Over 2.9 million child abuse cases are reported each year in the United States.

A parent, a

family member, or a family friend abuses children each day. Children are beaten, sexually

assaulted, and mentally destroyed each day. This issue can decreased if everyone understands the

seriousness and harshness Many students and teachers do not know the severe effects of child

abuse and the simple ways to recognize and prevent the issue. By educating middle school

students and putting middle school staff through training the problem of child abuse can be

minimized.

Training middle school faculty would allow staff to know how to recognize and respond

to child neglect. Darkness to light provides online training for: Stewards of Children,

Recognizing & Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of

Children, Bystanders Protecting Children from Boundary Violations & Sexual Abuse,Healthy

Touch for Children and Youth, and Talking with Children about Safety from Sexual Abuse. The

organization empowers adults through awareness and educational programs to prevent,

recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse (Darkness to Light). Staff can take all of

the classes on an online course for $22 per person, if bought in bulk. There are also facilitator led

class which occur at different times and locations and it costs $10 per person. Many say

training staff will cost a lot of money and many schools will not able to afford these prices; but

the end result of stopping a child from being harmed is worth way more than an online course.

Educating middle school students will help them become aware of the issue and those

who have been abused feel comfortable to speak out. More than 74% of child abuse occurs from

the age of 0-12;during the years of an elementary and middle school student (NCA National

Statistics on Child Abuse). Middle school students should have knowledge on the serious issue to

help speak out against. More than 90% of the victims know their perpetrator and many are afraid
to speak out because they are protecting the person (dosomething). Students should be education

on the issues and its severe effects it has on the rest of the victims life.

Training staff to recognize and respond to issues and educating middle school students can

prevent child abuse. As you gain more of an understanding of a serious issue, it's easier to stop

the problem. Child abuse takes place during early childhood years and if students and staff are

knowledgeable, they are able to prevent the ongoing problem.

"Education & Training." Darkness to Light. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2017.

"National Statistics on Child Abuse." National Statistics on Child Abuse | National Children's
Alliance. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2017. <http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/media-
room/media-kit/national-statistics-child-abuse>.

"11 Facts About Child Abuse." DoSomething.org | Volunteer for Social Change. N.p., n.d. Web. 28
Mar. 2017. <https://www.dosomething.org/