The Effects of Abuse and Neglect on Children

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The Effects of Abuse and Neglect on Children Lynette Rivard Colorado Technical University English Composition II ENGL112 Maureen Burns July 20, 2008 There is a new epidemic, and it’s hurting our children. It’s called child abuse and neglect. It’s on the rise and getting worse with substance abuse at an all time high. Child Protective Services is inundated with reports of abuse and neglect. Who’s at risk? How can you tell? What do I do if I suspect someone is being neglected or abused? It’s not a topic of great discussion. It’s the item we sweep under the rug. No one will know. It will be our little secret. We can’t continue to ignore the problem any longer. It’s costing some of our children their lives. Incidence of Reported Cases of Child Abuse | Type of abuse | Percentage of total | Neglect | 54 | Physical abuse | 25 | Sexual abuse | 11 | Emotional abuse | 3 | Other | 7 | Information from Wang CT, Daro D. Current trends in child abuse reporting and fatalities: the results of the 1996 annual fifty state survey. Chicago: National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, 1997. | Child Abuse Each day in the United States, more than 4 children die as a result of child abuse in the home. www.childhelpusa.org In 2003, an estimated 1,500 children died of abuse and neglect-an average of more than 4 children per day. (Victims are known to child protective services agencies, which track abuse and neglect in the home.) www.childhelpusa.org More than three-quarters (78.7 percent) of the children who die are younger than four years of age. www.childhelpusa.org Of these fatalities, 89 percent were under the age of eight; 43.6 percent of the children were under the age of one. www.childhelpusa.org There are many reasons an adult may hurt a child. From financial problems, drug and or alcohol use to having been abused themselves as children. There
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