THE CRIME OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT AND ITS EFFECT ON EKOSODIN COMMUNITY IN OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

Abstract

The study seeks to examine the crime of child abuse and neglect and its effect on Ekosodin community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The researcher, therefore, employed the survey design. The research instrument involved the use of questionnaire. The total population of Ekosodin community in Ovia North East Local Government Area is about 350 000. The data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The primary source was the questionnaire. The descriptive method of data analysis was used to express the data and this was based on the use of percentage and bar chart during the analysis of data. The findings of the study include: Several factors ranging from low standard of living to lack of income on the part of parents/caregivers can make the children to be subjected to child labor and child prostitution. The study also shows that illiteracy on the part of the parents/caregivers can make them subject their wards to various forms of maltreatment. The study further found out that families where spouse abuse takes place, child abuse also occurs as confirmed by 75% of the respondents. The recommendations made include: Parents should be sensitized on the problem of child abuse. Secondly, the laws that protect the rights of the children must be fully implemented with all sincerity. The researcher equally implores the non-governmental organizations and religious bodies to assist in launching and implementing programs of various forms that would counter the problems of child abuse in the country. Schools should also endeavor to organize a kind of orientation programmer to sensitize the children on avoiding potentially harmful scenarios.

Keywords: child abuse, child neglect, child, child labor, physical abuse, emotional abuse