It is extremely important that the family receive support and encouragement throughout this difficult time. The more society educates itself regarding child physical abuse, the more we will be able to prevent it from becoming a part of out lives. Research has shown that physical abuse can be transferred from one generation to the next. It is not conclusive that abused children become abusive parents, however, it is easy to understand how a child who never received nurturance and guidance will have a difficult time providing such affections as a parent. There have also been some correlations connecting delinquent youth to dysfunctional, abusive families.
Abused children are five times more likely to become delinquent youth.
Thus, the problem has the ability to continue and spread out into a vicious cycle, if prevention does not become a serious factor. Early detection is the key to prevention, therefore all societies should develop programs and procedures that will allow for this. Day care programs and drop in centres for young moms are essential elements in prevention. Children need nurturance, guidance, affection and love. They do not need to be terrorized, especially not by the very people they are supposed to trust.