Examining the Impact and Prevalence of Child Abuse and Neglect in Nkpor-uno, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence and impact of child abuse and neglect in Nkpor-uno, located in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, highlighting a critical issue with profound lifelong implications. With a focus on understanding the scope of child abuse and neglect within this community, the research adopts a methodological framework guided by the principles of social learning theory. The study's objectives were pursued through the analysis of data collected from a purposively sampled group of 100 parents and caregivers out of a targeted population of 1,000 residents. Utilizing a specially designed structured questionnaire, the study employed quantitative methods, specifically frequency counts, means, and standard deviations, to analyze the collected data. The findings of the research are alarming, indicating a 91% prevalence rate of child abuse and neglect in Nkpor-uno, which underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address this crisis. Based on these results, the study proposes a multifaceted approach to combat child abuse and neglect. It calls for a collaborative effort involving parents, caregivers, educational administrators, healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations, and governmental bodies. The aim is to foster a supportive environment that not only prevents child abuse and neglect but also ensures the rehabilitation and well-being of affected children. This study contributes to the broader discourse on child welfare and serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize and address the issue of child abuse and neglect in Nkpor-uno and beyond.