CHILD ABUSE IN IGBOLAND OF NIGERIA: CONTEXT AND CHARACTERISTICS

Igboland is located in south-eastern Nigeria and the inhabitants are known for the love they have for children. These children depend on their parents, teachers and extended families for both their physical and psychological well-being. The interaction that the children have with their parents and others influences their physical, emotional, social and intellectual development. Some parents with the intention of teaching values, beliefs, attitudes end up abusing them because of the type of disciplinary methods that they apply. In Igboland, some parents and those who are in charge of children find it hard to detect and identify child abuse and its characteristics. Most of the children who are abused in Igboland display some of the characteristics that are discussed in this work. This paper will help parents and the society to watch for red flags.