"She pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in 1988 and to three counts of forgery in 1990." It was also found that she was "a child victim of sexual assault [and] turned to prostitution and drugs." (Chicago Tribune, November 25, 1997). The incidences of child abuse have been shown to cause much criminal activity later on in the victim's life. This is one reason, as if any more were needed, as to why child abuse needs to stop. State of Knowledge There are many contributing factors that lead to child abuse. First of all, the life of the parents have a lot to do with abuse. "Research suggests that child abuse is more prevalent among economically disadvantaged families." (Vander, 1997). But, that finding does not mean that abuse is restricted to the lower class; it is found across the class spectrum. Other factors related to the family that lead up to abuse can include: "high levels of marital conflict, interspousal physical abuse, and job loss. In addition, child abuse is more common among parents suffering from a mental illness and substance addiction." (Vander, 1997). The above examples are just some of the reasons as to why child abuse may occur, but there are many others as well. Many instances of child abuse have much to do with how much the parent expects from his or her child. One example story goes as follows: "Henry J., in speaking of his sixteen-month old son, Johnny, said, 'He knows what I mean when I say 'come here'.' If he doesn't come immediately, I go and give him a gentle tug on the ear to remind him of what he's supposed to do. In the hospital, it was found that Johnny's ear was lacerated and partially torn away from his head." (Vander, 1997). Aside from expectations, misunderstanding is another leading cause of child abuse. A mother named Kathy made this important statement: "I have never really felt loved all my life. When the baby was born, I thought he would love me; but when he cried all the time, it meant he didn't love me, so I hit him.
