When I think about the lives of children and adults that I know well, the stressors of which I am aware of are Poverty and Violence within the community. These can cause impede on a child's and adult biosocial, cognitive and psychosocial development. The adult and child that I am speaking lived where violence were committed daily and the fact is because of where they reside, struggling and had no means to live in a better community. They were able to cope with their situation by reaching out to support groups, that were able to financially assist with food assistance and sometimes assistance with clothing to help the mother and her children. As far as the violence, that was happening in her community, she was able to survive just by ensuring she stayed in her home, and did not allow her child to play outside in the area. At that young age children should have the freedom to enjoy their childhood without the worry of having something bad happen.
Children are more likely to be exposed to violence and crime than adults are. An experience of violence can lead to lasting physical, mental, and emotional harm, whether the child is direct victim or a witness (Child Trends, 2016). It states, that children who are exposed to violence are more likely to suffer from attachment problems, regressive behavior, anxiety, and depression, and to have aggression and conduct problems (Child Trends, 2016). Based on the research on children that live in Canada, they tend to have a high rate on Violence within the family that effect young children. I wanted to learn more about Canada, because of how a lot of people say Canada is a place they will love to move to one day, so I wanted to research more on any impacts that effects young children in that country. According to Family Violence in Canada: A statistical profile (2014), police - reported data shows that three in five child and youth victims of family violence were victimized by a parent (RCMP, 2012). In 2014, among the approximately 53,600 child and youth victims under age of violent crime, and about 16,300 were victims of family violence, perpetrated by a parent, sibling, extended family member or spouse (RCMP, 2012).
To minimized the harm that is being done to these young children, is more intervention that is being reported. Family outreach therapy is being offered as well. The damage can last a lifetime. A child that is abuse or witness violence and is effected by poverty is more likely to end up in violent or abusive relationships as an adult, and the destructive cycle continues. We all need to care about children. Today, we are taking more responsibility for intervening within our community in all states and countries where violence and poverty is happening.
References:
Child Trends. (2016). Children Exposure to Violence. Retrieved on April 2, 2017 from https://www.childtrends.org/?indicators=childrens-exposure-to-violence
RCMP. (2012). The Effects of Family Violence on Children- Where Does It Hurt?. Retrieved on April 2, 2017 from http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cp-pc/chi-enf-abu-eng.htm
Kichara,
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad that there are many communities within the United States that use violence as a means to get by in everyday life. The worst part is that children do get stuck in the middle. I hope your friend and her child got the proper care and guidance they deserved because it is so not fair how the income of a family, unfortunately dictates the type of neighborhood/ violence they end of being a part of. You're right, children should not have to worry about going outside in fear of it being too dangerous....this is a time that should be carefree and full of positive influences.
That is very interesting to know about Canada because it does seem to be glorified to a certain extent. I can't believe that many children are more victimized by one of their parent's! What a scary thought. I guess nowhere is completely safe from child abuse :(
Hi Kichara,
ReplyDeleteI use to live in a peaceful village, however, more young children are being influenced by the violence that adults are creating. It all stems from other factors such as drugs, anger and poverty like you stated. It is very sad to see because I have cousins who have grown up to be just as violent as their parents. I agree with you that the toll violence has on children is still occurring in the world, and that we should be aware of it. I hope that as we go through this course, we learn of new ways to help children as well as plan programs that can make a change.
Kichara,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that children should not worry about violence in their area but live life in a safe environment. Unfortunately in the United States there are certain areas that are better than others, (Hollywood versus Los Angeles project) however if we can approach social awareness of these issues daily, maybe the State well considered our voice.