Child abuse and neglect is a national problem which has increased to epidemic proportions in the United States. More than 2.5 million reports of child abuse are made in the U.S. annually (times 3 because only one third are reported so 7-10 million are actually abused, 60 million children are 14 and under so as many as 12-17% could actuallly be molested each year). Five children die per day due to child abuse.
Most runaways, adolescent prostitutes and teenage delinquents report having been victims of some form of child abuse, and it's reported that a majority of violent criminals suffered abuse either physical and/or sexual as children.
Abuse robs children of the opportunity to develop healthy, trusting relationships with adults, contributes to low self esteem, and impairs healthy psycho-social development. Indeed, the effects of child abuse can last a lifetime.
What is Child Abuse?
Physical child abuse inovolves external injuries and is more easily detected than other forms of abuse. The following signs may indicaate physical abuse: unexplained injuries, especially located on parts of the body not usually affected by normal childhood activities (i.e. eyes, mouth, back, thighs, buttocks, genital areas, etc.)
Repeated injuries such as bruises, welts or burns, especially those where the shape of an object is visible (i.e. an electric cord, hair brush, belt, buckle, board, cigarette, etc.)
Abrasions or lacerations appearing on the body for no apparent reason. Injuries in various stages of healing which appear in a regular pattern or are grouped together.
Small circular burns which may have been inflicted by cigarette or cigar, often found on forearms, hands, buttocks, or soles of feet.
Burns with a "doughnut" shape on the buttocks which may indicate a child was forced to sit in scalding liquid. Any burn which shows the pattern of the object (i.e. iron, fireplace tool, heater, etc.)
Burns caused by friction, usually found on arms, neck, legs or torso, indicating a rope or cord may have been used to tie up the victim.
Unexplained fractures (i.e. nose, face ribs, legs, arms, etc.)
Behavior of the child may be hyperactive, disruptive, and aggressive, or complacent, shy, withdrawn or uncommunicative.
Denial by parents that anything is wrong, unlikely explanation for the child's injuries, delays in obtaining medical care or inadequate care given and injuries that occur with increasing frequency or severity.
Sexual Abuse And Its Impact On Children:
Incest, sexual molestation, rape, sodomy, child pornography, exhibitionism and exploitation are terms often used when describing child sexual abuse. Sexual child abuse can be physical - inculding genital or oral stimulation, fondling and intercourse; non-physical - including indecent exposure, obscene phone calls or "peeping toms" and/or violent as in rape or other forms of sexually violent behaviior.
More severe incidents of sexual abuse, such as incest, rape, sodomy, exposure to pornographic action or other forms of sexual violence may have a lasting effect on the child. Behavior problems may include withdrawal, difficulty at school, aggression, running away, nightmares and extreme anxiety and depression. in some cases symptoms of child sexual abuse don't appear until adulthood.
Why Are Children Sexually Abused And Who Are Their Abusers?
Those who sexually victimize children often suffer from emotional or psychological dysfunction, usuallly as a result of their own previous sexual victimization. They often have severe sexual problems and difficulty relating to adults. Most are adults with whom the child is familiar, and they may repeatedly abuse the same child. An adult who is a stranger to the child will often abuse that child only once but may continue to abuse other children. Studies show 1/2 of all child molesters are under 31 and only about 10% are over 50.
From National Council On Child Abuse And Family Violence nccafv.org
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