Child abuse is the intentional and willful harm done to a child, which can include actions such as hitting, beating with an object, slamming against a wall, or even killing. This form of abuse involves actively and aggressively mistreating the child. What’s important about this definition is that the harm inflicted on the child is done intentionally. The reasons behind physically hurting a child are puzzling and may arise from the stress parents face in raising their children. It’s worth noting that deliberately striking a child is considered a felony in all fifty states, although many people are unaware of this fact. Child abuse is more widespread than commonly believed; approximately one out of every five adult women and one out of every ten adult men report experiencing childhood abuse. Recognizing and identifying different forms of child abuse has become more prevalent in economically developed countries compared to other regions around the world during the twentieth century. Throughout history, children have endured beatings and abandonment primarily because parents believed they owned their offspring. By educating oneself and children about abuse, it becomes possible to prevent it from happening to your own children and better handle such situations if they do occur.
There are four categories of child abuse, which include physical abuse (such as neglect and child beating), sexual abuse, incest, and exploitation (such as child pornography). Physical abuse occurs when a caretaker intentionally beats the child. Some examples of physical abuse are:
According to social agencies, physical abuse has increased over the past 25 years. This includes acts like burning children with cigarettes, physically hitting them, and scalding them with hot water. The rising number of reported cases each year (around 60,000) suggests that professionals such as social workers and health experts are getting better at recognizing instances of mistreatment (Sargo 12).
Neglected children frequently encounter the obstacle of not having their basic needs fulfilled by those responsible for their welfare. This can manifest in various ways, such as insufficient provision of food, clothing, or shelter, and encompasses refusing or postponing essential medical attention. Neglect also encompasses abandonment.
Child abandonment encompasses various situations where parents reject or temporarily leave their child, as well as cases where a child is evicted from or denied re-entry into their home. Neglecting education is another form of abandonment wherein parents fail to ensure their children’s attendance in school. In ancient civilizations such as Egyptian, Carthaginian, Roman, Greek, and Aztec societies, there were instances of abandoning deformed or surplus children and even sacrificing them to appease gods (Child 2). Neglecting education can involve either not enrolling the child in school at the required age according to the law or allowing frequent class absences (Gelles 21).
Emotional neglect, parents fighting or beating each other in front of the child, giving permission for drug or alcohol use, and being under the influence themselves are examples of emotional abuse. Moral neglect is when parents let their children roam the streets and risk trouble with the law or encourage criminal acts. Physical neglect is reported as the most common form of neglect according to a DHHS study, with approximately 571,600 cases occurring.
American children are victims of various forms of neglect. Physical neglect affects them the most, with over 292,000 children affected. Educational neglect follows, impacting just over 292,000 children. Lastly, emotional neglect harms 223,000 children. (Child 11)
Sexual abuse, also known as sexual molestation, occurs when an adult takes advantage of a minor for their own sexual gratification. This can involve using force, deceit, bribery, threats, or coercion to engage the child in sexual activities or expose them to such behaviors. These actions violate a child’s right to have a healthy relationship based on trust and exploit the power imbalance between adults and children. Additionally, older or more knowledgeable individuals can also exploit minors for their own sexual pleasure. The abuse typically starts gradually and worsens over time, impacting victims from infants to teenagers. Sexual abuse can take various forms.
The various types of child sexual abuse encompass exhibitionism or coercing a child to participate in sexual acts. In 1994, the American Humane Association carried out a study which uncovered that approximately 100,000 children in America experienced abuse within that year. It is important to note that among the different forms of child abuse, sexual abuse tends to be reported at the lowest rates (Faulkner 4).
The act of sexual abuse by offenders involves cunning and secrecy, as they manipulate their victims under the guise of a loving relationship. Many children only realize the wrongdoing once the violation has already begun, leading to feelings of self-deprecation. The adult engaging in sexual activity with a child deceives and tricks them into thinking it is acceptable within a loving relationship, which is illegal and criminal behavior. Children may not always recognize or understand that they are being abused due to confusion caused by inconsistent parents sending conflicting messages (Faulkner 3-5).
Incest is another form of child abuse that involves sexual acts between individuals who are closely related and prohibited from marrying by law. The Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Program handles about five hundred cases of incest every year, with a majority of victims being females. Perpetrators usually include adult males, such as uncles, cousins, or brothers.
Research from American 1 suggests that 40 percent of women who use drugs have experienced incest with either the fathers or guardians of their children.
Child pornography is a form of abuse that entails the sexual exploitation of children. It surpasses the dissemination of offensive images because its primary concern is that those involved in trading child pornography may eventually engage in sexual crimes within their community. This kind of abuse has been present for centuries, initially originating in foreign countries, but experienced a significant increase in sales during the 1970s. Many of the children involved are runaways who face financial vulnerability. The acts committed in child pornography are savage and cause immense harm to the victims. Furthermore, there is a high probability that these victims, having endured sexual cruelty, may become sexually abusive parents themselves. Consequently, an alarming cycle has been established.
Child abusers can be found in various types of households, ranging from impoverished to middle class and affluent neighborhoods throughout the country. It is not possible to classify a specific group as child abusers. Nevertheless, statistics reveal that families with an annual income of approximately $15,000 encounter the greatest number of abuse instances. In fact, within these families, the rate of mistreatment is five times higher compared to wealthier households. Additionally, research suggests that families with four or more children have a greater likelihood of experiencing physical abuse and neglect.
Child 13 reports that the main perpetrators of beatings are parents who also struggle with their own challenges. Child 13 states that approximately 80 percent of mothers who engage in abuse were previously subjected to abuse during their own childhood (Child 13). As a result, it is not surprising that many children who experience abuse today come from similar troubled backgrounds (Child 9-13).
According to abuse survivors, one issue that persists into adulthood and prolongs the secrecy surrounding the abuse for years is the child’s belief that they are responsible and tainted, making them feel “dirty.” The cunning nature of sex offenders is evident as they are aware of the child’s internal struggles and may exploit this by highlighting the concept of a “pleasure quilt” to maintain the sordid secret. They may reinforce the notion that disclosing the abuse would lead others to perceive the child negatively. (Faulkner 3)
Research shows that abuse has consequences beyond the potential for an abused child to become an abusive parent. It indicates that abused children have a higher likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. The definition of child abuse and neglect is not clearly defined in statutes, which means law enforcement and public officials must assess each case individually. All states have three sets of laws related to child abuse and neglect. One law requires physicians and other officials to report suspected cases of intentional abuse or neglect to the police. The other two laws are used to prosecute alleged child abusers under the criminal code. Child abuse is considered a felony, but intervention often comes too late when troubled families come into contact with the legal system.
While some argue that foster care is a better option for abused children, there are cases where it can have negative effects on their well-being. Despite efforts to discourage placement in homes with more than six children, sixteen percent of children still end up in such homes. Moreover, a quarter of abused children who enter foster care eventually return to their biological parents. Statistics show that approximately ten thousand children experience severe physical abuse each year, while fifty to seventy-five thousand become victims of sexual abuse. Additionally, one hundred thousand children suffer from emotional neglect and another one hundred thousand endure physical, moral, or educational neglect.
“A wide range of individuals, including principals, teachers, coaches, doctors, lawyers, scout leaders, ministers, priests, neighbors, relatives, the butcher, the banker, and the candlestick maker can be identified as sex offenders. This fact is easily seen by just scanning the headlines.” (Faulkner 6)
Research shows that children of all ages are at risk of abuse, underscoring the need for parents to be aware of potential harm or exploitation their child may encounter. Findings indicate that about 25% of children will endure some type of abuse, including both young children and older teenagers. Strikingly, these acts are frequently perpetrated by individuals who are known and trusted by the victims (Faulkner 1).
Various organizations, including the Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Societies, were founded solely to assist in preventing child abuse.
Many organizations in the United States, such as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, along with numerous concerned Americans, are dedicated to preventing child abuse. They work tirelessly towards stopping the spread of child abuse and finding a solution to this horrific problem that affects countless American children.
An effective way to assist children is by speaking up. Remaining silent allows the abuse to continue, protecting offenders while causing suffering for abused children who go through a highly challenging and damaging ordeal.
Outline
Thesis: Child Abuse: Its Definition and Impact on the Child and Family
I. Introduction
II. Different types of child abuse
A. Physical Abuse
B. Sexual Abuse
C. Incest
D. Exploitation
III. Neglect
A. Physical Neglect
B. Educational Neglect
C. Emotional Neglect
D. Moral Neglect
IV. Sexual Abuse
A. Exhibitionism
B. Sexual Acts
V. Incest
A. Sexual acts between relatives
B. Victim statistics
VI. Child Pornography
A. Boomed in the 70’s
B. Abused passed on through generations
VII. Locations where abused children are found include all neighborhoods and low income families.
IX. Abuse laws exist in all states and include abuse statistics.
X. In conclusion,
