Violence against children is - and also creates - a sad legacy of abuse

My friend has a child, John, aged 4. He goes to a day-care centre, which has had a problem with a child that hits other children. Quite hard, and reasonably consistently. The day-care centre was wondering how it could control or change this behaviour, or whether it would have to ask him to leave. I was naturally worried for my friend's child. My first step was to consult him.

Does X hit you? I asked.

"No", said John.

"Does he hit other children?"

"Yes".

"Why doesn't he hit you?"

"'Cos I'm stronger than him," was the practical reply.

"Phew, at least it wasn't a personal problem", I thought, somewhat callously.

"Who does he hit then?" I asked.

"Mainly William."

"Why William?"

"I don't know- he just does."