Child Abuse

Adolescence is a very critical time in a person's life. It is a time where physical and sexual abuse can greatly effect the child's cognitive development. During child development, people grow most, mentally and physically. Children are dependent
upon elders and trust in anyone displaying power and leadership in their life. Child abuse occurs at home, daycare centers and many other places. Teachers, doctors, nurses, even physical therapists notice signs of child abuse and neglect, but are hesitant to bring the problem to attention. Anyone caring for an abused child should obtain help from social workers, home health agencies, financial counselors, psychologists, local mental health facilities, alcohol and drug treatment centers, and parenting centers. Children are at great risk and people who notice any signs of abuse must report it to an authority if the problem is going to be resolved. The impact of these crimes on young victims can be devastating; the violent or sexual crimes committed against these children can lead to an "intergenerational cycle of crimes." The main issue is that child abuse is neglected which allows it to happen more frequently. Earlier identification of child abuse can decrease the economic burden placed on society that goes along with medical care and of course to prevent improper development of children.
Abuse involves cruel or violent treatment of another human being, especially any
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kind of sexual assault. "The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1996 defines child abuse as ‘any recent act of failure to act, on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk or serious harm.'" (Haley and Stein, 54-55) This abuse can include any type of physical violence such as: punching, kicking, or even burning a child. Sexual abuse of a child involves any type of sexual activity involving that of a child and an... [continues]

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