Familiar Violence: A History of Child Abuse

Child abuse has a long history, from medieval times to the present, and this book explores how it was understood within its contemporary context. It examines how these boundaries have changed and been contested over time and provides a context to the many forms of violence experienced by children.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2024
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Child abuse has left an indelible mark on the history of childhood, with numerous accounts of children suffering from beatings, neglect, sexual assault, and even murder at the hands of their loved ones. This book delves into the darker side of childhood history, exploring the various forms of cruelty towards children throughout different periods. Primarily focusing on England, it provides a comprehensive account of violence against children within their own homes, spanning a vast timeframe from medieval times to the present.

It is important to note that while the treatment of children in the past was often brutal and callous, it is essential to understand that most parents, both in the past and today, loved their children and strived to provide them with the best possible care. There were widely shared understandings of the boundaries that separated acceptable treatment of children from the intolerable and morally wrong. This book aims to examine how these boundaries have evolved and been contested over time, providing a context for the various forms of violence experienced by children throughout history.

One of the most significant aspects of child abuse is the physical and emotional harm it inflicts on children. Children who are subjected to abuse often experience physical injuries, such as bruises, cuts, and fractures, as well as emotional trauma that can have long-lasting effects on their mental and emotional well-being. The effects of abuse can be devastating, leading to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In addition to the physical and emotional harm, child abuse can also have long-term social and economic consequences. Children who are abused are more likely to experience educational difficulties, struggle with employment, and face social isolation and stigmatization. Abuse can also contribute to the cycle of violence, as children who are abused are more likely to abuse their own children in the future.

Despite the prevalence of child abuse, there have been significant efforts to combat it throughout history. In England, for example, the Children Act of 1989 was introduced to protect children from abuse and neglect. The act established a legal framework for the protection of children and provided for the establishment of child protection agencies and the prosecution of those who abuse children.

However, child abuse continues to be a significant problem in many parts of the world, and there is still much work to be done to prevent it and to provide support for those who have been affected. This includes raising awareness about the signs of abuse, providing training for professionals who work with children, and investing in programs that support vulnerable children and their families.

In conclusion, child abuse has had a profound impact on the history of childhood, leaving a lasting legacy of physical, emotional, and social harm. While the treatment of children in the past was often brutal and callous, it is important to understand that most parents loved their children and strived to provide them with the best possible care. Over time, there have been significant efforts to combat child abuse, but there is still much work to be done to prevent it and to provide support for those who have been affected. By raising awareness, providing training, and investing in programs that support vulnerable children and their families, we can work towards creating a safer and more nurturing environment for all children.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509552917