Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Abstract
Children are suffering from an unseen epidemic of child abuse. Its an extensive battle against
our children that we have the power to stop, and understanding the issue is the first step. There
are many forms of child maltreatment, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse,
exploitation, and emotional abuse. The United States has one of the worst records among modern
nations, losing on average between four and seven children every day to child abuse and neglect.
The purpose of this study is to investigate and inform the importance of child abuse in the United
States, this study focuses on addressing and analyzing the causes of child abuse. Also
understanding on what can we do to prevent child abuse.
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What is Child Abuse?
A report of child abuse is made every ten second in the Unites States. In 2014, state agencies
found an estimated 702,000 victims of child maltreatment, but that only tells part of the story
(Child Help). It is important to understand that there are four different types of child abuse, and
each type of abuse have very high statics numbers in the country, the definition of the four types
of child abuse; physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. According to the
website childhelp.org, Physical Abuse is when a parent causes any non-accidental physical injury
to a child. Sexual Abuse is when an adult uses a child for sexual purposes or involves a child in
sexual acts. Emotional Abuse occurs when a parent harms a childs mental and social
development or causes several emotional harm, it is considered emotional abuse. Most of the
emotional abuse is a pattern or behavior that causes damages over time. Neglect happens when a
parent does not give care, supervision, affection and support needed for a childs health, safety
and well-being. This literature review will focus on an intensive research of different scholarly
articles and the impressive high numbers of death happened every year on the United States by
addressing the following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Understanding the four different types of child abuse, the value of children and the cycle of
parents who beats their children that needs to be broken in order to understand and stop child
abuse.
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What is child abuse?
Is very important to understand what child abuse is, in order to fully comprehend the abuse.
According to the Child welfare government agency, the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Act (CAPTA), (42 U.S.C.A. 5106g), as amended and reauthorized by the CAPTA
Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum:
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.
Most Federal and State child protection laws primarily refer to cases of harm to a child caused by
parents or other caregivers; they generally do not include harm caused by other people, such as
acquaintances or strangers. Some State laws also include a childs witnessing of domestic
violence as a form of abuse or neglect (2013).
Most states in the United States recognize the four different types of abuse: physical abuse,
sexual abuse, neglect and emotional abuse. it is important to learn more and to understand how
can signs of child abuse be recognize. According to the article by Rimsza and Schackner,
although inaction or inappropriate action by Child Protective Services is often thought to be the
cause of child abuse deaths, the ACFRP determined that in 79% of child abuse deaths, there had
been no previous CPS involvement with the childs family. Although 61% of child abuse deaths
were considered to be preventable, much of the responsibility for preventing these deaths rests
with community members like neighbors who were aware of the abuse but failed to report the
family to CPS (2002).
both men and women commit physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. It often depends on
which parent spends most time with the child. Child abuse usually takes place in the home with
someone that the child knows rather than with strangers (2013).
reporting their concerns. Reporting the abuse to the local Child Protective Services (CPS) or
called to the Child help National Child Abuse Hotline (24/7) at 1.800.422.4453. There might be a
need to call more than once. Remember, a child may be counting on that person to make the call.
Third Understanding Child Abuse Laws Once the report is made, Child Protective Services
agencies are not free to give any information about the case. They will, however, be able to say
whether a case has been substantiated or not. Substantiation means that there is enough evidence
to justify an investigation and case plan. Remember that one person can make a meaningful
contribution in the life of a child in your community. Get involved in American Humanes Front
Porch Project and help protect children by reconnecting with your neighbors and the surrounding
community.
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References
CanChildDeathsBePrevented?TheArizonaChildFatalityReviewProgramExperience
(2002).MaryE.Rimsza,RobertA.Schackner,KathrynA.BowenandWilliamMarshall
Pediatrics.
Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). What is child abuse and neglect?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau.
Department of Human Services, Victoria, Australia. (2013). Retrieved from:
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/children,-families-and-young-people/childprotection/about-child-abuse/what-is-child-abuse/what-are-the-causes-of-child-abuse
What is Child Abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2016, from
https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/