maltreatment of 5.8 million children in 2007 (U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). In that same year, approximately 794,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect in the Unites States (U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 2009). The perpetrators of child maltreatment are predominantly parents (79.9%).

The International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect recently compared definitions for abuse from 58 countries and found some commonality in what was considered abusive. The WHO Consultation on Child Abuse Prevention drafted the following definitions “Child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical and / or emotional ill- treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child‟s  health,  survival,  development  or  dignity  in  the  context  of  our relationship of responsibility, trust or power.” Some definitions focus on the behaviours or actions of adults while others consider abuse to take place if there is harm or the threat of harm to the child. The distinction between behavior regardless of the outcome and impact or harm is a potentially confusing one if parental intent forms part of the definition. Some experts consider as abused those children who have been in advertently harmed through the action o f a parent , while others require that harm to the child be intended for the act to be defined as abusive .some of the literature on child be intended explicitly includes violence against children in institutional or school settings.

The consequences of abused incidences is not limited to the child alone o r their family circle only, somewhat, the impact may also be felt by the community. Many re searches and studies conducted in the west have proved that abused, including physical abused, can conducted in the west have proved that abused sad including physical abused, can leave a  negative impact on children growth and development.

Young victims of physical abused routinely experience emotional disturbance such as feeling of isolation, shame, fear, depression, anxiety and even suicide ideation (Osgood and chamber, 2000; wolfe,scot, Wekerle and pittman,2001;widpm 2000). What need to be realizes is that abuse does not only leave the physical scars, but what is more important is the long term consequences on  children‟s  behavior and  emotions.

According to McClowskey and Lichter (2003), long term developmental problems, such as low self-esteem, depression , physical aggression and school failure are also  common  among  maltreated children. In general a loving and conducive environment will benefit children‟s   benefit   development,   which   leads   to   better   and   healthier development, compared to those children living in a violent, unhappy and abusive environment. In their studies, Bolger, Thomas and Ekenrode (1997) and Schickedanz, forsyth and forsyth (1998),found that children growing  up with family environment often possess positive and stable personality qualities compared to children suffering from abused, neglect, and did not receive proper care or love.

Even though earlier studies showed that physical abuse leave a mark on children‟s wellbeing and development, which influences their personality development, but to what extend does it influence children in the Cameroon, particularly, Batibo, with varieties and various background, culture and upbringing? Therefore, the lack of solid local studies and evidences, forces t researcher to investigate further into this area that is to explore the socio- emotional effect of child abuse on the development of the child. Focused or emphasized were given on the aspect of development (personality) because it is important indicator in the future development and wellbeing of every individuals. Positive personality development must starts early that are from a younger age, if we want to ensure a successful future generation that posses all positive and vision.

Statement of problem

Child abuse is a problem tormenting children today. Alekseless (2007) stated that, Children make up the segment of society that is the most defenseless, vulnerable, and completely dependent on adults. It is the fault of adult when children end up in areas of natural disasters and catastrophes or zones of military combat operation and become the hostages and victims of physical, sexual, and emotional violence.

The issue of child abuse has been given serious attention in many parts of the world and Cameroon is not left out. A look at the society shows that child abuse occurs not only at home but has found its way into the school system. Child abuse can effect a child development so much that it will carry o until they are adult if it goes untreated.

Consequently include the behavior issues, relationships, emotional and physical problems. The behavioral problems associated to a child who is being abused includes: Frightened of parents, afraid to go home, stealing food, extended stays a school (early arrival and late departure), constantly falling asleep in class, complaint, passive, and aggressive behavior. A child who is being abuse is likely to suffer socio emotional challenge in which I s study seek to uncover in the case of children in Batibo.

Research Objectives General Objectives

To examine the influence of child abuse and its socio- emotional effects on the development of children.

Specific Research Objectives

1. To examine how rape sodomy affects the development of a child
2. To find out how constant hitting affects the development of a child
3. To investigate how indecent exposure affects the development of a child.

Research Questions Main Research Question

1. What is the influence of child abuse and its socio- emotional effects on the development of children?
2. How does rape sodomy affects the development of a child?
3. How constant hitting does affects the development of a child?
4. How indecent exposure does affect the development of a child?