Analyzing the Impact of Child Abuse on Education and Development

This report investigates the significant impact of child abuse and domestic violence on children's educational attainment and overall development. The study, based on a qualitative research approach and secondary data analysis, explores how various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and psychological, negatively affect a child's learning capabilities, leading to potential learning disabilities and reduced academic performance. The research highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing child abuse through combined efforts of responsible authorities, educators, and caregivers to provide emotional and psychological support, thereby mitigating the adverse effects on children's mental health and educational outcomes. The report also outlines the need for early intervention and trustworthy relationships to foster a safe and supportive environment for children, ensuring their well-being and future success. The study recommends further research, particularly focusing on specific age groups and detailed behavioral changes resulting from abuse, to enhance understanding and improve intervention strategies.

Can child abuse have an
effect on educational
attainment

ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to raise the concern over impact of child abuse. This is the
common practice experienced by children at homes which impact education attainment level of
the child. The study is based on qualitative type of research. It explored the use of positivism
philosophy and inductive approach which helped in proper execution of research. In this research
secondary data collection methods are used and for analysing the data systematic review is
implied. It has been analysed from the study that child abuse and violence must be treated so that
it does not affect the child development and education. The physical and behavioural changes
due to abuse reduces the learning and educational attainment capabilities of the child.
It has been also observed from the study that child abuse can be eliminated by combined
efforts of responsible authorities and education providers. The use of secondary data collection
methods may not provide the high precision findings instead more generalised conclusions are
made. Also, the lack of study towards specific age group does not provide detailed insight of the
behavioural changes in child due to abusive.
From the study it is recommended that child behaviour must be noticed and observed so
that if they are suffering from abuse it can be analysed. The educators and other caregivers must
assure that they develop trustworthy bond with the child and are able to give child required
emotional and psychological support. Thus, the study will provide a strong base for evaluating
the condition of child abuse victim and how their condition can be improved.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ....................................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................1
1.1 Study background ............................................................................................................1
1.2 Aim: .................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Objective ..........................................................................................................................1
1.4 Research questions ..........................................................................................................1
1.5 Rationale for the study .....................................................................................................2
1.6 Significance and contribution of the study ......................................................................2
1.7 Structure of dissertation ...................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................4
Domestic violence and child abuse .......................................................................................4
Causes and types of abuses against children .........................................................................5
Impact of child abuse on physical and mental health status of child ....................................6
Effect of child abuse on education attainment ......................................................................8
Role of domestic violence from home in influencing the educational environment and
education of other children's ................................................................................................10
Strategies to mitigate the incidences and impact of child abuse .........................................11
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ..........................................................................13
3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................13
3.2 Research type .................................................................................................................13
3.3 Research philosophy ......................................................................................................13
3.4 Research approach .........................................................................................................14
3.5 Data collection ...............................................................................................................14
3.6 Data analysis ..................................................................................................................15
3.7 Ethical considerations ....................................................................................................15
3.8 Limitations .....................................................................................................................15
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION .............................................................16
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................20
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................23

ILLUSTRATION INDEX
Illustration 1: Child abuse statistics in UK .....................................................................................4
Illustration 2: Types of child abuse ...............................................................................................16
Illustration 3: Effect of child abuse on health of child ..................................................................17
Illustration 4: Strategies to deal with child abuse..........................................................................19

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study background
Child abuse is maltreatment of children which can be sexual, psychological or physical
especially by parents and care taker. There has been rapid increase in the incidents of child
abuse and domestic violence (Child abuse statistics UK- From NSPCC. 2019). The children
studying in primary schools are not aware of abusive behaviour and therefore the individual is
unable to determine wrong a right of the situation (Jung and et.al., 2018). The negative practice
of domestic violence is major cause which is hampering education attainment level among
children.
There are several forms of domestic violence such as physical, sexual, emotional and
psychological (Savage, Ferguson and Flores, 2017). The abuse affects the emotional and mental
perspective of child which leads to life threatening risk like depression, hopelessness and
vulnerability. The emotional imbalance among children is the major cause of restricted growth.
The child experiencing abuses undergo pain, emotional trauma, fear, insecurity and anxiety.
1.2 Aim:
To analyse the impact of domestic violence on educational growth and development of
children.
1.3 Objective
 To review the effects of domestic violence on growth and development of child.
 To analyse impact of domestic violence at home on education attainment level of child.
 To identify ways to manage effect of domestic violence on growth of children.
1.4 Research questions
 What is the meaning of “Domestic Violence” and its effect on growth and development
of child?
 How domestic violence can affect the physical and mental state of child?
 What is the impact of child abuse on academics?
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1.5 Rationale for the study
Experiencing abusive treatment in the minor age that is when the children are in growth
stage can have long lasting effect on the memory of child (Itzin, 2018). This 6 to 12 is the age
group which is considered as the growing phase of the children where abusive incidents can
influence mental growth. The major cause of learning disability among children is abusive
experiences which influence educational attainment of the children. Thus, it is very essential to
study impact of child abuse in order to develop appropriate framework for eliminating abusive
practices. The quality of life is widely dependent upon the knowledge and education of the
individual in growth stage (Walsh and et.al., 2015). Abusive behaviour with child in learning
phase affects their learning capabilities.
The motive of this study is to outline factors which encourages abusive practices and how
it impacts educational abilities of children. It will also draw the attention of authorities which can
assist in making significant changes in educational development process of child (Witt and et.al.,
2016). The study is for the purpose of determining impact of child abuse on behaviour of
individuals. For example, children experiencing physical abuse are vulnerable to surroundings
which is generally reflected in form of anger or aggressive behaviour. Domestic violence leads to
adverse impacts which influences education attainment level of child (Domestic Violence &
Children: The Effect on the Learning Environment, 2018). The children who are part of domestic
violence have aggressive attitude towards people and social inclusion. The study will help in
outlining the facts which can be managed in order to improve cognitive behaviour of children
undergoing abuse.
1.6 Significance and contribution of the study
The study is significant because of the sensitivity of topic which comes from Domestic
violence that is child abuse. There are numerous extreme and severe cases of domestic violence
such forcing child to be a part of unethical situations. Further, threatening child reflects
emotional harm which impact individual ability to react and act upon certain situations. The
study will help in deriving ways to provide safe, secure and quality education environment for
children. The study will also help concerned authorities to take necessary steps against abusive
behaviour towards children. The study is significant as it helps in outlining further research
areas which focuses on preventing child abuses and promoting education. Thus, the study holds
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the significant place for gaining the attention of education providers, social reformers and
authorities framing policies for national and child welfare (Aratani and Cooper, 2015).
1.7 Structure of dissertation
For accomplishing the research systematically, a well-defined structure is followed so
that every research aspect can be analysed properly. The structure for this study is as follows:
Chapter 1 Introduction: In introduction chapter, a brief overview of the study background is
provided. It will discuss the significance of child abuse and its effect on educational attainment.
Chapter 2 Literature review: Second chapter is literature review which will provide to highlight
views of different authors and scholars over research topic in order to develop critical
understanding over research aim, objectives and question.
Chapter 3 Research methodology: This chapter will include the description of the various
research methodologies which are used for conducting systematic research like philosophy, data
collection and analysis tools, research approach, etc.
Chapter 4 Data Analysis: The fourth chapter analyses and interprets the data obtained from the
research methods so that results can be concluded. Thus, it provides the discussion of the
research findings.
Chapter 5 Conclusion: In this chapter all the discussion and ideas of research are summarized so
that research outcomes and effectiveness can be evaluated.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Domestic violence and child abuse
According to Itzin, (2018), child abuse and violence can be defined as the assault or
abusive act which can result in severe physical damage and emotional harm to the victim child.
The abuse can be in the form of physical torture, emotional pain and sexual assault. Apart from
suffering with these violent incidences’ children can also witness such domestic violence at
home, school or any other place which can create adverse impact on the physical and mental
health of child (Walsh and et.al., 2015). As per the world health organisation and UK
government, domestic violence is becoming one of the most alarming condition because number
of such child abuses is increasing rapidly. These incidences are not only destroying the
childhood of victims but can also influence their future. This type of abusive behaviour at home
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can be conducted by parents, care takers, guardians, family members as well as unknown people.
The family members can show physical and emotional abuse to child. As per the study
conducted by Radford and et.al., (2011), in UK one in every five children have faced extreme
maltreatment or abuse. The study also described that such children does not describe or report
the abuse incident to others due to fear. Similarly, as per the reports of by Child abuse statistics
UK- From NSPCC, (2019) in UK around 50000 children are at higher risk of abuse and in every
10 days at least 2 children are died due to abuse at homes.
(Source: Child abuse statistics UK- From NSPCC, 2019)
In the same aspect Straus, Gelles and Steinmetz, (2017) believes that it is very important
that such children's must be identified and necessary support and care must be provided in order
to protect them from the harmful impact of violence. The children suffering form the domestic
abuse must be given proper psychological counselling so that they can share their pain and
concerns. The schools must also have care units which can assist the children with physical
injuries. The exposure to such incidents at home not only affect the health-related well-being of
the child but also influences the development process of the child. Since abusive behaviour with
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Illustration 1: Child abuse statistics in UK

child can hurt them emotionally it is possible that this adverse impact can develop a life ling fear
in the mind of child and their perspective toward family and social values may change
negatively. Thus, if proper attention is not paid towards the issue by parents and care takers then
there is high probability that future of the child will also be in darkness along with pain and fear.
Causes and types of abuses against children
In a study based upon child behaviour and domestic violence, Van der Kolk, (2017)
stated that there are significant differences among children who are exposed to abuse and those
who are grown in non-violent environment at homes. The children who suffers from abuse are
always fearful and prefer to leave along while the children who does not experience such
behaviour have positive attitude towards life. Such child enjoy being participate in new learnings
and activities. These differences are observed in the academic functioning, physical health,
behaviour. Abuse victim children are more prone to anxiety and issues with self-esteem.
Widom nd Wilson, (2015), stated that child neglect is also frequently observed type of
abuse. The families and guardians do not provide attention and care towards child. It creates a
feeling of loneliness and also deprive children from the basic care needs which they deserve. For
instance, when parents do not give appropriate time to their child then several needs of child
such as emotional warmth, daily care are often neglected. It can give rise to psychological
disorder and development of child is affected negatively by lowering their communication and
social abilities. When families and parents does not pay attention to the problems and needs of
child then child may feel that he or she is undesirable. It leads to depression and several other
health concerns. For instance improper care and attention to child can lead to irregular eating
habits and child may not consumer nutrition rich food which is very essential for the healthy
living of child.
As per the view of Best, (2017), the key reason for the child abuse is that children are
powerless and thus they can be easily targeted. They acquire lower position in social hierarchy
and thus it is easy for people to show their frustration, anger and ill psychology on children.
Since the children are responsibility of the parents, it depends upon parents and family members
that how they are treated. The complete authority of the child lies in hands of family. Due to this
reason when child is abused by family, children believe that they are follower of their parents
and does not have any right to oppose their abusive behaviour. Though this is the most
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dominating cause for child abuse but it is also observed that factors such as addiction of drug and
alcohol also encourages individuals to follow such practices. Some people find it hard to cope up
with their economic challenges thus they express their frustration in the form of violence. When
parents are frustrated due to work stress then they try to show their anger in terms of abuse to
their child.
In addition to the above perspective Cornell, (2017) explained that people can also
perform such violence’s in response of the misbehaviour of child or due to less understanding
level of child. For instance, when children do not obey the instruction of parents then to create a
fear among them parents and other individuals use the approach of abuse and violence.
The domestic violence among children can be in terms of aggression, rough treatment,
violation of human rights, emotional violence in terms of shouting, criticism, threatening and
frequent blaming. As discussed in Widom and Wilson, (2015) physical violence and sexual
violence makes child extremely threatened and helpless which leads to withdrawal of individual
from education, social inclusions, etc. It is also quite common in families to abuse child
economically. For instance, children are often refused to provide food or any other financial
assistance. They are also forcefully engaged in household or risky working conditions against
their will. Thus, domestic violence can be in any of the discussed form in which children's needs
appropriate support.
Impact of child abuse on physical and mental health status of child
As per the view of Jürges and et.al., (2017) due to the fear and lack of confidence child
begins to think that he or she is inefficient in comparison to the other children. The children
suffering from the abuse are less confident and fearful as compare to the other children. When
they observe that other classmates are actively involved in school activities and they are not
having any physical injuries or emotional trauma then they become more nervous. In such
situations children assume that only they are incapable and lacks talent and skill. It also makes
child believe that only they are facing problem in learning new things while other children are
superior in learning. In extreme cases the children also isolate themselves from the traditional
model of education so that they do not have to face the lot of people. Like instead of attending
schools such children prefer to spend time alone, away from their home as well as school. In
such situation there are high possibilities that children may engage with other school dropouts
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who are involved in unsocial activities. This isolation not only creates educational barriers but
also give rise to more psychological disorders. For instance, the regular isolation from friends,
communities and lack of emotional support can give rise to aggression and negative feelings.
Savage, Ferguson and Flores, (2017) claimed that aggression after being sufferer of abuse
is one of the key reasons which is encouraging the increase in number of teenage criminals. At
home it is not possible for most of the child to raise their voice against abuse. However when
their frustration increases with time they began to show that aggression on other children's. Such
victim children may also gang up with the other unsocial groups who assumed to be more
powerful and are involved in criminal activities. Most of these criminals are school drop outs or
emotionally hurt individuals who have lower education. Savage, Ferguson and Flores, (2017)
argue that the children who are exposed to abuses and violence do not get equal opportunity to
lead a healthy and good quality life. In their later stages of life, they have higher vulnerabilities
and faces hardships in life such as unemployment, inefficient health and participation in the
criminal activities. These outcomes are result of poor education attainment of child.
The feeling of fear and anxiety can make it difficult for the child to interact with others or
to share experiences or knowledge with community. It leads to the development of inferior
nature in the child. Thus, even if such child moves to get higher education programs, they always
have low confidence. They consider it hard to open up in front of others and to ask questions
regarding educational improvement. Berns, (2017) stated that the psychological impact on the
development of children when they experience violence at home can also be understood and
verified by several theories. Some of the key theories supporting this argument are as follows:
Behaviourism theory:
According to Mohammad and et.al., (2015), environmental conditions play great role in
changing the behaviour of an individual. These changes are very crucial and significant among
children. For instance, when child is abused at home then gradually, they tend to learn the same
thing. It varies from child to child that some children become more aggressive and tend to
execute the same violent actions with others as experienced by them. On the other hand, some
children learned that they always have to remain fearful otherwise they will have to face violence
again. Thus, every behavioural aspect and thinking ability of the child is regulated by the
environment they receive at their home and in surroundings.
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Social learning theory:
As per discussion by Crain, (2015) individuals learns from each other via imitation,
modelling and observation. The child has wider dependency on their parents and family. Thus, a
major portion of child learning depends upon the behaviour of their family members. When
children experience abusive behaviour and actions then they tend to believe that such behaviour
is acceptable and only powerful individuals can do so. As a result, in future when they acquire
maturity level and authority in their relations and life then they follow the same behavioural
practices. These kinds of behaviours and learning reflects effectiveness of social learning theory
according to which it can be said that child abuse is concerned with domestic violence.
In the same context Aratani and Cooper, (2015), expressed his concern that the exposure
to domestic violence affects the physical health of children. The abuse can result in insomnia,
bed-wetting, appetite changes and sleep related issues. The children living at home suffers from
these issues quite commonly when they are threatened or abused. The traumatic impact caused
by these abnormalities in childhood can influence the emotional balance of child. It has long
lasting impact on the individual. For instance, it is possible that child may fear to build relations
with other or may execute the same abusive and violent behaviour with their partners or others.
According to Best, (2017) the children who are sensitive start believing that they have
some fault which is making them to face violence at their own house. The abuse suffered by the
child make them strongly believe that they have committed some mistake and only due to this
reason their own family members are showing such rude behaviour to them. Thus, for the life
time they are in constant fear and guilt. It affects their professional excellence as well as social
belongings. As a child they have limited power and ability to help themselves so that they can
come out from abusive situation and can fight against their own parents or family members.
Fry and et.al., (2018) stated that abuse also makes children feel guilty that they are not
efficient enough to overcome and deal with such wrong behaviour. Hence, domestic violence
also leads to sudden changes in the behaviour of child. For instance, they may begin to skip their
schools, using drugs or other addictive practices which can help them to forget the painful
memories of violence at their home. By taking the inspiration from the abuse they face at their
home child can isolate themselves from other peers. In long term they become victim of the
abuse or can themselves follow the actions of abuser.
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