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Abuse: Child and family psychopathology Volume 14, issue 1, Janvier-Février 2011

Author
Association française d’information et de recherche sur l’enfance maltraitée (AFIREM), 149 rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France

Child abuse – whether physical, psychological or sexual affects not only the physical wellbeing of the person, but also his intelligence, his capacity be affectionate and his quality as a human being. In the absence of early treatment, the problems that appear for the mistreated child can affect the construction of his personality. Child mistreatment exists in all social classes and can result from poor living conditions, isolation or substance abuse by parents. Mistreatment can be linked as well to psychological troubles within the family or unit. Lack of affection and care for the child is a common feature. This, in turn, can be linked to the immaturity of parents and the absence of stable parental figures. Where such conditions exist, support for the parents is needed. Such support is difficult for individuals who are mentally ill, who may be susceptible to violence and perversity. Mentally ill parents require constant support and a separation of the child from the parents is needed when parents become delirious, leading to an interruption of care. Incest and its corollary the incestual, are often diagnosed with a delay and often only come to light when the child's behaviour puts his life in danger. All care should, if possible, concern the parents as well as the children. Victimisation of the child should be avoided.