What risk factors increase a childs likelihood of being physically abused?
A. Younger children are more likely to be abused. More than half of abuse victims are under age 5. Not only are younger children more likely to be abused, but they’re more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Younger children are more likely to be abused because they don’t meet unrealistic expectations of parents. History of mental illness, lack of impulse control and lack of family or community support systems for parents or caregivers are also key risk factors in abuse. Parents with a better understanding of child development and what a child’s capabilities are at a given age are less likely to become abusers.
