The parent perpetrator : what lies beneath?

Abstract

Child physical abuse is an exceedingly complex and emotive problem. Society's tolerance for child physical abuse has declined and we are now appalled by acts to which our ancestors would have been indifferent. At present, child physical abuse in Malta is of major concern. However, perpetrating parents are not subhuman monsters but people with common human needs. It is important that this study will be carried out in this moment as child physical abuse in Malta is of major concern. We are living in a violent society where children are exposed to violence in the media, news and even experiencing it from their parents. I am proposing this study to have a better understanding of the perpetrator of child physical abuse and possibly address new treatments and prevention of this issue. This study will explore, in depth, what factors of their family of origin people who physically abuse children perceive as contributing to their behavior. Parents bring with them a long history of experiences within their family of origin and in interaction with peers, teachers, and other adults. The purpose of this study is ultimately for social workers to be able to understand the parent perpetrator within a characteristic humanitarian framework and try to prevent children from being physically abused any further.