THE ROLE OF POVERTY IN PERPETUATING CHILD ABUSE IN BAYELSA STATE

THE ROLE OF POVERTY IN PERPETUATING CHILD ABUSE IN BAYELSA STATE

1.1 Background of the Study

Bayelsa State, characterized by coastal communities and oil-dependent economies, faces high rates of poverty and unemployment, particularly among rural households. Poverty is a well-documented risk factor for child maltreatment, as financial stress can exacerbate parental frustration and reduce access to supportive resources (Afifi et al., 2016). Studies across sub-Saharan Africa link economic hardship to higher incidences of physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children (Brown, Yilanli, & Rabbitt, 2017).

In Bayelsa, the absence of robust social-welfare infrastructure and limited access to mental-health services further compound the vulnerability of children in impoverished families. Parents under economic duress may resort to harsh discipline or neglect, while community surveillance mechanisms are weakened by scarce funding and logistical challenges. Understanding how poverty intersects with cultural norms around discipline and child-rearing is critical for crafting interventions that address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms of abuse.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Although national surveys identify poverty as a driver of child maltreatment, there is a dearth of Bayelsa-specific research quantifying its role in perpetuating abuse. Without localized evidence on the poverty–abuse nexus, government agencies and NGOs lack guidance on targeting economic empowerment and protective services to the most at-risk communities.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To examine the relationship between household poverty indicators (income level, employment status) and reported incidents of child abuse in Bayelsa State.

To identify mediating factors—such as parental stress, social support, and access to services—that influence this relationship.

To propose integrated poverty-alleviation and child-protection strategies tailored to Bayelsa’s socioeconomic context.

1.4 Research Questions

How does the level of household poverty correlate with the prevalence of physical, emotional, and neglectful practices toward children in Bayelsa?

Which psychosocial or community factors buffer or exacerbate the impact of poverty on child-abuse risk?

What combined economic and social interventions can most effectively reduce child-abuse rates in impoverished Bayelsa communities?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Child-Protection Agencies & NGOs: Empowers data-driven targeting of resources to poverty-stricken areas with the highest abuse risk.

Policy Makers & Social-Welfare Planners: Evidence for crafting integrated programs that address both economic hardship and child safety.

Community Leaders & Families: Insight into stressors driving abuse can inform grassroots support networks and parenting programs.

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

Scope: Household survey of families with children aged 0–17 across selected rural and peri-urban areas of Bayelsa State, examining economic status and child-abuse indicators.

Limitations:

Reporting Bias: Poverty-stressed parents may underreport abusive behaviors due to shame or fear of sanctions.

Complex Causality: Multifactorial nature of abuse means poverty is one of several interacting determinants.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Poverty Indicators: Measures such as household income, employment status, and access to basic services.

Child Abuse: Physical, emotional, or neglectful behaviors causing harm or risk of harm to a child (Berkowitz, 2017).

Parental Stress: Psychological strain experienced by caregivers, often heightened by financial insecurity.

Social Support: Emotional, informational, or practical assistance provided by family, friends, or community groups.

Economic Empowerment: Initiatives—such as micro-loans, vocational training, and cash transfers—aimed at improving household financial stability.

 

List of References

Afifi, T. O., MacMillan, H. L., Boyle, M., Cheung, K., Taillieu, T., Turner, S., & Sareen, J. (2016, March). Child abuse and physical health in adulthood.

Berkowitz, C. D. (2017). Physical abuse of children. New England Journal of Medicine, 376(17), 1659–1666.

Brown, C. L., Yilanli, M., & Rabbitt, A. L. (2017). Child physical abuse and neglect.

Lansford, J. E., Godwin, J., McMahon, R. J., Crowley, M., Pettit, G. S., Bates, J. E., … Dodge, K. A. (2021). Early physical abuse and adult outcomes. Pediatrics, 147(1).