Child abuse is a major cause of concern in our society. Despite
increased awareness of the problem, many children still suffer
abuse at the hands of their parents and guardians. Many parents
become frustrated and angry with their children,but most are
able to deal with their anger and frustration without violence.
Some, however, lack the skills for handling that anger
constructively. When the emotions become overwhelming, physical,
emotional, or sexual abuse of children may result. There is
evidence that many abusive parents were victims of child abuse
themselves. As they begin to rear their own children, these
parents may fall back into familiar patterns of abuse. These
parents also tend to be emotionally isolated and unaware of what
constitutes realistic child behavior. Alcohol and drug abuse can
also be major factors in child abuse. Child abuse happens in
families of all races, religions, social circles, and economic
classes. Help is available to both the parents and the children
caught in an abusive famil