Child Abuse

Child abuse has many definitions in our world today, but only one definition in the dictionary. Child abuse is the infliction of injury on a person under the age of eighteen by a parent or legally responsible care taker. Although the legal definitions of child abuse and neglect vary from state to state, to put the definition simply, it is when a parent purposely harms a child. This type of maltreatment has become a leading cause of death for young children outstripping deaths caused by car accidents, fires, and drowning. Abuse can also be defined as the use of violence to control another person and deliberately hurting someone you are supposed to care about or care for. Traditionally, parents – and adult men in particular – have been considered the main culprits, although this is not always the case. (Stark, p. 10) People blame the cause of abuse on mental illness, alcohol, drugs, poverty, or a troubled childhood. Abusers use violence to control people who trust them. Some abusers were beaten as children, others saw parents use violence, and some are uncomfortable with their feelings. They cope with feelings like anger, jealousy, and are sometimes drunk or overwhelmed with problems. Some abusers are mentally ill, and some are just plain mean. Abusers don’t respect the independence of other adults. Since they often cannot control the actions of adults, they feel they can control children. When an abuser gets violent, it’s because of something he or she feels, sees, or thinks. (Stark, p. 11) Children who suffer from physical maltreatment are also likely to suffer neglect and emotional abuse. The risk of being abused does not vary among races. Abuse exists in all types in families of all income levels, although children from lower income groups are more frequently victims. (Nadelson, p. 10)Those enduring sexual abuse often fall victim to physical battery and mental and emotional manipulation. Recognizing child abuse is much different than reading the

Bibliography: Besharou, D. J. Recognizing Child Abuse: A Guide For The Concerned. Gerdes, L. I. Child Abuse: Opposing View Points. Kim, H. H. Child Abuse. Nadelson, C. C. Child Abuse and Neglect: Examining the Psychological Components. Services, U. D. (n.d.). Stark, E. Family Violence . Tipp, S. L. Child Abuse: Detecting Bias. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Child Health USA 2004. Rockville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004.