Child abuse is a common occurrence in the United States. Children are subjected to physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect much too often. Child maltreatment statistics show that this fatal problem is not just occurring in the United States, but is widespread around the globe. Children who survive child abuse are left with long term physical, emotional, psychological, and social damage. Many national and international organizations have been established in order to increase awareness about child abuse, and to develop child abuse prevention programs. Individuals must become familiar with the warning signs of child abuse, so that they may recognize when a child is suffering from maltreatment, and report child abuse to the appropriate authorities. Various international, federal and state laws have been developed in order to put an end to child maltreatment. Children around the world have the right to happiness and prosperity, and in order to achieve this child abuse must be stopped. 

Recognizing and Preventing Child Abuse

In order to develop effective methods of preventing child abuse, it is first essential that we understand all of the aspects of child maltreatment. There are many common misconceptions about child abuse. Individuals often maintain preconceived notions about what behavior constitutes abuse, who is subjected to abuse, where abuse occurs, and who is responsible for exposing children to abuse. Discard these beliefs and notions, because in most cases they are wrong. Child abuse not only encompasses physical violence, but an array of other behavior as well. Causing a child emotional harm, threatening a child, and neglecting a child are all forms of child maltreatment. Child abuse does not discriminate. A child of any race, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class may be subjected to abuse, and any individual may be a child abuser. The true facts and statistics regarding child abuse are shocking and surprising. This horrific behavior could be being inflicted on a child that you know. Therefore, it is important to become familiar with effective methods of recognizing child abuse. Each type of child abuse is accompanied by specific indicators and warning signs that will help an individual to recognize that a child is being subjected to abuse or neglect. These indicators may be physical, emotional, psychological, or behavioral. Some types of abuse result in bruising, lacerations, or other types of physical indicators that will be visible to an individual. Other forms of abuse do not leave visible indicators, and instead these types of abuse leave invisible scars that are reflected in a child's emotional stability and behavior. An individual may be able to deduce whether or not a child has been subjected to abuse based on the child's behavior in social situations and his/her interaction with other people. A sudden and extreme change in a child's personality or behavior may indicate that the child is suffering from some form of maltreatment. 

Effects of Abuse


Physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect are all very traumatic for a child who has been subjected to this behavior. They may cause extremely detrimental and long term consequences for a child. A child that has been exposed to these forms of abuse may experience a variety of different negative effects, that can be adverse to a child's psychological, emotional, physical, and social development. The physical effects of abuse and neglect are usually apparent while the abuse is occurring. A child may display bruises, lacerations, burns, or more severe injuries. There will also be various physical indicators that a child is suffering from neglect, such as emaciation. A child who has suffered from physical abuse or neglect may develop irreversible deformities or disabilities. Generally, the more long term effects of abuse tend to be psychological. If a happy and outgoing child is experiencing child maltreatment, it is likely that they will withdraw from family and friends, and a noticeable shift in the child's personality may be visible. Often, children who have been subjected to abuse or neglect will develop severe trust issues. They will have a great deal of difficulty believing what other people tell them, and they will be especially wary of adults. They may develop a sense of extreme self hatred, or a sense of worthlessness. A child who has suffered from child maltreatment will develop insecure feelings about various aspects of their lives. They may question everything that they had previously believed. They may experience feelings of guilt or shame, and feel as if they deserved the abuse that they received. A child who has been subjected to child abuse or neglect may have trouble forming meaningful relationships or emotional bonds with other people. The emotional, psychological, and social damage that a child sustains due to child maltreatment may remain with the child into adulthood. These negative consequences of child abuse may continue to effect an individual and their behavior long after the abuse has ceased. 

Reactive Attachment Disorder

        
Reactive Attachment Disorder is one of the extremely detrimental consequences of child abuse and neglect. It is a severe psychological disorder that effects a child's ability to create meaningful attachments or emotional bonds with a parent or a caregiver. Reactive Attachment Disorder will prevent a child from trusting an adult, and therefore the child will avoid forming a relationship with the adult. This disorder can have severe adverse effects on the child's health, as well as on the child's social and emotional development. The child may become emaciated because he/she refuses to eat. The child will also withdraw from people and be most comfortable when he/she is alone. The child may not enjoy taking part in normal childhood games or activities. If left untreated, Reactive Attachment Disorder can create major problems when a child enters school. Children with this disorder often act out, and are commonly labeled the 'problem child' of the class. The child may take part in destructive behavior or may steal from other children. A child who is suffering from this disorder may often interrupt or distract the class by talking over the teachers. They may also refuse to complete their assignments, and in some cases they may complete more work then was assigned. If a child does not receive treatment for this disorder, it may continue to cause long term psychological, physical, and social damage to the child. Various methods of treatment have been developed in order to attend to Reactive Attachment Disorder. Therapy is often focused at addressing the harmful behavior of the parent or caregiver, as well as the psychological effects sustained by the child. Therapy is also used to improve and strengthen the bond between the child and the child's parent or caregiver. In some cases, a doctor will prescribe medication in order to treat some of the effects that are associated with the disorder. Various support groups have been established, so that families with children who are suffering from this disorder may provide each other with assistance and encouragement. 

Types of Abuse


When an individual thinks about child abuse, they usually imagine a child being subjected to physical violence and brutality. However, physical abuse is only one of the many types of abuse that children suffer from around the world. Child maltreatment can be inflicted upon a child in a variety of different manners. Physical abuse occurs when an individual causes a child physical harm or injury. The injuries sustained from this type of abuse may include burns, lacerations, bruises, and swelling. Physical abuse can cause irreversible damage, permanent deformities, and even death. Many parents cross the line between abuse and discipline. It is essential to remember that there are various important differences between the intentions and the actions of abuse and discipline. The most common type of child abuse is neglect, and it can be just as fatal as extensive physical abuse. There are various types of neglect, including physical neglect and medical neglect. When a child is suffering from neglect, the child's parent or caregiver is denying the child access to the basic necessities that are required for survival, such as food and water. Neglect can result in severe malnourishment, starvation, physical disabilities, and death. Children who survive this form of child maltreatment may experience long term psychological and emotional consequences. Child abandonment is another type of child abuse that is punishable under child abuse law. This form of child maltreatment occurs when a parent physically deserts their child, or fails to provide for their child. When an adult makes, or allows, a child to take part in sexual activities for the adult's sexual gratification, the individual is responsible for subjecting the child to sexual abuse. Sexual abuse includes a wide range of activities, including, but not limited to, forcing a child to look at or touch the genitalia of an adult, or viewing or touching the child's genitals. Sexual abuse also includes utilizing a child in pornographic videos or photographs. Sexual abuse is extremely traumatic for a child. Psychological abuse and emotional abuse have only recently become recognized as legitimate forms of child maltreatment. These forms of abuse occur when a child is subjected to behavior that is emotionally harmful or damaging. This behavior may include threatening a child, embarrassing a child, or undercutting the worth of a child. Emotional and psychological abuse can cause a child to experience low self esteem and self hatred. When a parent abuses drugs or alcohol, especially in the presence of a child, then they are taking part in child abuse. A parent who is intoxicated due to the consumption of drugs or alcohol is not able to properly care for their child. Forcing a child to be in contact with drugs may be harmful to the physical and emotional health and the well being of a child. There are many different behaviors and activities that are detrimental to the health and the well being of a child. 

Reporting Child Abuse


In order to prevent a child from suffering from child abuse and neglect it is essential that suspected child maltreatment is reported to the appropriate authorities. Reporting suspected child abuse is not difficult, and it may save a child's life. Many states have established statewide child abuse hotlines. An individual who suspects that a child is suffering from physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, or neglect can call this hotline and inform the authorities about their concerns. If an individual has reason to believe that a child is in immediate physical danger, then they should contact their local law enforcement agency. A national child abuse hotline has also been created so that individuals who have questions or concerns, or individuals are unsure who to contact in order to report abuse, can receive assistance and advice from professional counselors. Each state has a department, such as the Department of Social Services, that deals specifically with child abuse response and prevention, as well as child protection. An individual who has a reason to suspect that a child is being subjected to some form of child maltreatment should contact the appropriate authorities, even if they are not certain that the abuse is occurring. Individuals who report child abuse in good faith will not suffer from legal repercussions if the allegations were false. When an individual contacts a child abuse hotline in order to report child maltreatment, they will be required to provide the authorities with certain information regarding the abuser, the victim, and the nature of the abuse. Every state has developed some form of mandatory reporting law that requires specific individuals to report suspected child abuse or neglect. These laws vary a great deal from state to state, and while some states require all individuals to report abuse, other states only require certain professionals to make child abuse reports. Failure to comply with mandatory reporting laws will result in legal action. Many states have also developed exceptions to the mandatory reporting laws. Becoming familiar with how to report child abuse in your state may help you to save a child's life. 

Warning Signs

        
Child abuse is a frequent occurrence in the United States. In many cases, children who are suffering from child abuse or neglect will display various different warning signs. Becoming familiar with these warning signs may help an individual to recognize that a child is being subjected to maltreatment. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect will often be accompanied by physical indicators that these forms of abuse are occurring. A child who is suffering from physical abuse will display various injuries, which may range in severity from a bruise to a fractured bone. These wounds will not be congruent with the types of injures that a child would receive during every day play or activities. A child who is being subjected to sexual abuse may receive some similar injuries, including bruises, or other wounds that indicate a struggle. The child may suffer from specific ailments that are often associated with sexual intercourse, such as urinary tract infections. In most cases, the warning signs that will be displayed by a child who is suffering from sexual abuse will be psychological, emotional, and behavioral. For example, a child who has been inflicted with this type of maltreatment may become suddenly afraid of going to a specific location, or spending time alone with a specific person. A child who is suffering from neglect will maintain many physical indicators that they are not receiving the proper care. One of the most popular warning signs of neglect is that a child will appear to be extremely malnourished or emaciated. This is because the child's parents are not providing the child with an adequate supply of food. Emotional abuse may be more difficult to recognize then the other forms of abuse. This is because the injuries associated with this type of child maltreatment are not physical, they are psychological. This type of abuse will often be reflected in a child's behavior or their emotional instability. Each type of abuse is accompanied by a wide range of warning signs. Being able to recognize these warning signs will help an individual to prevent a child from being subjected to further child maltreatment. 

Risk Factors that can Lead to Abuse


There are a variety of risk factors that increase the likelihood that a child will suffer from physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, or neglect. Parents or guardians who take part in specific activities may be more likely then other parents to subject their child to abuse or neglect. Often, an individual who is responsible for subjecting their spouse to domestic violence is apt to also expose their child to abuse or neglect. An individual who takes part in domestic violence already has a tendency to resort to anger and fear in order to achieve goals and maintain control. They may also have trouble controlling their temper. It is not a huge leap for an individual who is abusing their spouse to redirect this violence and brutality towards their child. If a child is born into a family in which the parents or guardians abuse drugs or alcohol, then that child is at a higher risk for experiencing abuse and neglect then children who are born to parents that do not use drugs. There are various reasons for this. Individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are likely to engage in behavior that they may not normally take part it. An individual that is inebriated may not find it difficult to subject a child to abuse, or to ignore the child's needs. Individuals who are suffering from a psychological disorder or a mental illness may suffer from delusional thoughts and perspectives about a child or a situation. This may cause the individual to physically harm the child. Psychological disorders may make it difficult for a parent or a guardian to effectively manage stress and anxiety. An individual who is suffering from a mental illness may redirect negative feelings, thoughts or beliefs towards a child. Some parents are just unprepared or unfit to handle the responsibilities that come with parenting. These individuals may have not realized the extent of financial, physical, and emotional stress that they would experience. As a result of these stresses, this individual may snap and subject their child to abuse or violence. Becoming familiar with these risk factors may help an individual to recognize when a child is in danger of being subjected to abuse.

Breaking the Cycle

       
When an individual subjects a child to physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, or neglect, they are putting in motion a vicious cycle of child maltreatment. It is commonly believed that children who have suffered from abuse and neglect will go on to expose their children to abuse and maltreatment. Of course, it is not always the case that an individual who has been abused will go on to abuse their children. However, individuals who have been subjected to abuse are more likely to inflict abuse upon their children. Individuals who have been exposed to abuse as a child may have learned that abuse and violence are effective and acceptable methods of maintaining power. Remembering that the individual who is responsible for the abuse may be also suffering, may help in developing successful methods of preventing child abuse and neglect. In many cases, an individual who is responsible for subjecting a child to abuse experiences a great deal of shame and guilt for their actions. This is not always the case, and there are repeat offenders who have no concern for the happiness of the safety of a child. However, some individuals will suffer from severe remorse. Many times, an individual who has subjected a child to abuse will be unable to forgive themselves, and some choose to commit suicide in order to escape their guilt and self hatred. In order to break the cycle of abuse it is essential for an individual to seek treatment if they have been subjected to abuse. Various different types of therapy have been created in order to address both the cause and the effects of child abuse. Therapy will help an individual to cope with the negative social, psychological, and emotional effects of child maltreatment. Many organizations offer parenting classes in order to teach parents positive parenting techniques. These classes will help a parent to effectively manage stress, and will teach them non-aggressive methods of discipline. 

Child Abuse Statistics


Child abuse statistics paint an alarming and troubling picture about child abuse in the United States. Child abuse occurs much more frequently then most people believe that it does. This awful behavior effects children of all races, socioeconomic classes, ethnicities, and sexes. The statistics related to child abuse indicate that although child abuse has become much less frequent since the 1950s, it is still occurring at unacceptable rates. The information and data that is available regarding child abuse and neglect indicate that these forms of child maltreatment have severe and long lasting effects on children. An individual who has been subjected to child abuse or neglect is more likely to take part in a variety of detrimental activities. Statistics related to child maltreatment show that there is a strong correlation between abuse and later criminality. These statistics also illustrate the severity and the fatality of child abuse and neglect. Many children throughout the nation are subjected to physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect every year. Reviewing the statistics related to child maltreatment will help an individual to understand the austerity of this pandemic. 

Child Abuse Laws


Child abuse laws exist at both a state and a federal level. Federal child abuse laws and state child abuse laws interact in an intricate and complex manner. The federal government requires that each state develop some form of law for the protection of children, and the prevention of child maltreatment. It is each states' responsibility to create specific child abuse laws, definitions of child abuse, and punishments for disregarding the child abuse laws. Various states may choose to incorporate different behaviors into their definition and understanding of what constitutes child abuse. Although the federal government does not have the ability to make or enforce child abuse laws at a state level, the federal child abuse laws have a large impact on the child abuse laws that are maintained by each state. The federal government has leverage that they utilize in order to compel state governments to adopt specific child abuse laws. Many different Acts and Amendments have been established at a federal level, in order to provide states that meet eligibility requirements with financial resources. States that comply with the wishes of the federal government may be granted access to federal funds for a variety of different purposes. Each state has developed some form of mandatory reporting law, which requires certain individuals to report suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities. The penalties for not adhering to mandatory reporting laws vary from state to state. The punishments for partaking in physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect are also very different depending on what state an individual resides in. Every state has developed some type of punishment for individuals who subject a child to maltreatment. however, there is a great disparity in child abuse penalties based on location. 

Child Protective Services, Groups, and Organizations

        
Various organizations have been established throughout the country in order to advocate children's rights and protect children from child abuse and neglect. These organizations each offer a variety of different programs and services aimed at preventing child maltreatment. Many of these programs are educational in nature, and seek to teach individuals about the causes, the risk factors, and the long lasting, negative effects of child abuse. Some organizations offer programs that focus on teaching parents positive parenting techniques so that they do not resort to aggressive methods of disciplining a child. These programs will help parents and care givers to cope with the stresses of parenting. Many of these organizations also seek to increase awareness about the frequency and severity of child abuse by providing individuals with access to information about child maltreatment. State services, national, and international organizations aspire to create effective methods of providing children with happy and healthy lives. They recognize the importance of ensuring that children have a safe and secure environment to grow up in, and seek to establish successful means of providing children with this protection. Child abuse hot lines have been established throughout the country so that individuals can report suspected child abuse and neglect. Individuals who contact these hotlines may also speak to a professional counselor in order to receive advice or information about child maltreatment. 

Child Abuse Treatment
        
A child who has been subject to physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, or neglect may maintain long term detrimental consequences. Child abuse may have severe negative effects on a child's psychological, emotional, social, and physical development. An individual who has been subjected to child maltreatment may continue to experience these effects into adulthood, and they may prevent an individual from forming meaningful relationships with other people. Due to abuse, a child may develop psychological disorders such as severe depression and post traumatic stress disorder. In order to overcome the adverse effects of maltreatment and neglect, it is essential that a child who has suffered from child abuse be provided with access to child abuse treatment. Various forms of therapy have been developed in order to combat the consequences of child abuse. Some types of therapy focus solely on addressing the psychological and emotional problems that a child has developed due to maltreatment. Other forms of therapy seek to confront both the causes and the effects of child abuse. There are many different forms of therapy, so that a child has the ability to express themselves in a variety of different ways. For example, one child may feel comfortable talking about their feelings and experiences, while for another child, it may be more beneficial to creatively express their emotions through various forms of art. It is essential to find the form of therapy that the child will be most comfortable with, and that will be most effective for that child. 

International Child Abuse

        
Child abuse is not just a problem on a national level, but it is also an extensive problem on an international level. International child abuse statistics indicate that many children around the world are subjected to child maltreatment on a daily basis. This is often because many countries still allow harmful traditional religious and cultural practices to take place. These practices and rituals may be extremely painful and detrimental to the health and the well being of a child. Many countries are experiencing political instability and children in these countries are regularly subjected to violence and brutality. Impoverished countries often experience high rates of child neglect and abandonment. Many children around the world are subjected to economic and sexual exploitation. Recent international child abuse news has indicated that child maltreatment is continuing to occur in high rates around the world. It is very difficult to maintain and enforce an international legal framework for the prevention of child abuse, because countries around the world all maintain different beliefs, ideas, and perspectives on children and child abuse. Many international organizations have been developed in order to help provide relief to children who are suffering from abuse and neglect around the world. These organizations seek to increase awareness about the severity of international child abuse. Many international child abuse organizations have focused a great deal of energy on developing effective methods of combating child abuse. These organizations are continuing to carry out research in order to gain more information about international child abuse and neglect. They are also working closely with governments around the world to create safe environments for children to grow up in. 

Child Abuse History

        
Child abuse has a long and morose history. Children have been being subjected to physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect for thousands of years. In ancient times it was very common and widely accepted for children to be treated horrifically. As time has progressed, so have children's rights. Child abuse still occurs frequently both within the United States and around the world. However, the frequency of child abuse has decreased a great deal over time. What was once considered to be acceptable behavior is, in most locations, condemned and punishable under the law. In early history, children were considered to be property and were often utilized and disposed of as an object instead of a person. Today, most countries recognize that children have the right to freedom, happiness, and prosperity, and they take measures to try and ensure the safety of children. However, child abuse is in no way obsolete, as recent child abuse cases indicate. Some awful and unthinkable acts of child abuse have occurred within the last few years. In order to raise awareness about this continuing pandemic, April has been designate Child Abuse Month. During the month of April, organizations throughout the United States organize various programs and events in order to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. They also oversee child abuse fundraisers in order to raise money to finance child abuse prevention programs.  

Child Abuse in Court

       
An individual who is accused of subjecting a child to physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, or neglect, should immediately locate an attorney who has extensive experience with child abuse cases. Child abuse is a very sensitive subject, and therefore, child abuse cases can be extremely tricky. An individual who is involved in a child abuse case will want to find a layer that they trust to effectively and successfully represent them. The family who has been effected by the abuse will also want to locate an outstanding child abuse prosecuting attorney. In some cases, such as when a child's parents subject the child to abuse or neglect, the child's interests and desires may be represented by a guardian ad litem. Once an individual is accused of exposing a child to maltreatment, an investigation will occur in order to determine whether or not the allegations were accurate. If the investigation concludes that an individual is responsible for child abuse, then the perpetrator may be convicted of a variety of different charges. The charge will often depend on the severity of the abuse, the age of the victim, and the state in which the individual is located in. An individual who has been convicted of child maltreatment may never be trusted with children again, and will therefore not be placed in a position in which they will have contact with children. A court may decide to abolish the parental rights of a parent who has subjected their child to abuse.  An individual who has exposed a child to abuse or neglect may experience a variety of long term, negative consequences of their actions. 

Shaken Baby Syndrome

        
It is very common for an individual to become angry or frustrated with a child, and to resort to aggressive methods of quieting an infant. Shaken baby syndrome occurs when a child is subjected to forceful shaking or throwing. Due to an infant's physiology and anatomy, this type of violent behavior can cause a child to suffer from severe brain damage. A child who is inflicted with shaken baby syndrome may suffer from irreversible mental and physical disabilities. They will never be able to live a normal life, and will constantly require the care of another individual. A child who has experienced violent shaking may display various physical indicators that will help an individual to recognize that the child is suffering from shaken baby syndrome. If a child is showing evidence of any of these symptoms, it is imperative that they be taken to the hospital immediately. Statistics related to shaken baby syndrome provide a grim outlook for infants who have been subjected to this abuse, however, the longer that a child remains without treatment the less effective life saving treatments will be. As a result of the frequency and the severity of shaken baby syndrome, many states have adopted legislation aimed at prevention through education. Various organizations have been established in order to raise awareness about shaken baby syndrome, and provide education to parents and caregivers in order to prevent children from being subjected to this fatal form of abuse. 

Child Abuse Resources

       
There are various resources available to provide individuals, professionals, and organizations with information about child abuse and neglect. There are many lawyers that specialize in child abuse cases, and who are able to provide individuals with invaluable information about the legal aspects of child maltreatment. A lawyer has the ability to provide an individual with essential insight into the legal proceedings regarding abuse and neglect, and child abuse court cases. Many child abuse agencies have been established for the purpose of collecting and distributing information related to child maltreatment, and to encourage prevention through education. These organizations often provide individuals with access to news article and academic articles. Various books have been published to help individuals understand the various aspects of child abuse. These books include biographies, which chronicle the experiences of individuals who have suffered from abuse, as well as educational texts that outline information about the causes and effects of child maltreatment. Online forums and blogs have been developed so that individuals can read about other peoples' experiences coping with the various types of child abuse. These online resources will often allow individuals to contact people who have experienced similar situations, and receive advice and answers from individuals who have been in their shoes. Education is essential for prevention, and these resources provide individuals with a great deal of knowledge and insight.