Childhood Maltreatment Experiences Research Articles

Childhood maltreatment and alcohol and tobacco use trajectories in rural Chinese adolescents

BackgroundThere is a high prevalence of childhood maltreatment among Chinese children and adolescents, but little is known about its impact on alcohol and tobacco use trajectories and how positive school and neighborhood environments moderate the associations. The objective of this study was to assess the association between multiple forms of childhood maltreatment and longitudinal alcohol and tobacco use trajectories, and to assess the possibility that perceived connections to school and neighborhood moderate these associations.MethodsThis longitudinal cohort study included 2594 adolescents (9 to 13 years) from a low-income rural area in China. Childhood exposure to abuse and neglect was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Participants reported past-month alcohol and tobacco use at three time points over 1 year.ResultsGrowth curve models revealed that childhood sexual abuse was associated with a higher risk of past-month drinking (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.19–2.03, p < 0.001) and smoking (OR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.30–2.55, p < 0.001). Neglect was associated with a higher risk of past-month drinking (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.06–1.90, p < 0.05) and smoking (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.34–3.02, p < 0.001). None of the maltreatment forms predicted a faster increase in either drinking or smoking. These associations were found independent of personal, family, and contextual characteristics. School and neighborhood connection moderated the association between physical abuse and past-month drinking, such that physical abuse was associated with a greater risk of drinking only for youth who perceived low school or neighborhood connections.ConclusionsFindings demonstrate the importance of early experiences of childhood maltreatment for adolescent alcohol and tobacco use. Enhancing school and neighborhood connectedness for physically abused youth may help protect them from alcohol use.

Subtypes of childhood maltreatment and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in an adult trauma sample: The mechanistic role of sleep.

Childhood maltreatment is indisputably linked to adverse mental health outcomes, including an increased risk to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adulthood. The role of childhood maltreatment in the context of recovery from a trauma later in adulthood is not well understood. A variable related to both childhood maltreatment and PTSD symptoms, and a potential link between the two, is sleep. The current study aimed to understand how sleep disturbances may play a mechanistic role in the effect of subtypes of childhood maltreatment on PTSD symptom severity in an adult trauma sample. 160 adults (90 women; Mage = 33.73, SD = 10.86) were recruited from the emergency department at a Level-1 trauma center in southeastern Wisconsin after experiencing a traumatic injury. Experiences of childhood maltreatment and sleep were self-reported at 2-week and 3-month posttrauma, respectively. PTSD symptoms were clinically assessed 6 months later. Sleep disturbances 3-month posttrauma mediated the effect of emotional abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect on PTSD symptom 6 months after the traumatic injury. The effect of sexual and physical abuse on PTSD symptoms was not significantly mediated by sleep disturbances. These findings highlight the differential impact of subtypes of childhood maltreatment on PTSD symptoms, the mechanistic role of sleep, and the need to consider early life adversity when assessing adult posttrauma experiences. These results also suggest that interventions aimed at improving sleep quality might improve PTSD symptoms in those who have experienced childhood maltreatment and a subsequent traumatic injury in adulthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Childhood Abuse and Trauma and the Depressive Symptoms of Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model

Researchers have increasingly worked to identify relevant ecological factors that can help prevent the development of depressive symptoms among adolescents. However, the underlying mechanisms of these factors are not fully understood. In this study, the effect of childhood abuse and trauma on the depressive symptoms of Chinese adolescents and its underlying mechanisms were examined, in terms of the mediating role of hopelessness and the moderating role of social problem-solving abilities. A sample of 786 college students participated in this study. The results showed that adolescents who were abused and traumatized as children had higher levels of depressive symptoms than others; furthermore, this relationship was mediated by hopelessness, while the path between hopelessness and depressive symptoms was moderated by their social problem-solving abilities. The results extend the findings of previous studies by revealing the underlying mechanisms between childhood abuse and trauma and Chinese adolescents’ depressive symptoms. The study has important implications for social work services regarding adolescents who have experienced childhood abuse and trauma.

Transdiagnostic factors in the COVID-19 pandemic: Examining the role of childhood abuse and neglect in establishing latent profiles of risk and resilience

BackgroundAmple studies have focused on the negative consequences of COVID-19 on mental well-being, but fewer have explored the specific role of childhood abuse and neglect in the context of risk and resilience during this unprecedented crisis. ObjectiveWe aimed to identify distinct profiles of individuals based on their experiences of childhood abuse and neglect, coping strategies, and psycho-social transdiagnostic risk and protective factors, using a person-centered approach. Participants and settingA convenience sample of 914 Israelis completed self-report questionnaires during the second wave of COVID-19. MethodsLatent Profile Analysis was employed based on levels of childhood abuse and neglect, coping strategies, and established factors underpinning risk and resilience in mental health: dissociation, self-criticism, self-efficacy, self-compassion, attachment insecurity, psychological resilience, mentalizing, distress disclosure, psychopathology, and relationship satisfaction. Profiles were compared in COVID-19-related distress and well-being using ANOVAs. ResultsA four-profile solution was found to be optimal for describing individuals with different profiles of risk and resilience: “risk” (5.1 %)–individuals with meaningfully high levels of childhood abuse and neglect and dissociation; “vulnerable” (14.2 %)–individuals high in risk factors and low in protective factors; “moderately resilient” (47.6 %)–those with moderate levels of protective and risk factors; “highly resilient” (33.1 %)–individuals high in protective factors and low in risk factors; groups differed in mental well-being and COVID-19-related distress. ConclusionsResults highlight the importance of childhood abuse and neglect in differentiating between the two distinct profiles of at-risk individuals. Implications for risk assessment and treatment in the context of potential traumatic stress are discussed.

Association between childhood maltreatment and suicidal ideation among Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia: the mediating role of insomnia.

Childhood maltreatment is a well-established transdiagnostic risk factor for suicidal ideation; however, previous studies on their association in schizophrenia have produced highly varied results. Moreover, the mechanism linking childhood maltreatment and suicide ideation remains unclear in schizophrenia. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between childhood maltreatment and suicide ideation in people with schizophrenia and tested whether insomnia mediated this relationship. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form and Beck Suicidal Ideation Inventory were employed. Logistic regression and mediation analysis were performed. (a) The prevalence of suicide ideation, insomnia, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse and physical neglect was 10% (n = 61), 18% (n = 111), 11% (n = 68), 25% (n = 153), 6.3% (n = 39), 17% (n = 106) and 39% (n = 239), respectively. In all, 52% (n = 320) reported childhood maltreatment; (b) patients with suicide ideation demonstrated higher insomnia and childhood maltreatment. PANSS depression factor, ISI, lifetime suicidal attempts and emotional abuse were independently associated with suicide ideation; (c) insomnia partially mediated the effects of emotional abuse and emotional neglect on suicide ideation, and insomnia completely mediated the effects of physical neglect and physical abuse on suicide ideation. Our study calls for formal assessments for childhood maltreatment and insomnia in schizophrenia, which might help identify suicide ideation early. In addition, interventions targeting insomnia might help reduce suicide ideation among people with schizophrenia who experience childhood maltreatment.

Adverse childhood events and self-harming behaviours among individuals in Ontario forensic system: the mediating role of psychopathy

BackgroundAdverse childhood events (ACEs), psychopathy, and self-harming behaviours are prevalent among individuals in the forensic psychiatry system. While existing literature suggests that ACEs, self-harm, and psychopathy are interrelated, little is known about the interplay of psychopathic traits in this relationship. The present study aimed to determine the mediating role of psychopathy in the relationship between ACEs and self-harming behaviours in forensic patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients under the Ontario Review Board (ORB) between 2014 and 2015. In the analysis, we included patients with complete data on ACEs, self-harming behaviours, and a Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) score - a measure of psychopathic traits and their severity conducted during the reporting period. Mediation analysis was based on the Baron and Kenny approach, and sensitivity analysis was performed based on the types of ACEs.Results​​​The sample population (n = 593) was made up of adults, with a mean age of 41.21 (± 12.35) years and were predominantly males (92.37%). While there was a partial mediating effect of psychopathy on the relationship between ACEs and incidents of self-harming behaviours in the past year, the mediation was complete in the relationship between ACEs and a lifetime history of self-harming behaviours. Following sensitivity analysis based on the types of ACE, the mediating effects were more attributed to specific ACEs, especially having experienced child abuse or having an incarcerated household member before 18 years.ConclusionAmong forensic patients in Ontario, psychopathy mediates​ ​the relationship between experiencing ACEs and engaging in self-harming behaviours. Effective intervention to mitigate self-harming behaviours in this population should consider the potential role of psychopathy, especially among individuals who have experienced ACEs involving a history of child abuse and a family who was incarcerated.

청년의 아동⋅청소년기 학대 경험과 우울의 관계에서 빈곤과 사회적 고립의 조절 효과

청년의 아동⋅청소년기 학대 경험과 우울의 관계에서 빈곤과 사회적 고립의 조절 효과

Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment With Levels of Depression On Street Children in Surabaya

Introductions: Childhood maltreatment is any form of violence or neglect that occurs against children under the age of 18. Street children are a group that is vulnerable to violence because their activities, for which they spend a lot of time on the streets, make it easier for them to experience violence from both adults and fellow students. One of the impacts can cause mental health disorders, one of which is depression. Objective: Analyze the relationship between childhood maltreatment and levels of depression in street children in Surabaya. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 43 street children from Surabaya City, East Java, Indonesia. Subjects were selected through two stages, namely using the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the International Child Abuse Screening Tool for Children (ICAST-C) to assess depression and childhood maltreatment. Data analysis using chi-square. Results: The results of the study showed that of the 43 respondents, 18 children experienced childhood maltreatment and 31 children experienced moderate depression. The results of the analysis of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and depression levels showed a p-value of 0.481. Conclusion: Childhood maltreatment is not related to the level of depression in street children in Surabaya.

Effects of childhood abuse experiences on peer victimization in adolescence: the mediating role of self-control, aggression, and depression

Effects of childhood abuse experiences on peer victimization in adolescence: the mediating role of self-control, aggression, and depression

What are the effects of psychological interventions for mothers with childhood experiences of maltreatment or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

What are the effects of psychological interventions for mothers with childhood experiences of maltreatment or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Exploring Embodied and Bioenergetic Approaches in Trauma Therapy: Observing Somatic Experience and Olfactory Memory.

Recent studies highlight how body psychotherapy is becoming highly cited, especially in connection with studies on trauma-related disorders. This review highlights the theoretical assumptions and recent points in common with embodied simulation and new sensory theories by integrating bioenergetic analysis, embodiment, and olfactory memory in trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) therapy. Embodied memory, rooted in sensorimotor experiences, shapes cognitive functions and emotional responses. Trauma, embodied in somatic experiences, disrupts these processes, leading to symptoms such as chronic pain and dissociation. The literature discussed highlights the impact of burning odors on individuals with PTSD and those who have experienced childhood maltreatment. Burning odors can increase stress and heart rate in war veterans, with sensitivity to these odors intensifying over time since the trauma. Additionally, adults who experienced childhood maltreatment exhibit faster processing of unpleasant odors and increased symptom severity. Grounding techniques, such as adopting a balanced posture, enhance breathing and sensory capabilities, potentially aiding in managing symptoms associated with trauma-related disorders such as PTSD.

The Relations Among Childhood Maltreatment and Later Intimate Partner Violence Victimization With and Without a Weapon in a Sample of Pregnant Black Individuals.

Black pregnant and postpartum individuals are at risk for intimate partner violence (IPV), and those with a history of childhood maltreatment and IPV are even more likely to be re-victimized during pregnancy. However, it is unknown if specific types of child maltreatment predict later IPV with and without a weapon better than others. The current study sought to (i) document the prevalence of childhood maltreatment and IPV and (ii) examine the relations among types of childhood maltreatment and later IPV with and without a weapon within a sample of Black individuals seeking prenatal care at a large public hospital in the southeastern United States. Participants (n = 186; mean age = 27.2 years, SD = 5.3) completed measures assessing childhood maltreatment and IPV with and without a weapon. Approximately 68.5% of participants (n = 124) endorsed experiencing childhood maltreatment, while 42.6% (n = 78) endorsed experiencing IPV. The bivariate relations among five childhood maltreatment types (i.e., sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, physical and emotional neglect) and IPV with and without a weapon were assessed. All childhood maltreatment subtype scores-except childhood physical neglect-were significantly higher among participants who reported a history of IPV with or without a weapon compared to participants who denied a history of IPV with or without a weapon. Logistic regression models revealed childhood sexual abuse emerged as the only significant predictor of experiencing IPV with a weapon (B = 0.10, p = .003) and IPV without a weapon (B = 0.11, p = .001). For every point increase in childhood sexual abuse subtype score, the odds of experiencing IPV with and without a weapon increased by 10% (OR = 1.10, 95%CI [1.04, 1.18]) and 12% (OR = 1.12, [1.05, 1.20]), respectively. Findings suggest that screening for childhood sexual abuse may provide a critical opportunity for maternity care providers to identify individuals at increased risk for IPV victimization with and without a weapon.

The Prevalence of Peer Sexual Harassment During Childhood in Australia.

Sexual harassment inflicted by adolescents on their peers is a major public health issue, but its prevalence across childhood is not known. We provide the first nationally representative data on the prevalence of peer sexual harassment across childhood, using cross-sectional data from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS). The ACMS surveyed 8,503 people aged 16 and over about their experiences of child maltreatment and associated health outcomes. The prevalence of peer sexual harassment was assessed using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ)-R2 Adapted Version (ACMS), with survey data weighted to reflect characteristics of the Australian population. Overall, 1 in 10 (10.4% (95% Confidence Intervals (CI) [9.7, 11.3])) Australians experienced peer sexual harassment during childhood. Peer sexual harassment is an issue disproportionately affecting gender-diverse individuals (24.0%, 95% CI [15.5, 35.2]) and women (15.3%, 95% CI [14.0, 16.7%]), compared to men (5.0%, 95% CI [4.3, 5.9]). Rates of peer sexual harassment were also very high among sexuality diverse participants (prevalence estimates ranging between 14.2% and 29.8%). Peer sexual harassment was predominately inflicted by male peers (9.6%, 95% CI [8.9, 10.4]), compared to 1.8% (95% CI [1.5, 2.2]) reporting harassment from female peers. These findings have implications for understanding and reducing attitudes supporting peer sexual harassment in childhood, particularly against girls and gender and sexuality diverse youth, and associations with other gendered violence both in childhood and later life.

Childhood Maltreatment and Amygdala-Mediated Anxiety and Posttraumatic Stress Following Adult Trauma

BackgroundChildhood abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual) is associated with aberrant connectivity of the amygdala, a key threat-processing region. Heightened amygdala activity also predicts adult anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as do experiences of childhood abuse. The current study explored whether amygdala resting-state functional connectivity may explain the relationship between childhood abuse and anxiety and PTSD symptoms following trauma exposure in adults. MethodsTwo weeks posttrauma, adult trauma survivors (n = 152, mean age [SD] = 32.61 [10.35] years; women = 57.2%) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. PTSD and anxiety symptoms were assessed 6 months posttrauma. Seed-to-voxel analyses evaluated the association between childhood abuse and amygdala resting-state functional connectivity. A mediation model evaluated the potential mediating role of amygdala connectivity in the relationship between childhood abuse and posttrauma anxiety and PTSD. ResultsChildhood abuse was associated with increased amygdala connectivity with the precuneus while covarying for age, gender, childhood neglect, and baseline PTSD symptoms. Amygdala-precuneus resting-state functional connectivity was a significant mediator of the effect of childhood abuse on anxiety symptoms 6 months posttrauma (B = 0.065; 95% CI, 0.013–0.130; SE = 0.030), but not PTSD. A secondary mediation analysis investigating depression as an outcome was not significant. ConclusionsAmygdala-precuneus connectivity may be an underlying neural mechanism by which childhood abuse increases risk for anxiety following adult trauma. Specifically, this heightened connectivity may reflect attentional vigilance for threat or a tendency toward negative self-referential thoughts. Findings suggest that childhood abuse may contribute to longstanding upregulation of attentional vigilance circuits, which makes one vulnerable to anxiety-related symptoms in adulthood.

Shame, guilt, and drinking motives as mediators between child maltreatment and problematic alcohol use in college students

Objective: Drinking for emotion regulation may be a concern for college students who have experienced childhood maltreatment, due to high levels of shame and guilt. The present cross-sectional survey study tested how trait shame-proneness, trait guilt-proneness, and trauma-related guilt are differently related to drinking motives and how these pathways mediate the links between maltreatment severity and alcohol outcomes. Participants: Undergraduate student drinkers (n = 464; M age = 19.50, SD = 2.20) from a midsized midwestern University. Methods: Participants completed an online survey inquiring about demographics, childhood maltreatment, shame, guilt, drinking motives, alcohol use, and alcohol-related consequences. Results: There were several significant serial indirect effects of maltreatment on alcohol consumption and related consequences, through trauma-related guilt, shame-proneness, guilt-proneness, drinking-to-cope, and drinking for mood enhancement. Conclusions: On college campuses, to address problematic drinking among childhood maltreatment survivors, interventions may target maladaptive feelings of shame and guilt stemming from trauma exposure.

Effects of Subjective Social Status and Self-Esteem in the Association Between Childhood Abuse and Adulthood Anxiety.

Subjective social status influences anxiety, but at present, the mechanism is not fully understood. It has been reported that negative childhood experiences, such as abuse, can influence depressive symptoms through subjective social status and personality traits, such as self-esteem. A similar mechanism is presumed to underlie anxiety symptoms in adulthood. Therefore, we hypothesized that subjective social status and self-esteem are intermediate factors in the indirect effects of childhood abuse on state anxiety in adulthood, and analyzed the indirect effects via these factors using a path analysis. Child Abuse and Trauma Scale, Subjective Social Status, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y questionnaires were administered in a self-report format to 404 adult volunteers from January 2014 to August 2014. In addition, a path analysis was conducted to determine whether subjective social status and self-esteem are associated with the indirect effects of childhood abuse on anxiety symptoms in adulthood. Childhood abuse did not directly affect state anxiety in adulthood, but affected state anxiety via subjective social status and self-esteem. Subjective social status affected state anxiety via self-esteem. This model explained 25.2% of the variation in state anxiety in adult volunteers. The present study demonstrated that childhood abuse affects anxiety in adulthood through subjective social status and self-esteem. Therefore, interventions that enhance subjective social status and self-esteem for adults who experienced childhood abuse may help reduce their anxiety.

Childhood trauma as a transdiagnostic risk factor: clinical implications and preventive interventions

AbstractAbstract: This presentation seeks to explore the interplay between various types of psychological traumas and their potential correlation with the development of distinct types and severities of eating disorders. Emphasis will be placed on elucidating the underlying biological underpinnings and psychological and developmental factors that contribute to the manifestation of diverse eating disorder phenotypes in individuals who have experienced childhood maltreatment. Drawing upon existing research and novel insights, I will present some data from studies investigating the notion that the observed variations in eating disorder presentations may be linked especially to environmental influences. Contrary to the conventional focus on genetic determinants, our findings suggest that the differential ecophenotypic expression of eating disorders may not solely be attributed to DNA variants but rather to the complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental contexts.In particular, I will expose the concept of an ecophenotype characteristic of eating disorders associated with childhood maltreatment, positing that the unique ecological context in which an individual is raised significantly influences the trajectory and severity of their eating disorder. This exploration extends beyond a mere examination of genetic markers, shedding light on the environmental and ecosystemic factors that shape the development of an individual’s relationship with food and body image.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Serial indirect effects from childhood maltreatment to adult chronic health conditions through contemporary family relationships and mental health problems: Inquiry into sleep disturbances and stress.

Childhood maltreatment accelerates biological aging, leaving adults vulnerable to chronic health problems. There is robust evidence that social relationships, including those with family members, may influence chronic health problems through psychological pathways, but there is little research considering stress and sleep problems, especially among adults who experienced childhood maltreatment. Furthermore, longitudinal research is lacking related to maltreatment and chronic health problems. The current study examined familial support and strain and subsequent sleep problems and stress in a serial mediational model linking childhood maltreatment to chronic health problems over time. Using three waves of data from the study of Midlife Development in the United States (N = 859; 55.8% female), structural equation modeling was used to examine familial support, strain, stress, and sleep problems in serial mediational model linking maltreatment to the number of chronic health conditions over a 9-year period. Childhood maltreatment was indirectly associated with a number of chronic health conditions through familial support and strain through subsequent reports of stress. Although family support was associated with fewer sleep problems, the bootstrapped indirect effect was not significant. Simple indirect effects from maltreatment to the number of chronic health problems were significant through both sleep problems and stress. Contemporary family relationships and psychological problems are possible points of prevention and intervention reducing the number of chronic health conditions among adults who were maltreated in childhood. Focusing on familial relationships and stress processes may be particularly fruitful. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

What Do Case Studies Tell Us About Addictions and Psychiatric Comorbidities? A Survival Story: The necessity for a transdiagnostic and holistic approach

Introduction Comorbidities in addiction: It is a rule rather than an exception. The story starts in childhood; even before, in infancy, may be in utero. The dimensional traits have been already there, existing obviously far before any DSM-5 diagnosis. Developmental qualities of stress sensitivity, impulsivity and emotion dysregulation are the leading ones. Besides, comorbidity research (NESARC being one of the prominents) (Hasin and Grant. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidem, 2015;50 (11): 1609-1640) addressed childhood abuse, neglect or other childhood adverse experiences as a definite risk factor for adolescence and adult mental disorders, particularly substance use disorders. Developmental and environmental adversities in a mutually amplifying pattern make a vicious cycle in which the individual finally finds an illusionary exit, a pathway to addiction.ObjectivesThis presentation aims to discuss the complexities and challenges for the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with a twenty five year follow-up, a survival period for the patient herself as well as for the therapeutic alliance (Ulug, Arch Neuropsychiatr, 2015;52: 213-215).MethodsCase study: The history and the life chart of her, diagnosed as having at least seven DSM diagnoses, indicate the depth of pyschopathology and the intensity of interventions, most of which failed due to the lack of a transdiagnostic and holistic perspective. A specific focus of the case study will be on the problematic use of Borderline Personality Disorder formulation/diagnosis and its negative, somehow short-coming, impact on the treatment, course and recovery.ResultsThe challenges brought by comorbid transdiagnostic cases, similar to the subject of this presentation, have become a common practice for addiction professionals. While big data or empirical large datasets can have their own limitations to help the practitioner for overcoming such challenges, as stated in Stein’s article “it is important to recognize the value of a wide range of complementary research designs including the age-old single-case study, which may sometimes provide clinical insights that outweigh those from big data analyses.” (Stein et al. World Pychiatry, 2022; 21(3): 393-414).Conclusions The case study indicates the necessity for transdiagnostic and holistic approach in the management and long term treatment of such difficult-to-diagnose and difficult-to-treat patients.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Determinants of Child Abuse in Arusha Region

Although there are enormous efforts towards alleviation of child abuse worldwide, it still persists. It is estimated that between 500 million and 1.5 billion children worldwide bear some form of violence annually. That being the case, this study conducted research to find out the determinants of Child Abuse in Arusha. The research employed a descriptive research design. The sample size was 100 children. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were employed as data collection tools. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was used to interpret the data, and inferential statistics was used to analyse the data. The study established that the age of the respondent, employment status of parent or guardian, income per month of parent or guardian, age of parent or guardian, and drugs and alcohol abuse by parent or guardian were individually useful in the prediction of Y (Experienced child abuse) which is the dependent variable. It is concluded that the risks of experiencing child abuse increase in the communities as a result of financial dependence, employment status, economic status, age at marriage, and parent or guardian tendency to substance abuse