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Every year there are thousands of children abused by caregivers and people they trust. The scars of child abuse are deep and long lasting and affect not just those children abused, but society as well. There are signs and symptoms that you can look for if you suspect a child you know is being abused.
In the United States, it is the federal legislation that sets the minimum standard for how each state handles child abuse. They define child abuse and neglect as “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” In 2005, government figures show that 12.1 out of every 1,000 children in America suffered abuse at the hands of an adult, with parents accounting for nearly 80 percent of the abusers. That is almost 900,000 children.
Every day in the United States approximately 4 children die due to abuse or neglect. Most being babies or toddlers. These are just the cases that the authorities are aware of. For every one incident of child abuse or neglect that is reported, an estimated 2 are not. These numbers are mind-blowing.
There are four primary types of child abuse. They are:
1. Sexual abuse
2. Physical abuse
3. Neglect
4. Emotional abuse
The first two of the four garner the most attention because they involve physical violence, but neglect is the most common form of child abuse. Neglect accounts for more than sixty percent of all cases of the maltreatment of children.
The cause of child abuse is still unknown. Why would anyone think of abusing a defenseless child? What type of person(s) abuses a child? All child abuse is not intended or deliberate. There are several factors in a person’s life that could cause them to abuse a child. Some of the factors are:
• Stress. The stress of caring for children or the stress of caring for a special needs child.
• History of abuse. It is common for the abuser to have been a victim of abuse as a child.
• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• Anger. Those who have difficulty controlling their anger often lash out at those who are closest to them, even if it their child.
• A lack of nurturing qualities that is necessary in order to care for a child.
If you know or suspect that a child is being abused please call your local police department or social services and help stop the abuse.
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