EtiologyChild Abuse and NeglectPredisposing factors are multifactorial, ranging from socioeconomic stressors to harmful cultural practices all contributing to the various degree of vulnerability among the world child population.[4][5] Some of the identified risks are as follows:Poor socioeconomic status: Poverty and unemployment among parents provide an unfortunate premise for abuse. Neglect may be as a result of a parent not able to provide basic needs for the child.Domestic violence: Parents who abuse their partners have an increased tendency to abuse their children either directly or by indirect emotional trauma from the child constantly witnessing domestic violence.Drug and alcohol abuse: Parents who abuse drug or alcohol are likely to be abusive.Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy: Product of unwanted or unplanned pregnancy may suffer abuse or neglect either because the unprepared mother, who also may be a child, is not emotionally ready for the role.Gender-based discrimination: In some societies, the female child is even more at risk. They suffer gender-based violence like female genital mutilation, early child marriage, and denial of education.Elderly Abuse and NeglectThe following factors predispose the elderly to abuse and neglect:Caregiver burnout: Care of the elderly can be burdensome.Chronic health challenges: Elderly patients are over-dependent, and the caregiver may not be prepared to provide the needed support.The onset of mental and behavioral challenges: The onset of memory loss in diseases like dementia and Alzheimer disease make the elderly prone to abuse and neglect.