Taking a Look at Child Abuse

The definition of "child abuse" varies by state. Although every definition of child abuse must meet certain federal minimum standards, a fine line can still exist between what constitutes abuse and what is a harsh but appropriate punishment. Generally, however, most recognized types of child abuse fall into four categories including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. It is a crime in every state to intentionally or recklessly cause injury to a child. As such, all states have statutes which outline the appropriate procedures for reporting and investigating incidents of child abuse.

Verbal abuse is abuse, whether it is done by children or even your parents. Verbal abuse ranges from yelling obscenities to quiet put-downs. Parents use this method to feel supieror and covers their failure. It not only tears them down as children but it can also effect them as they grow into adults.

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse, this also includes via the internet. Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males, Women and other children can also commit acts of sexual abuse. This type of abuse is usually committed by someone known to the victim not just by sexual predators. It is important to remember that boys as well as girls can also be the victim of sexual abuse. The signs of sexual abuse as with emotional abuse may not be outwardly visible, because of the shame and self-blame a child will have if this is happening or has happened to them, makes it very difficult for a child

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.

According to Webster 's dictionary, child abuse is the mistreatment of a child by a parent or guardian, including neglect, physical abuse and sexual molestation. The medical definition differs fro Webster 's definition only by a few words. The medical

According to The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, child abuse 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,” (www.childwelfare.gov). This could be interpreted as physical, sexual or emotional abuse in childhood for those 18 years of age and younger. Child abuse can cause many risk factors and health issues for those affected which can life in later years.

213). Physical abuse is the most common type of child maltreatment. Boys and girls are about equally likely to be physically abused. Physical abuse include: hitting, kicking, shaking, throwing, burning, stabbing or shocking the child (Downs, Moore and McFaden, 2009, pg. 211). Lastly, according to Downs, Moore and McFadden sexual abuse is an “act of a person, adult or child, which forces, coerces, or threatens a child to have any form of sexual contact or to engage in any type of sexual activity at the perpetrator’s direction” (2009,p214). The terms of “sexual abuse” encompasses a wide range of behaviors which are the follow: fondling, making a child touch an adult’s sexual organs and penetrating a child’s vagina or anus (Downs, Moore and McFaden, 2009, p.214). Among the abuses Antwone was subjected to, he was a victim of repeated sexual abuse. He did not receive adequate supervision and he was always hoping that someone would find out and stop the abuse.

The rediscovery of child abuse can be largely contributed to the news media for highlighting the inhumane treatment of children by parents and guardians. Many children were being viciously punished by parents and guardians as a form of corrective training. The harsh punishment and beating would have resulted in severe injuries to the child and their wellbeing. The disturbing circumstances reported by the media drew strong condemnation from people and organization around the nation. The highlighted problem by the media helped mobilize a very strong social movement to deal with the problems and issues relating to child abuse. The movement then quickly highlighted some very important aspect of child abuse such as sexual exploitation, incest, gross

Child abuse is something that is very serious, and happens more often than it should in the world today. According to our class notes social policy is principles that help towards ending many issues. Our main goal in this world should be to make sure that everyone’s well-being is safe as long as we can help it. Especially when it comes to children that have little to no say in certain situations it’s our job as a society to make sure that they are safe, and live in a safe environment.

Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving more than 6 million children. The amount of children abused is doubled due to the fact that a single report can include multiple children. The U.S has one of the worst records among industrialized nations, losing an average between four and seven children everyday to abuse and neglect. The sociological theories that can be used to research the issue of child abuse in the US are symbolic interactionism and the conflict theory.

Sexual abuse, whether of adults or children, is also abuse of a position of power. It also covers any behaviour by any adult towards a child to stimulate either the adult or child sexuality. When the victim is younger than the age of consent (it is a minimum age at which a person is considered to be legally competent to consent to sexual acts), it is referred to as child sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse includes urging or inviting a child to take part in sexual activities. These activities can involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts. These can include involving children in looking at, or the creation of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities as well as encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. There are many indicators of sexual abuse which I have detailed in

There is a lot of child abuse that investigators still have yet to find out. A report of child abuse is made every ten ten seconds. In 2014, state agencies found that an estimated 702,000 victims of child abuse, but that was only the cases that they discovered. That would pack 10 modern football stadiums. (“Child”) Almost 50 countries have banned spanking children, but The United States is not one of them. (Perry) Spanking is still legal in all 50 states in The United States. (Kauffman) The United States have one of the worst records of industrialized nations, losing on average four to seven children every day due to child abuse.

These are activities that are targeted at members of the community and general population with the aim to raise awareness about the problems of child abuse. It involves an approach that targets helping families and children before child abuse occurs and not intervening after the harm has been done. This is very essential as every child deserves to grow up and be nurtured in an environment that is safe and stable which helps in the child’s total development such as the physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral components. These strategies can be via a myriad of programs such as educational programs via public awareness programs, public service announcements, parent education groups, child educational programs, family support and strengthening programs.

Child abuse is any form of physical, psycological, social, emotional or sexual maltreatment* of a child. It could be endangering the survival, the safety, the sefl-esteem, the growth and the development of the child. Child abuse is more than just bruises and broken bones. Not all child abuses are obvious.