Violence in the family of origin. Abusive parents are likely to have witnessed violence between their parents and were likely to have been physically punished themselves as children. Violence in the intimate relationship. Parents who abuse their spouses or intimate partner are more likely to abuse their children than parents whose marriage is peaceful. Likewise, children living with a stepparent are more likely to be abused than those living with both natural parents.
Some subcultures appear more tolerant of violent behavior toward children.
For example, children who live in an unsafe neighborhood characterized by high levels of violence are at greater risk of being abused than are children growing up in a more peaceful neighborhood. There are numerous indications in the child's appearance or behavior that raise the possibility that child abuse or neglect has occurred or might occur. These signs individually are not predictors of child abuse, but if several are evident, suspicion of abuse may be warranted. If you observe, or suspect child abuse or neglect, report it immediately to local law enforcement or the Department of Social Services. Such report maybe made orally by telephone with the caller giving his or her name and address, shall be followed by a written report, and to the extent available shall contain the address and age of the abused or neglected child, the address of the person or persons having custody of the abused or neglected child, the nature and extent of the abuse or neglect or the conditions and circumstances which would reasonably result in such abuse or neglect.