Without a parent, the child is more likely to be sexually abused

Children who grew up in a family with only one parent were twice as likely to be abused by bad guys than those who had both, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine study has published.

It is because of the absence of fathers and mothers creating more opportunities for bad guys to abuse children, the researchers said, after excluding social and economic factors. This risk is even higher in children whose parents have low incomes.

"Children who grow up in a family only have one parent who faces more risks when they grow up, such as uncontrolled diabetes and asthma. Now we add another risk to the picture. This common: it is the sexual abuse of childhood, "said Dr. William C. Holmes, author of the study.

Holmes notes that the absence of a parent in a single-family style is because the parent must do more to support the family. As a result, the child will search for another adult to share experiences and relationships.

"The bad guys are very easy to take advantage of this opportunity. They gain the trust of the children, acting as a surrogate parent by creating interest and giving gifts," Holmes said.

The finding shows that single parents need more help, such as improving their chances of better child care.

T. An