Child Abuse

Child Abuse in America

Introduction

Corby (2006) defines child abuse as the physical, sexual, emotional and psychological mistreatment and neglect of a child by parents and guardians, or those responsible for the child’s well-being. Child abuse endangers the survival, self-esteem, safety, growth and development of the child. This is a hidden epidemic because children are suffering yet most of the cases are not reported. Research affirms that most perpetrators of child abuse are known and sometimes trusted by the child (Corby, 2006). This close relationship with the abuser increases the feelings of betrayal, which may lead to the child suffering in silence. In America, the United States Department of Health and Human Services estimates that every year, there are at least 3.3 million reported cases of child abuse involving 6 million children, and 5 children die every day because of child abuse. Follow up studies point out that abused children are likely to become abusers in their later life. This essay provides a synopsis of the child abuse in the United States; the paper discusses the various forms of child abuse and their respective prevalence and effects.

Physical abuse is a non-accidental trauma or physical injury caused by a parent or caretaker to the child. It is the most observable type of child mistreatment caused by kicking, punching, biting, burning or any other form that inflicts physical harm to children (Corby, 2006). Physical abuse stems from excessive or inappropriate disciplinary actions by the parent or caretaker, who in anger is not aware of the magnitude of force when administering punishment to the child. According to reports by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, physical abuse constitutes 26% of the entire child abuses reported in United States. This is evident through unexplained cuts, bruises, burns, wounds, bite marks, the child exhibiting antisocial behavior, and fear of adults (Howard, 2010).

The second form of prevalent...