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Child abuse is a huge problem in our society. Abuse is what happens when an adult or another person of authority takes advantage of his or her power over the child. When this abuse takes the form of inflicting pain, it s called physical abuse, or battering. When it s in the form of insults, mind games, or undermining a person s confidence, it s called psychological or emotional abuse. When it s in the form of unwanted sexual contact its called sexual abuse. (Mufson 2) Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse all have powerful effects on the children involved. Apart from the physical pain that is obviously suffered as a result of physical abuse, the psychological effects can be more protracted and devastating (Mufson 3).
According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse, some 97 percent of hard -core juvenile delinquents have a history of being abused, and some 80 percent of all prison inmates have such a history. (3) Psychological abuse on its own account can sometimes be as devastating. This type of abuse takes the form of behavior that undermines a person s self-esteem or self-confidence. Even though psychological abuse can t be easily measured, there is a lot of information about it s lifelong effects, which may include substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, difficulties with relationships and career, and even suicide. (Mufson 4) If society took a long time to recognize physical abuse, it took longer to recognize sexual abuse. According to The New York Times 22 percent of all people living in the United States had been sexually abused before they reached the age of 18. If The New York Times figures are accurate, that works out to 38 million adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. (Mufson 5) Every 47 seconds in the United States a child is abused or neglected (Greenburg 7). Mufson also states that this problem occurs far too often: It s estimated that 1 - 5 million children experience some kind of abuse each year and that each day up to 12 children are beaten severely enough to cause permanent brain damage (3).
Fathers or boyfriends are responsible for nearly 70 percent of all child abuse. The remaining 30 percent of child abusers are mothers, girlfriends, or day care providers (Greenburg 7). Detecting child abuse can sometimes be a hard task. Some signs in detecting child abuse are: unexplained injuries, bruises that seem to have been inflicted or burns.
The more often injuries appear the more one should suspect child abuse. Abused children may appear hyperactive, overly aggressive, disruptive, or totally withdrawn (Greenburg 25). Child abuse affects society as a whole. The abused child becomes an abusive parent who pays society back for the abuse he or she suffered by destroying his or her own children or by turning to crime (Mishkin 6).
Rogers states that: Child abuse is an adult disease. Behind the beaten child is a disturbed parent, trying to cope with other contributory problems over which they have lost control. Another authority on child abuse, Dr. Kemper, reinforces this: I regard them [parents] as victims; I have a hard time not feeling sorry for them (9). Abusers show little concern for the child. More enduring damage than physical pain and harm results when a parental figure is more antagonist then a caregiver (Jeavons 3).
The main problem is that child abuse is never openly discussed. It is sometimes called the silent epidemic because accurate data is difficult to find. People don t want to get involved incase they are mistaken and children are afraid to go to authorities for fear they will be blamed. It is a vicious circle for which they feel there is no end to. It is evident child abuse is growing due to lack of involvement. (Mishkin 4). If someone recognizes that abuse is going on and acts to stop it, it s possible to work through the bad effects and to go on to establish happier relationships.
The first step toward stopping the abuse is to recognize it (Mufson 21). Some abused children and adult survivors may participate in: addictive behavior, self-injury, threats of suicide, etc. Children who are abused are more likely to be in gangs and participate in criminal activity (Jeavons 2). Mishkin recommends that there are many places available to help the abused such as: law enforcement, legal, medical, social welfare or schools. Law enforcement is usually the first agency to be notified. They investigate complaints and determine if abuse actually did take place and if an arrest is warranted.
Legal the attorney will prosecute the case in criminal or family court. Medical doctors are able to diagnose cases of abuse during routine examinations. Social welfare provided specialized child protective services. They also have the authority to petition the juvenile or family court to take the child out of the parents care if abuse is proven extensive.
Schools are able to detect child abuse if they are aware of the symptoms (Mishkin 14). Certainly, the abuser is a criminal and he deserves criminals punishment. Prison isn t much of a solution, it does not offer any permanent solution (Rogers 75). Some victims may not choose to send there offender to prison. Some feel it would be too hard to relive the pain of the abuse. It should be remembered that every one has different opinions on what they think is necessary to achieve a sense of justice. (Greenburg 58).
As you can see, there are no guaranteed happy endings when it comes to abuse, but things can definitely get better. For the abused ending an abusive relationship will be a whole new beginning in their life. However, this is easier said than done. First, one must recognize that there is a definite problem with the person that is abusing them.
Many times, the abused feel that they are somehow at fault and do not take the necessary measures to help themselves. When this important assistance is provided this will allow the abused to take the first step toward a lifestyle of peace and serenity, not one of fear.
Free research essays on topics related to: physical abuse, psychological abuse, child abuse, physical pain, sexual abuse
Research essay sample on Child Abuse Sexual Abuse
