How can family stress lead to abuse?
A. No matter how well a family adjusts to caring for a person challenged by a chronic condition or a disability, over time everyone feels stress. Family members can be drained by continual demands of caring for a loved one with special needs. When a caregiver feels overwhelmed, physical, mental, emotional or even sexual abuse can occur. Stress factors include: • Increased external pressures such as finances and the needs of other family members. • Increased risk of isolation both for the person with special needs and the rest of the family. • Transition times such as when the child starts preschool, leaves high school and changes jobs. • Feelings of embarrassment. Parents or family members may think the person with special needs reflects negatively upon them. • Feelings of disappointment and frustration. The person with the chronic condition or disability may fall short of the hopes and expectations of loved ones. • Constant responsibility. Physical and emotional demands on caregivers
