Child Abuse In Odisha

Everyday many children are becoming the victims of abuse one form or other. Children have limited resources of their own to combat traumatic experiences. Moreover, exposure to ¿western thinking¿ has brought about changes in attitudes towards traditional methods of guidance, discipline, and other child-rearing practices (Mullati, 1995; Sinha, 1984, 1988). However, because traditional attitudes have not been completely abandoned, many parents alternate between permissive and strict (authoritarian) child rearing, thus creating anxiety and confusion in children and making them more vulnerable to behavioral or emotional disorders (Bharat, 1997). Many parents unknowingly are abusing their children by using severe punishment and being inconsistent and arbitrary. Some factors contributing to child abuse and neglect include low socio-economic status, illiteracy, malnutrition, cultural customs and taboos, lack of social justice, and gender inequality. Child support is a critical concern for both regional and national policy makers.