Child Abuse, Essay Example

Everyday in the United States innocent children suffer pain and fear inflicted by those closest to them, family who are supposed to provide love and support. The Child Maltreatment 2010 report from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) recognizes 695,000 children within the United States as suffering some form of physical, psychological, sexual, or medical abuse that year. (ACF, 2012) Of these 695,000 children suffering abuse, 1,560 children died because of that abuse and neglect. And almost 80 percent of the 1,560 children who died were under four years old. (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2012) Child abuse can take many forms. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), (42 U.S.C.A. §5106g) defines 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 Welfare Information Gateway, 2012)

CPS’s most recent data shows the four most common forms of child abuse and neglect are neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and psychological maltreatment, in that order. Other forms of child abuse include emotional abuse, abandonment, and substance abuse. Parents and caregivers themselves are the most common perpetrators of child abuse. Rarely do investigators find that the perpetrator truly wants to harm the child. Child abuse occurs for two main reasons, a high amount of stress within the family unit or the presence of psychological problems in the abuser.

Stress is a part of daily life and can even be helpful in completing tasks and making important decisions. But for some stress resulting from financial worries, spousal relationships, or drug use can simply be too much. In these families, children can become the unintentional outlet for parents unable to handle the pressure that comes with stress. (Gibson, 2008) The identification of families experiencing extreme stress is key to preventing misplaced anger. Identifying and then providing resources for help, such as economic support and counseling centers, can help prevent child abuse. Routine stress seminars in the workplace, church, and in schools could also help to prevent child abuse.

Psychological problems and the presence of mental illness can lead parents and caregivers to actions they do not understand themselves. In these circumstances, the acts may be surrounded by confusion, denial, guilt, repression and fear. (Gibson, 2008) Identification is a necessary part of the prevention and treatment of child abuse regarding psychological problems as well. Access to adequate medical care and the ability to obtain medication are unique factors to prevention in cases involving mental illness. Some individuals may require one-on-one monitoring to ensure continued use of medication or financial assistance to be able to receive care and afford medications.

Though both categories of causes are serious, what must be acknowledged is that the causes of child abuse are preventable. Proper identification of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and child abuse perpetrators can aid in stopping current abuse and preventing it. Professionals such as doctors and teachers play a big part in spotting and reporting child abuse, but all citizens should report any suspicions. No child should suffer pain at hands meant to love.

References

ACF. (2012, February 29). ACF Questions and Answers Support . Retrieved July 8, 2012, from U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services Administration for Children & Families:
http://faq.acf.hhs.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/68/session/L3RpbWUvMTM0MTc3NzUxOS9zaWQvVWlRc0RFKms%3D

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2012). Child Maltreatment 2010: Summary of key findings. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.

Gibson, E. (2008, May 2). Child Abuse – What Are The Causes and Effects? Retrieved July 8, 2012, from EZine Articles: http://www.proficientwriters.com/view_order/253882