Characteristics of domestic violence in children of addicts

Abstract

The study investigated the characteristics of domestic violence in addicted children. The subjects consisted of 428 juvenile offenders selected by random sampling technique. Data and information were collected from March 20 to April 20, 2006 using a questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics were applied for data analysis. For comparison of various factors with each other, Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was applied. The result of the investigation reveal that 40.9% were neglected, most commonly they were not asked to learn, and were home alone.40.4% of them were physically abused, mostly by slapping of the head and hitting. 40.2% of them were emotionally abused. Most commonly they were yelled at, intimidated and scolded 39.7% of them were sexually abused and this usually involved taking liberties. Among child abuse cases, there were significant differences in child gender and education level (p-value<0.05).The significant factors related to characteristics of violence included the first age of using drugs type of drug, self-esteem child's perception of family relationships, drinking alcohol, gambling and type of drug abuse of guardian (p-value < 0.05). The outcome of the research disclosed that domestic violence effects a child to become addicted to drugs. The findings of this study might be useful information for families, society and the respective governmental units which are in charge of planning and implementing appropriate measures to prevent violence in the family. The findings might also help with work on guide lines to solve the problem of child addiction in the future.