Many children live with violence and neglect – forskning.se

The study, conducted by Asa Caterpillar at Örebro University on behalf of the National Board, has 2 500 young adults between 20-24 years had to answer questions about his upbringing. The goal was to find out how many people suffer from physical, verbal or sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing violence or exposed to theft, robbery or fraud. The study also investigates what help and support they received and their health in adulthood.

– People who are exposed at a young age suffer greater anxiety, post traumatic stress, and self-harm as adults. Additionally harbors more of them into crime. For women, depression is more common, while men more often trying to suicide or have a problem with alcohol, says Åsa Caterpillar.

The study shows that it is common for men subjected to physical abuse and property crime or witness the violent events. Women are more exposed to verbal abuse, sexual abandon and neglect in the home. Women are generally more vulnerable in the home and men in school or in public places.

More research is needed to identify and ensure the extent of children’s and young people’s vulnerability, but the study shows that it is common – 92 percent of men and 88 percent of women report some form of vulnerability. 28 percent of women and 20 percent of men report that they have been exposed to three or more forms of vulnerability that the study addresses.

But that’s only a small percentage of young people who report it to the police. The same applies to children who witness physical violence between parents – more than 11 percent of study participants. 28 percent responded that they have been witness to abusive acts between parents, such as threats or verbal abuse. Only a few have received professional support to manage it happened.

– It is very rare that violence between parents reported to the police. But 57 percent say that they have told someone, usually a friend, and they often feel that they have received the support and assistance they needed, says Åsa Caterpillar.

– But does not apply to the group actually reported to police or social services. Moreover indicates those who have chosen not to tell anyone that they have not done so because they did not believe that it would involve a change. Therefore it is important that aid is effective, accessible and known and reach out to vulnerable children.

The children and young people tell of what they go through is important. Children and adolescents, who have told someone, feel better and suffer less from depression later in life.

– to prevent, detect and remedy acts of violence against and neglect of Children are central tasks for all activities that meet children and parents. School, health care, social services and police must work together to best protect children and adolescents. We will continue to work to do what we can to achieve better judgments, and better efforts, says Åsa Caterpillar.

Read more in the report: http://www.socialstyrelsen.se / publikationer2015 / 2015-6-55