What was the Victorian view of child abuse?

Question

Specifically around the turn of the century.

Answer 1

There was no Victorian view on child abuse it simple did not exist and only many years later did people come to realize that many of the things they did to the children back then was abuse  

Answer 2

The view was that there was no such thing, and that beating children frequently and severly made them into good citizens.  Hence the old saying, "Spare the rod (don't beat the child with a stick) and spoil the child" (ruin his chances of being a decent adult)

Answer 3

spare the rod

spoil the child.