Exploring the occurrence of maltreatment in children in Lebanon during covid-19

Abstract

Child maltreatment is defined as behavior toward a child that is improper and poses a significant risk of causing physical or emotional harm. Maltreatment is classified into four types: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse (psychologic abuse), and neglect. The causes of child maltreatment vary and are not fully understood. Abuse and neglect are frequently linked to physical injuries, delayed growth and development, and mental health issues. Maltreatment is typically caused by a breakdown in impulse control in the parent or caregiver. Several factors play a role. Parental traits and personality traits can both play a role. The parent's own childhood may have lacked affection and warmth, may not have fostered adequate self-esteem or emotional maturity, and may have included other forms of maltreatment in many cases. Abusive parents may see their children as a source of unending and unconditional love, and they may look to them for the support that they never received. As a result, they may have unrealistic expectations of what their children can provide for them, they may become easily frustrated and have poor impulse control, and they may be unable to provide what they have never received. Furthermore, drug or alcohol abuse can lead to impulsive and uncontrollable behavior in parents toward their children. Parental mental illnesses also increase the likelihood of maltreatment. In this study, the occurrence of abuse and neglect was explored in relation to demographic variables and to risk factors during COVID-19 in Lebanon. The data was collected through questionnaires posted on social media platforms where participants had the freedom to participate. Throughout the study, it was demonstrated that abuse and neglect vary in relation to risk factors and demographic variables such as substance abuse, drinking, the parents' childhood, living in an abusive neighborhood... however, no significant relationship between income and abuse and neglect was demonstrated.