Physical Abuse

Abuse can take several forms and can be one or any combination of psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or economic abuse. Each subcategory is equally as harmful if used on an individual, and even more so if multiple are used together which is more common unfortunately due to the fact that it is more likely that if one form of abuse is used, then another is also prevalent. Long term effects of all forms of abuse can result in PTSD, depression, ADD/ADHD, academic problems, flashbacks, withdrawal, sleep difficulty, eating disorders, self harm, substance abuse, or panic attacks. (“Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect.”)

Child abuse is epidemic in many countries as well as the United States. It is estimated that every thirteen seconds a child is abused in some manner: physically, sexually, emotionally or by neglect (Friedman). Each year, there are over 3 million reports of child abuse in the United States involving more than 6 million children. Child abuse can be reduced with proper education of the parents and with greater public awareness.

What is child abuse? From the word “abuse” we can understand that it is some sort of a maltreatment of a child, causing harm and damage both to his physical and psychological well-being. At the Federal level, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) describes 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 abuse is a very substantial and widely spread problem in U.S. affecting children of any age, gender, race, background or income, with more than 1.8 million investigations done every year and on average, killing more than 5 children every day. The main issue of child abuse is that the abuser is usually someone a child loves or depends on (a parent, sibling, coach, neighbor, etc.), who violates child’s trust putting personal interests first, therefore official numbers of how many children suffer maltreatment might be not accurate enough as remarkable amount of these cases go unreported. Each case of child abuse is unique, with a lot of individual factors involved, nevertheless, we can distinguish some of the common causes, such as poverty, lack of education, depression, mental or physical health

Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, lasting scars. (Help guide.org). The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle—rather than perpetuating it. There is a myth that only bad people abuse their children. (Help guide.org) But the fact is while it 's easy to say that only "bad people" abuse their children, it 's not always so black and white. Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children. Many have been victims of abuse themselves, and don’t know any other way to parent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or a substance abuse

Signs of physical abuse can be unusual shaped markings, sores, bruising and unexplained regular falls and injuries in

Every day children around the world are being abused by their parents, trusted adult, caregiver and peers. Children are constantly suffering when there are things that everyone as a community can do help them. Psychologists, social workers and the victims to childhood abuse have studied and worked together to establish precautionary measures to execute child abuse all together.

Child abuse in American today is amongst the most saddened topics of mankind. Many children are subjected to neglect and abuse on a daily basis. The sex and age of child makes no difference when it comes to child abuse.. Boys and girls are equally likely to suffer maltreatment. The problem is how often child abuse goes unreported. Millions of children across the world are abused in some way, whether it is verbal, emotional, physical or sexual. Child abuse has been happening all over the world to young children, however many children keep this a secret because of fear of what could happen. Child Abuse consists of any act of commission or omission that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development. It can be

Often times when children are abused or neglected its by family or someone the child trusts, It often times occurs when the family is in poverty or there are drugs or alcohol around. It is a major problem when family members notice that a child is being abused and/or neglected and they chose not to stand up for the child, most times young children will not even know that there is nothing wrong. It can be hard to notice “[But] Being able to recognize the physical effects of abuse can be crucial in identifying an abusive situation and taking steps to protect a child from further abuse or neglect” (Effects of child abuse). An abuser will make the children think they are playing some type of game or that what they are doing is okay, in some cases abusers will tell the children that they will get in trouble if they don’t do whatever is being asked. They could go as far as threatening the child if the child refuses to comply. It’s important to take care of cases like this immediately “Research has found that children exposed to violence or abuse, if left unaddressed or ignored, are at an increased risk for emotional and behavioral problems in the future” (Describing the problem). No child should ever have to go through these things much less have anyone to talk about it with and help them get through the terrifying

According to statistics there are “40 million children subjected to child abuse each year” (Cause and Effects). “Child abuse occurs when a parent or caretaker physically, emotionally, sexually, mistreats or neglects a child resulting in the physical, emotional, or sexual harm or exploitation, or imminent risk of harm or exploitation, or in extreme cases death of a child” (Child Safety). Child abuse is not only a sensitive subject but a complex one because of the long-term/ short-term effects and the difference between discipline and abuse.

There are many things in our society today that unfortunately go overlooked. One such thing that is overlooked is the number of children who are being abused. Unfortunately these children are going through life not knowing whether or not their parents will loose their temper and perhaps kill them. There are many types of child abuse, such as physical, sexual, and emotional. Physical abuse is physical injury as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting, burning, or otherwise harming a child. Such injury is considered abuse regardless of whether the caretaker intended to hurt the child. Sexual abuse includes activities by a parent or caretaker such as fondling a child's genitals,

Any type of abuse can leave you feeling distracted and alone. It allows you to feel isolated from everyone, this can ruin relationships with family, friends. It lowers self esteem, and prevents you from being able to focus. It can leave you feeling guilty. The children are vulnerable, they don’t realise that what is happening, is wrong. They often find it tough to talk to anyone about it.

Those who experienced it may be prone to violent behavior, which could result in them ending up on the streets or in jail. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes in the informative article “Child Abuse and Neglect: Consequences” how “A National Institute of Justice study indicated that being abused or neglected as a child increased the likelihood of arrest as a juvenile by 59%. Abuse and neglect also increased the likelihood of adult criminal behavior by 28% and violent crime by 30%” (“Violence”). These statistics make it evident how a trauma can cause a person to make a turn for the worse. People who experience a trauma may inflict their pain and suffering onto others in a violent way in order to help themselves cope with the distress they endured as an adolescent. Behavior issues such as picking up negative habits can also be a consequence. The CDC also writes how those who did experience abuse result in the increase in their risk at partaking in activities such as alcohol consumption or drugs (“Violence”). As a result of abuse that is traumatic, many make choices as to what they think will aid in taking away the

Each year about 15 million children tend to see violence in their home (Joyful Heart Foundation). When a child experiences domestic violence in their home it can cause them to have long term and short term effects. Long term effects can be when they get older they could have trust issues with others, could have a difficulty keeping a relationship, and or have an ongoing depression. Children that grew up with abuse they sometimes in their adulthood will be an abuser since they experienced at home of abuse. It’s hard to break a cycle of domestic violence because the parents has set an example that abusive actions are normal (Domestic Violence and Abuse: Types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Effects).

Throughout the course of history, millions of children have been victims of physical abuse; it has been shown that the effects of this abuse can profoundly influence ones mental and physical health in the span of his or hers life.

People may not be aware, but any one of their peers, friends, or neighbors may be victims of child abuse. Every day, someone experiences physical, emotional, neglect, and/or sexual abuse. Abuse can lead to death or injury for the rest of a victim's life, from either the perpetrator or themselves. In order to prevent child abuse society must: recognize the types of abuse, understand common causes of abuse, know the characteristics of abusers, and realize the effects abuse has, not just on the child, but on families and communities across the world.