NCJ Number
139790
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 7 Issue: 14 Dated: (December 1992) Pages: 517-531
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Findings from the 1991 and 1992 National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse (NCPCA) surveys in the areas of public attitudes toward specific parental discipline practices, the incidence of specific parental discipline practices, the public's support for and involvement in child abuse prevention efforts, and the public's perception of the causes of child maltreatment were examined to assess the impact of public awareness and education campaigns.
Abstract
The majority of the public in each survey viewed physical punishment and repeated yelling and swearing as harmful to children's well-being. Survey data indicate that public awareness campaigns have been effective in convincing parents that physical punishment is harmful to children. Forty-five percent of the parents surveyed reported insulting or swearing at their children in the past year, and 53 percent reported spanking or hitting their children. Between 1988 and 1992, there has been a 17 percent decrease in the rate of parents who report spanking or hitting their children. In 1992, 4 percent of the parents reported kicking, punching, or biting their children, and 10 percent reported hitting or trying to hit their children with an object. The current survey shows a disturbing increase in emotional abuse since 1990. Survey findings suggest that individuals and parents may be increasingly willing to take personal action to prevent child abuse. 2 notes, 7 tables, and 18 references