The integrated modeled theory on understanding and preventing the incidence of child abuse in South Africa

Abstract

This paper is based on an in-progress PhD thesis themed: “Modeling the Differential Incidence of Child Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation in Poor Households in South Africa”. The thesis argues that the gaps and shortcomings in the prevention of child abuse are, to a large extent, the consequence of the unclear understanding of the factors contributing to the incidence of child abuse. Similarly, the ineffectiveness of interventions against child abuse is the result of the over-estimation of economic factors over other contributing factors. The aim of the thesis is three-fold. Firstly, to review theories explaining crime causation in general and child abuse in particular. Secondly to develop the Integrated Modeled Theory as a model that facilitates the understanding the incidence of child abuse. Thirdly, to suggest the IMT as a tool that assists decisionmaking processes for prevention of and intervention against child abuse. Te paper focuses on economic, social and cultural factors and emphasizes on their importance in the incidence of child abuse in one hand, and the care, protection and well-being of children in the other hand.