Laws Against Child Abuse

What is child abuse? From the word “abuse” we can understand that it is some sort of a maltreatment of a child, causing harm and damage both to his physical and psychological well-being. At the Federal level, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) describes 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.” Child abuse is a very substantial and widely spread problem in U.S. affecting children of any age, gender, race, background or income, with almost 3 million cases reported every year and on average, killing more than 4 children every day . The main issue of child abuse is that the abuser is usually someone a child loves or depends on (a parent, step-parent, sibling, coach, neighbor, etc.), who violates child’s trust putting personal interests first, therefore official numbers of how many children suffer maltreatment might be not accurate enough as remarkable amount of these cases go unreported. Each case of child abuse is unique, with a lot of individual factors involved, nevertheless, we can distinguish some of the common causes, such as poverty, lack of education, depression, mental or physical health problems, alcohol/drug addictions, social isolation, marital problems, insecure attachments between a parent and a child, etc.

Child abuse is epidemic in many countries as well as the United States. It is estimated that every thirteen seconds a child is abused in some manner: physically, sexually, emotionally or by neglect (Friedman). Each year, there are over 3 million reports of child abuse in the United States involving more than 6 million children. Child abuse can be reduced with proper education of the parents and with greater public awareness.

Child abuse is when a parent or caregiver, through action or failure to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm or risk of serious harm to a child. According to The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, at a minimum, child abuse and neglect is defined 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 (Children 's Bureau, 2010)." The law recognizes a child as being any person who is under the age of 18. The law is broken into 2 sections, and each section treats the idea of child maltreatment in different ways. Criminally, those who abuse children are able to be arrested and prosecuted in court. Civil statutes say that people who suspect a child of being abused are mandated to identify and report it.

What is child abuse? From the word “abuse” we can understand that it is some sort of a maltreatment of a child, causing harm and damage both to his physical and psychological well-being. At the Federal level, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) describes 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.” Child abuse is a very substantial and widely spread problem in U.S. affecting children of any age, gender, race, background or income, with more than 1.8 million investigations done every year and on average, killing more than 5 children every day. The main issue of child abuse is that the abuser is usually someone a child loves or depends on (a parent, sibling, coach, neighbor, etc.), who violates child’s trust putting personal interests first, therefore official numbers of how many children suffer maltreatment might be not accurate enough as remarkable amount of these cases go unreported. Each case of child abuse is unique, with a lot of individual factors involved, nevertheless, we can distinguish some of the common causes, such as poverty, lack of education, depression, mental or physical health

. Child abuse is a growing problem and prevention education is the key. There are more children being abused in the United States everyday. People need to learn the sign of abuse, when it is appropriate to report abuse, how to report abuse, and what to do to prevent future abuse.

Child abuse in American today is amongst the most saddened topics of mankind. Many children are subjected to neglect and abuse on a daily basis. The sex and age of child makes no difference when it comes to child abuse.. Boys and girls are equally likely to suffer maltreatment. The problem is how often child abuse goes unreported. Millions of children across the world are abused in some way, whether it is verbal, emotional, physical or sexual. Child abuse has been happening all over the world to young children, however many children keep this a secret because of fear of what could happen. Child Abuse consists of any act of commission or omission that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development. It can be

Furthermore, evidence shows that “in 2008 approximately 1,740 children died from a result of some type of maltreatment which includes abuse and neglect” while “in 2008 45% of maltreatment deaths involve children younger than 1 year of age and 72% of child maltreatment deaths were younger than 4 years of age”. Even after the amended law was passed by the legislation, the statistical evidence has increased immensely. The reason for such increase is a result of people reporting child abuse and neglect (CAN) cases. According to Congress, the American society is “responsible for responding to any type of child abuse and neglect activity” (CAPTA, 2010).

Child Abuse laws in the United States varies from state to state. Therefore, if one is found being abusive their punishment is determined by where they live. I think that defining a distinct crime of child abuse is a great idea. This makes it easier to gather evidence rime allows one to know that child abuse is taken very seriously. Due to the numerous ways that child abuse can occur it is important that it is seen as its own crime. Another reason why It is a good idea is because children deserve the same protection from the laws adults do. Children are our future and if they are not shown that child abuse is bad in every aspect, when they become adults it may be seen more often. Why should that person be allowed to keep their child.

Child abuse is a very serious issue here in the United States. Child abuse is defined as the physical, mental, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child who is under the age 18 (Pro Quest Staff). Many of the children get abused by the person in charge of the child's care. This includes loved ones of the child, people who the child once could trust. In the all U.S. states allow parents to hit/spank their children in the manner of discipline.

Child abuse in America is an ongoing problem and something needs to be done. It is Social Injustice. There are approximately one

Any person who has valid reasoning that a child is being abused or neglected, are required to report this abuse as well. Just like in PA, in New York the standards for making a report remain the same. However, the person making the report must give their name.

Child abuse. Two words that should never have to be seen side by side. However, child abuse and neglect is a problem that affects millions of children each year in the United States. Every day, many children’s well-being and safety are harmed by the physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect that parents and caregivers inflict upon them. Unfortunately, to wish otherwise would be the same as to wish for a perfect world. We must do the best that we can as a society with the power of the law on our side to help the innocent young victims of child abuse. We have a responsibility as human beings to do all that we can for these children. There are numerous definitions of what constitutes child abuse and neglect and they vary across time and the way our society grows. There are many ways to protect a child, but one of the best ways is to know and understand your state statute on child abuse and neglect. Each state is different in their guidelines, however, I am going to explain one state’s advantage and disadvantages that it may portray.

Child Abuse In a quote from National Statistics On Child Abuse it states “More than 700,000 children are abused in the U.S annually.” Child abuse can be defined as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse towards any person who is under the age of 18. In most of the cases reported the abuser is the parent or caregiver of the child. Not many people realize the amount of cases that are reported each day due to child abuse.

INTRODUCTION: “Child Abuse occurs when a parent or a care taker physically, emotionally, or sexually mistreats or neglects a child resulting in the physical, emotional, or sexual harm or imminent risk of harm or exploitation, or in extreme cases the death of a child,” child abuse is a big deal because in today’s society many children face abuse, there are many effects and reasons as to why a child may be abuse.

1 in 10 children : child maltreatment. 1 in 16 children : sexual abuse. 1 in 10 children : witnesses to family violence. Child abuse is a huge problem needs to be put to a stop. Why is child abuse still a problem if laws are being enforced? The only solution is that the United States need more laws to be enforced in order to stop child abuse and neglect. Some people may say that the current laws are efficient and we don't need anymore laws. Here are some reasons on why child abuse need to be stopped. Emotional abuse is a huge problem and there is few laws that fight it. Physical abuse is one of the most fought abuses, although in 2005, 899,000 children were physically abused. Sexual abuse can majorly affect someone's life by inflicting mental disorders, stds, and physical harm.