In the United States, over six million children are vulnerable to abuse. Due to a vague definition and inconsistency of child abuse it is impossible to be “universally accepted” (Friedman and Billick). In his book “Bioethics,” Ed Bruce Jennings states that cases are usually underreported due to cultural differences and religious beliefs that makes it difficult to define child abuse and neglect. In the United States until the twentieth century, child abuse was known to be “morally acceptable and legally permissible” (I. Child Abuse). Firstly, during this research project, the causes and risk factors behind child abuse would be unfolded. Secondly, we will examine children’s effects and long-term consequences through adulthood. Then, introduce …show more content…
He also stated medicine as a form of “witchcraft and sorcery.” “We do disagree with medicine and believe that it puts our very eternal lives in jeopardy” (Russell). Idaho’s Ada County prosecutor’s office, Jean Fisher, a special crimes unit chief shared stories of a 16-year-old and two 8-year-old girls lost their lives because their parents denied medical care due to religious beliefs (Lawmakers scrutinize Idaho’s faith-healing exemption from child neglect, manslaughter charges). Based on the Idaho statistics and burials of the Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Canyon County, the child mortality rate from 2002 to 2011 was 31 percent, compared to the 3.37 percent statewide rate …show more content…
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study has found exposure to violent abuse during childhood, interferes with the brain developmental system which leads to delinquency. Anxiety, depression, sleeping disorder and school problems are some of the possible mental effects on children. Furthermore, emotional and behavioral effects include: eating disorders, substance abuse, unsafe sexual decision, suicide attempt and feeling of discomfort when touched physically (Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect). The most common cause of death for infants is known as the Abusive head trauma- an inflicted injury to the head and its contents caused by shaking and blunt impact (Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect 3). Also, known as the Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). The New York State Department of Health website provided statistics on SBS in which they reported an estimated of 1,000 to 3,000 children within the United States affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome each year. one fourth of victims dies and 80 percent of the survivors suffer from life-long permanent damage to the brain (Shaken Baby Syndrome-Facts and Figures ). Society would need to be more aware of their surroundings, educate, and empower one another raise public awareness more often then
Sadler, B. The societal consequences of child abuse. In Grapes, B. J. (2001) Contemporary Issues Companion: Child Abuse. San Diego: Greenhaven Press.
Child abuse does not discriminate against a child because of age, sex, religion, or socioeconomic background. Every child is vulnerable to abuse. Parents today face the possibility that someone they know or a stranger may hurt or take advantage of their children. Research indicates that as many as one out of every four children will be the victims of some kind of abuse (National Child Abuse Statistics). Furthermore, one of the biggest ironies of child abuse is that the family, a child’s primary source of care, love, and security, can also be their most taunting experience. This was the case of 17 month old baby, Peter Connelly. Throughout his short life span, he suffered from neglect and physical abuse that ultimately caused his death. Child abuse is a serious problem that is being taken too lightly.
Since the case of Mary Ellen Wilson in 1874, child abuse has seen it’s share of light in published news. It is disheartening to read countless stories of future generations being harmed to the extent of psychological damage or even death. Child abuse as a whole has been addressed multiple times in various news blogs, however, nothing has been done to work towards abolishing it at a larger level. The future of America is in jeopardy based on the level of abuse that children endure. Childhelp states that approximately 5 children die every day at the hands of child abuse. America struggles to find equality, and by bystanding the stripping of its youth, continual prolonging is inevitable. Raising this nation’s children in means of nurturing and care is the first step to uplifting America as a whole. In 2012 alone, 1593 of America’s children died at the hands of child abuse, 70.3% of which were younger than the age of three (Safe Horizon). In order to prevent further child abuse, the American government should address stricter child protection laws, psychological stability, and an increase the recognition of those that have released their stories.
My childhood disorder is Shaken Baby Syndrome.” Abusive head trauma/inflicted traumatic brain injury — also called shaken baby/shaken impact syndrome (or SBS) — are a form of inflicted head trauma “ (Foundation, 1995-2014). Over 300 babies a year die from being shaken in the United States per the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. Those are only the ones that are reported, they say that the numbers are much higher (The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, 1990).
Child abuse can be Physical, Sexual, Emotional, and Physiological Abuse. Child abuse is not only just about abuse but neglect as well. The difference between abuse and neglect is, that abuse is the maltreatment of someone and neglect is failure to give the proper care to a person (Jilani, 2010). Neglect has different types as well, such as Educational, Emotional, and Physical Neglect. Every place in the world has some types of statistics on Child Abuse and Neglect. For example, “The United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations – losing on average between four and seven children every day to child abuse and neglect (Childhelp, n.d.).” The fact that so many young lives are lost before they even get to begin is
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 3.3 million referrals for alleged maltreatment were made in 2013. Out of the 3.3 million referrals, 899,000 children were officially documented as being maltreated(Child Abuse & Neglect 2015). Child abuse is the mistreatment of a child. Child abuse is recognized in several forms; physical, emotional, sexual and neglect. Children who experience any form of abuse will tend to withdraw themselves from their peers and sometimes from other family members who are not aware of what is taking place. Child abuse occurs not just in the homes of these children, but can also occur in schools, churches and after school programs. Anywhere a child is present there is a chance that abuse can occur. This paper will review the forms of child abuse, the effects of child abuse, reasons child abuse occurs and possible therapies to bring healing in the parties involved.
Research has proven that the statistics of child abuse have risen worldwide. In the United States alone they were over 1,000 child fatalities due to child abuse in 2002(Child). In 2004, The US Department of Health and Human Services estimate that 872,000 children were determined US victims of child abuse. Approximately 17.5 percent of the maltreatment victims were physically abused(Hmurovich). Every year, there are approximately three million children that are involved in cases of child abuse. Of that, about twenty-five percent are just cases of physical abuse(Lansford). The number of abused or neglected children that are killed each year went from 798 in 1985 to 1,185 in 1996(Bean Child). Child abuse is one of the five leading cause of childhood death in the United States. Although there are so many reported cases of abuse, no one will ever know with certainty how many children have or are being abused(Mankiller). Every year, child-protection agencies receive three million referrals of child abuse or neglect involving six million children. The majority of children abused are younger tha...
Since the beginning of our nation’s history, child abuse has made an impact of great measures. Many kids have become victims of abandonment, physical or sexual abuse, sex trade working, or criminals by default in order to survive. Though the cause and effect of child abuse can vary, it is a common problem within families. Today countless stories are documented of kids being abused by loved ones, in government programs, by caregivers and in other places deemed safe for children. However, because child abuse is a reoccurring factor in the history of America, the government is currently passing laws that enforce stricter punishment to individuals that cause maltreatment.
Child abuse affects millions of children every year. Child abuse is defined as “the hurting or causing harm to a child” (Stewart, 2003, p. 6). Most people do not understand why a parent would want to hurt their children. “The general belief is that parents who maltreat their children are pathological and certainly not like us” (Polonko, 2005). It is not just parents that abuse the children it is also teachers, babysitters, and daycare workers (Stewart, 2003). Lingern (2008) reported the following:
According to Tennyson Center for Children, “A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds in the U.S.” (“Child Abuse in America”). One cannot fathom the idea of why anyone would intentionally hurt the innocent children of today’s society. Child abuse happens with children of all ages, gender, and religions. Likewise, the world can be identified as a harsh place, where child abuse occurs around the world, and is even evident in the United States. There are many factors that contribute to this repulsive behavior. Physical, sexual, and psychological cruelty are effects of child abuse.
Child abuse encompasses far more than merely beating or hitting a child. Other, more silent—and even more widespread—forms of abuse exist. Emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and child endangerment are all other forms of abuse that are much more difficult to detect because they seldom lead to visible imprints on a child the way physical abuse can. And the problem is far more pervasive than one might imaging: the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports that about five children die as a result of abuse every day. The impact child abuse can have on victims is both extensive and profound. Effects can vary from health issues to developmental and emotional impairments. With heightened awareness of the nature, the implications, and
Child abuse in general is quite complex and at the same time one of the most challenging social issue facing people all around the USA. Child abuse cases have been recorded in all the states of the USA. The cases occur in all areas be it cities, small towns, suburbs, and even in rural areas. The vice also happens in all types of families regardless of the ethnic origin of the family or the even family income (UNICEF, 2015). It is thus important that effort is put into reducing cases of child abuse.
Did you know it is more likely for a child in the United States to be victimized in their own home than on the streets (The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault)? Child abuse is an issue that is often swept under the rug, but it is in indeed a very serious concern for growing teens in America. In the United States alone, one out of five girls and one out of eight boys have been reported either sexually or physically abused (The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault). Child abuse is detrimental to growing teenagers because it can cause increased risk of mental disorders, damage growth for developing brains, and it can even take the lives of teens if not stopped. Teens who suffer from child abuse will resolve this issue and
Child abuse is a social problem in America that has many contributed factors. Factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect includes poverty, divorce, substance use, lack of education, stress due to unemployment, mental health issues, teenage parent, and a history of child abuse in the family. It took decades for physicians to conclude that parents have been violently assaulting their children. Child abuse, child labor, juvenile delinquency, and similar social questions historically were ethical and moral problems, not strictly medical ones. (Helfer, Kempe, & Krugman, 1997). In 1962, the Journal of American Medical Association published “The Battered-Child Syndrome.” The article transformed society’s views and dates the rediscovery of child abuse as a social problem. Following this article, the U.S. Children’s Bureau adopted the first laws mandating physicians to report any suspicions of abuse and neglect to the police or child welfare. By 1974, some 60,000 cases were reported. In 1980, the number exceeded one million (Myers J. E., 2004).
Child abuse is one of the highest growing social problems in the United States. A social problem is, “a condition that a significant number of people believe to be a problem. A condition in which there is a sizable difference between the ideals of a society and its actual achievements” (Coleman et al. 2006:2). However, society has changed the way it views the issue, and is working towards finding a solution to this awful problem. Child abuse encompasses four main areas: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Child abuse is considered a sociological phenomenon because it is a learned behavior. Learning the social patterns as to why people abuse will give a better understanding to its reasons, and also the development of society in the way that it views children. 3.6 million children were victims of abuse in the year 2006. Sixty four percent were victims of neglect, sixteen percent suffered from physical abuse, and eight percent were sexually abused. Also in 2006, 1,530 children died as a result of abuse; an average of four children everyday (Child Welfare Information Gateway 2008).