Parents’ perception on physical abuse of children age 03 to 06 years

Abstract

Child abuse is very common topic nowadays. Research shows that child physical abuse is a common phenomenon and sometime not considered as a crime. It occurs in family, institutions, neighbor, workplace etc. This research has explored parents’ perception on physical abuse of children age 3 to 6 years. For data collection In-Depth Interview (IDI) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) have been carried out. From the findings (both from IDI and FGD) it seems that both mothers and father are aware what is physical abuse. Other than physically hurting a child, the participants defined child abuse as mentally hurting or sexually abusing a child. The study participants shared, in most of the cases when their children are disobedient or naughty then their parents physically hurt their children. In answering what are the practices they do that can reduce physical abuse, the participants shared that they show love, affection and spend time with their children which they think can develop a good bonding and can reduce physically hurting a child. The participants shared physical abuse experience have long term negative impact on a child’s life. So, parents not only should know the effect of child’s physical abuse but there should be more awareness program that can make parents understand the importance of bonding between parents and their children so that whatever happens with the children they can share with their parents. Therefore, more focus needs to be given to launch more parenting education program and it needs to be started from early years of a child’s life.