The magnitude of parental physical harms: a descriptive report of 76 abusive children in Isfahan.

Abstract

Background: Victimization of parents by their children is a widespread phenomenon. However, there is a shortage of literature regarding the abusive behavior of children in Iranian society. The primary focus of this study was to highlight the magnitude and nature of the abusive behavior of a handful of Iranian children toward their parents.

Methods: The sample study comprised 76 cases referred to the Isfahan Forensic Department (IFD) from September 2015 to October 2016. Data were computer analyzed using SPSS-21 by running a couple of descriptive-analytical tests.

Results: Most of the victims were elderly mothers above 60 years old. The victims were mostly injured in the neck and head. The majority of the offenders were between 20 to 30 years old, unemployed, with a family history of substance abuse. Significant differences (p less than 0.05) were observed in some variables: gender (women), age (over 60 years), harassment in the residence, having financial authority, 4 children or more (in victims group) and unemployment, single, age between 21-30 years (in offenders group).

Conclusions: Children's abusive behavior towards their parents is a multifactorial phenomenon. Family constitution and background appeared to play a pivotal role in shaping the offenders' social behavior and reaction to their parents. Nonetheless, there is a need to explore further the possible causes of parental victimization.