Why is child abuse so high in single-mother family?

Question

@Susan: I know not all, but child abuse seem to be pretty high and common in single mother familly.

I know some good single mothers.

Answer 1

I don't believe that all single mothers are child abusers but not long ago I did look up some statistics and found that well over 90% of single parents are mothers while only a tiny percentage were fathers.  

So it's got me thinking, that if there are alot more single mothers than single fathers, then naturally the abuse percentage will be higher due to the sheer number of single mothers.

If it was swapped around and men made up nearly all of single parent numbers, then I wonder what the percentage would be of them being abusers-just because of the numbers.

Answer 2

Probably stress from trying to raise a child solo. I wonder if the same is found in single father homes, that would be an interesting statistic...

Answer 3

Actually, abuse comes most often from a step parent or unrelated carer (i.e. live-in partner), it's called the cinderella effect. Mind you, Buller has critised this theory and although they put up a good debate, I have my doubts... so if you could actually state the source for this, that would be useful.

Answer 4

NOT ALL single mothers homes thank you.

My Daughter is well taken care of. she has never been abused and she will never ever be abused. I lived that life and I will NOT put my child through the h**l i went through she will always be safe with me. NOT ALL single mothers are bad parents.

EDIT: I know this. it's just I am so tired of people thinking all single mothers are bad. this topic is just so hard for me. I Love my daughter and would never hurt her for anything.

I just wish I knew why some kids do get abused. I would love to take in all the kids. but i can't. I hate that any child is abused. I know the feeling it sucks. Ok I will stop now God Bless

Answer 5

I think you are confusing physical abuse and neglect.

Not to say that one is any better than the other, but physical abuse happens more often in homes with both parents present, and neglect happens more often in single-parent families.

Answer 6

In the absence of a father in the home, the child is highly more likely to suffer abuse.

Answer 7

Parenting can be a challenge. The financial, emotional, physical  pressure may be too much for one person to take, sometimes.

There is no one to help when you are at your wits end.

Answer 8

Do you have anything to back up your theory?  Or are you making an assumption... You know what they say about assumptions; you just make an *** out of u and mptions.