Risk Factors

For Child Abuse 

Individual Risk Factors: 

  • History of being abused or neglected

  • Mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety)

  • Substance abuse

  • Low self-esteem

  • Aggressive behavior 

Family Risk Factors: 

  • Domestic violence

  • Poverty

  • Unemployment

  • Family conflict

  • Parental substance abuse

  • Large family size

  • Unplanned pregnancy

Community Risk Factors: 

High crime rates, Lack of access to social services, Societal norms that condone violence, and Limited community support. 

Other Risk Factors:

  • Child's characteristics (e.g., disability, temperament)

  • Lack of parenting skills

  • Social isolation

  • Exposure to violence in the media 

Societal Risk Factors: 

Inequality, Lack of affordable housing, Inadequate healthcare access, and Lack of policies to protect children.