Father Chained 9 year-old Son one month for Stealing;Psychological Implications

Every child is unique and discipline requires effective parenting skills  tailored to the peculiar needs and  personality trait of each child from same parent. Cultural values or personal values are factors that may influence the type of parenting style a parent administers on their children;Balance is the key.

When do we draw the line between child abuse and appropriate disciplinary methods? 

Must Read:Child Abuse-Meaning and Types

9 year old Korede Taiwo who was rescued from the Celestial Church of Christ (Key of Joy Parish), in Ajibawo area near Otta in Ogun state, (West Nigeria) where his father, Prophet Francis Taiwo, chained him for weeks because of his stealing habits, says he stole because he was hungry and that he had not been well fed for four months.

"I steal because I am hungry. I have not been fed well for four months. They give me food but not all the time" he told Channel TV.

The boy was accused of stealing meat from their cooking pot by his step mother identified as Kehinde. The step mother was said reported the case of alleged stealing to the father, a pastor, who reportedly tied the boy’s hands and legs with chains. Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Olanrewaju Kareem, in a statement, said the boy was in chains until a neighbor informed officials on surveillance patrol of critical infrastructure in the area who rescued the boy. Kareem further disclosed that the boy had been chained for one month at the Church.

The boy  was tired and pale and was not able to talk after he was rescued. On getting to the church, there was serious resistance by members, led by the pastor’s wife, Kehinde, but men of Civil Defence Corps insisted, and were able to force their way into the premises and found that the boy was actually in chains. The step mother, father  and the chain with padlock have been handed over to the police

When interviewed, his father Francis said;  "When I complained to my shepherds about his stealing habit, they advised I used different methods but it didn't work. I now decided that maybe if I chain him down I will find a solution"he said.




The implications of Child Abuse

The effects of the abuse suffered by Promise in the hands of his own biological mother can be long lasting despite the being rescued by his father. Let us look at some of the possible long lasting damaging psychological and emotional impact.

Over two decades of research have demonstrated potential negative impact of child abuse and neglect on mental health including:

depression anxiety disorders poor self-esteem aggressive behaviour suicide attempts eating disorders use of illicit drugs

alcohol abuse post-traumatic stress dissociation sexual difficulties self-harming behaviours personality disorders

Studies on the relationship between childhood trauma and later health concerns;
A number of studies have explored the relationship between childhood trauma and later health concerns. The long-term impact of child abuse is far-reaching; some studies indicate that, without the right support, the effects of childhood abuse can last a lifetime. This study by (Draper et al., 2007) found:

Child Abuse Survivors Demonstrate:

•      Poor mental health: are almost two and a half times as likely to have poor mental health outcomes,
•  Unhappiness: are four times more likely to be unhappy even in much later life
• Poor physical health: are more likely to have poor physical health.
• Medical diseases: increases the risk of having three or more medical diseases, including cardiovascular events in women
• Relationships: causes a higher prevalence of broken relationships, lower rates of marriage in late life,
•  Isolation/social disconnection: cause lower levels of social support and an increased risk of living alone
•  Behavioural health effects: is associated with suicidal behaviour, increased likelihood of smoking, substance abuse, and physical inactivity.

Research has found that childhood abuse contributes to the likelihood of:

Depression, Anxiety disorders, Addictions, Personality disorders (Spila, Makara, Kozak, & Urbanska, 2008) Eating disorders, Sexual disorders and Suicidal behaviour (Draper et al., 2007). Low-self esteem, Problems with family functioning (Palmer, Brown, Rae-Grant, & Loughin,2001).

A recent study found that almost 76% of adults reporting child physical abuse and neglect have at least one psychiatric disorder in their lifetime and nearly 50% have three or more psychiatric disorders (Harper et al., 2007).

Adults with abuse histories also present with physical problems more frequently than those who have not experienced abuse (Draper et al., 2007).

Furthermore, child sexual abuse has been found to be a key factor in youth homelessness with between 50-70% of young people within Supported Accommodation Assistance Programs having experienced childhood sexual assault (van Loon & Kralik, 2005b).

 Is It Possible to Recover From Child Abuse?
We now understand that the long-term impact of child abuse is far-reaching as the above studies has shown. Therefore, without the right support, the effects of childhood abuse can last a lifetime.

However, it is possible to live a full and constructive life, and even thrive – to enjoy a feeling of wholeness, satisfaction in your life and work as well as genuine love and trust in your relationships.

Understanding the relationship between your prior abuse and current behaviour is the first step towards ‘recovery’.

Only a Psychological intervention by a professional can guide a victim of any form of abuse to a successful recovery to normal functioning and re-integration into society.However, find out which of the forms four of abuse is more damaging to a child in the next article.

The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle.

To Get Help on Management and Support of Victims of child abuse

 Request Help Through E-Mail:

joyceanthonia@gmail.com

vikkyjoks@yahoo.com

References:

 www.ASCA .org 

Psychology Today