Is Poverty A Key Contributor to Child Maltreatment?

Question

I thought this was an interesting topic. What are your thoughts?

I believe poverty is a key contributor to maltreatment of children. Unfortunately, those that grow up in poverty tend to live under daily stressful situations - how to pay the rent, buy food, clothe the children. Those that live under constant stress are more likely to strike out at those around them. Who is around them the most? The children. Just my quick thought!

Answer 1

But...Are we talking about child abuse that is reported? Because I believe part of what you say could be true but I also think it is easier to cover it up by those who are more financially secure. Also , you must separate the forms of abuse. Mental and emotional abuse is easier to hide than physical. This is a complicated issue here and should not be decided lightly and without all the facts.

Answer 2

I'm with stark.  The kind of vile people people that maltreat kids don't deserve anything good in life.  They are too lazy to be economically competitive so they prey on children to feel big about themselves.

Answer 3

I would have to say no. Because the maltreatment you talk of i think goes beyond the physical. I guarantee if you find a pair parents with money that could careless about what their child does or where he is, its the exact same thing. Its the parent's ability to work with what they have. Some people appreciate more so they'll care more. Others just wont.

Answer 4

I think you have the order backward. Poverty dosen't lead to child mistreatment; the kinds of attitudes that are responsible for the mistreatment of children are simply consistent with poverty. The error people make is to think that poverty is a pool  that is fed by only one stream.