Physical Abuse and Neglect among 13-15 Year Old Children of Migrant Mothers in Kandy District

Abstract

The physical abuse of children between the ages of 13-15 whose mothers were employed abroad, was studied by comparing a sample of such children with a group of similar children who lived with their mothers. The grandmother was the main care giver of children with absentee mothers. Findings showed, that physical abuse, poor performance in schools, school drop outs and behavioural problems was significantly higher in the former group of children. These findings suggest that the negative effects of migration of mothers could outweigh the economic benefits accrued. To strengthen this view, it has been seen that adults with a history of child abuse also turned out to be abusers. A further assessment of maternal migration needs to be done.