Causes of Child Abuse Child abuse and neglect are complex and multidimensional problems. Experts agree that it occurs as a result of multiple forces that interact and reinforce each other. Various factors contribute to the risk of child abuse and neglect of children. Parents are socially isolated.
Parents have unmet emotional needs.
There is a drug or alcohol problem in the home. A parent regards the child as special or different. There is a series of crises. Parents themselves were abused as children. The use of violence or force is condoned as a problem-solving method.