Causecast

by MELISSA JUN ROWLEY, Contributing Writer

Child abuse has become an epidemic in the United States, and it may be occurring underneath your very nose. In our current recession, child abuse rates have been on the rise. As a society, we have an obligation to protect future generations of Americans from being abused or even killed.

Here are some facts you should know about child abuse:

1. The term “child abuse” includes any behavior, action, or carelessness that brings harm to a child. This kind of mistreatment encompasses physical abuse, emotional affliction, sexual offenses and neglect.

2. Emotional abuse, which is inflicted by harsh language, criticism, rejection, belittling, and indifference by others, often results in impaired psychological development in its victims. This form of abuse may take place without physical harm, but in many instances the two go hand in hand.

3. Sexual abuse of a child is exposing the child to sexual conduct, or engaging in any sexual activity or behavior with the child. Making pornographic images or movies of a child is also a form of sexual abuse. This crime is perpetrated against both boys and girls. Most sex offenders know the child they abuse, as in a family member, friend or student.

4. Neglect is the most common form of child abuse. Parents or guardians exhibit neglect when they fail to provide a child with necessities, which include food, shelter, safety, supervision, clothes, education, attention and medical treatment.

5. The Childhelp organization reports that more than three million children are victims of maltreatment each year. Even worse, approximately 1,500 children die each year as a result of this abuse. Research conducted by the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System indicates that children three years old and younger are the most abused age group.

6. In the United States, enforcing child abuse laws is the primary responsibility of states and local governments. In every state, a number of professionals in different fields are required by law to report suspected child abuse. This list includes doctors, nurses, dentists, mental health professionals, social workers, teachers, day care workers and law enforcement personnel. Some states call for clergy, foster parents, attorneys, and camp counselors to report suspicions, as well. In 18 different states and Puerto Rico, any person who suspects child abuse or neglect is required to report.

7. Forty percent of proven cases of child abuse involve the use of alcohol or other drugs.

8. Children who have been victims of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse are at greater risk to be abused again in their adult relationships.

9. Child abuse is not exclusive to any community – it occurs in all socio-economic, ethnic, and religious groups.

10. If you want to get involved being an advocate against child abuse, join your local chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America and get involved in their campaigns for federal legislation to protect children from abuse.

Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography, Flickr.