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[54]
and that such isolation correlates with higher rates of abuse. Howze & Kotch (1984:
404) state that isolation from friends and relatives, no participation in formal or
informal organisations and even the lack of a telephone, have all been clearly
connected with child abuse. Ikeda (1982 : 488) in her study of child abuse in Japan,
found that abusing families were nuclear families, with no close friends, relatives or
roots in the immediate area. Clifton (1982) states that social isolation increases the
likelihood of other problems which are associated with child abuse.
It could also be that families experiencing severe discord, even violence, deliberately
isolate themselves in an attempt to conceal the situation. Conversely, friends and
family avoid such families so as not to become embroiled in their domestic upheavals.
Whatever the reason for the isolation, the fact remains that abusing families often
have no-one to turn to in a crisis situation, no-one to provide a hand when the
situation is potentially explosive.
(2) Studies pertaining to biological aspects
(a) Premature infants
Premature infants, it would seem from reviewing the literature, are at greater risk of
abuse than their full time counterparts. The suggested reasons are, that they require
a good deal more care in the early months, and the lack of intimate contact between
mother and child in the first few weeks, interferes with the vital bonding or attachment
process. There is also the fear on the part of the mother of forming an attachment
with a child that may not survive. The mother's ill health after the birth and feeding
problems with the infant, may all serve to tip the balance in favour of abusive
behaviour towards the child (Kempe & Kempe 1978: 34).
(b) Illness or abnormality of mother and/or child
Illness on the part of the mother or the child frequently provides the matrix within
which abuse occurs. Chronic illness, with its accompanying frustrations, makes it