Domestic violence against children on the rise

[maddezmom]

BAGHDAD, 24 May 2007 (IRIN) - Mental health specialists say there has been an increase in domestic violence against children largely a result of the violence that has gripped Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003. They say the violence has affected people's behaviour.

"We have observed that there has been an increase in the number of cases of aggression against children in Iraq and the main perpetrators of this aggression are the children's own parents. Their aggressive behaviour is seriously affecting the daily life of thousands of innocent children," said Ala'a al-Sahaddi, vice-president of the Iraq Psychologists Association (IPA).

"Parental punishments are becoming harsher. We investigated cases in which children were left with water but no food for over two days, or who were beaten with belts or sticks that left them with broken bones," al-Sahaddi added.

According to al-Sahaddi, most Iraqis nowadays behave aggressively towards each other, and exhibit disturbed behaviour. He said the few psychologists left in Iraq do not know how to treat these problems.

more:http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/7945a7999e8e5732dd9032ef3d8e7554.htm

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