The childhood years are supposed to be the best times..........help families with victims, and troubled parents, the perpetrators.

The childhood years are supposed to be the best times of one's life; playing and having fun. Yet there are many children who are deprived of this childhood. They are tortured and verbally and physically abused.

There is no reason or excuse for child abuse. Abusers claim they do it because of the stress of work. Child-abusing housewives way they feel harassed by a crying child and are unable to curb their own fury, especially if no support is received from anyone. This is not surprising since support is extended to a victim of child abuse more readily than to the perpetrator. Occasionally, parents may vent their frustrations on their child if they fight and quarrel with each other. In cases like there, it is the children who are the victims.

In this modern age where both parents are usually holding jobs, children are left with babysitters and nurseries. Abuse by these carers may occur when there are too many children to be minded. The disappearance of the extended family system is partly to be blamed for these incidents.

Crowded homes and financial problems can also lead to child abuse. When there are too many mouths to feed, parents feel the pressure and vent their anger on a child.

Substance abuse is another factor which increases the incidents of child abuse. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a parent many not know what he or she may be doing. Or, rather, knows what he or she is doing but is not bothered at all. A drug addict many experience mood swings and is easily provoked by a crying baby. Thus we see and read horrifying reports of a child being savagely tortured and dumped elsewhere, like garbage.

Psychologists believe that child abusers may have been victims of abuse themselves. Thus, in anger and hatred, they repeat the vicious cycle of abuse. Some have no love for the children they abuse. Some have been brought up to believe that children should be beaten in order to maintain control. These are troubled people who need help.

A home is supposed to be a haven where a child ought to feel safe and secure. Unfortunately, more often than not, the home is also where a child is abused. Whatever the reasons for the abuse, something must be done to stop the cruelty and help these parents who simply cannot cope with parenting. Parents-to-be should be counseled and inculcated with parenting skills. The Child Protection Act which was passed in Parliament in 1991 does not effectively prevent child abuse. Stricter enforcement is necessary. Thus. it requires a commitment from each individual to help families with victims, and troubled parents, the perpetrators.

Summary: Child abuse can occur when parents are unable to cope with stress from work and family commitments. It may also occur when children are left with child-minders who may be too busy with other kids. Parents who have financial problems may take it out on the children. Substance abuse may also result in child abuse where the addicts many not know what they are doing till it is too late. Another reason could be due to these child abusers being victims of child abuse themselves. They treat their children the way they were treated and it becomes a vicious cycle. Positive steps should be taken to support and help parents or guardians to cope with parenting.