Child abuse: a Caribbean regional perspective

ABSTRACT

Discusses the findings of a survey on parental use of corporal punishment conducted in October/November 1987, on a sample of 499 adults ranging in age from 20 to 59. States that there is still widespread support for corporal punishment (71 percent), however, there is a small but significant minority who are against (23 percent of the 29 percent who disapproved indicated it should never be used) a finding not apparent in previous literature from the Caribbean, but consistent with complaints from parents about punishment at school. Responses used to illustrate findings. Discusses the influence of the media. States that the findings provided a clearer picture of the current confusion and conflict on the use of corporal punishment and its status vis a vis contemporary perceptions about abusive parental behaviour. Data suggests the development of positive and enthsiastic attitudes towards non-corporal methods of discipline and recommends that these be set in a Caribbean context. (AU)