Cycle Of Child Abuse Essay

Child Abuse, Battered Women, Domestic Violence, and the 14th Amendment The never-ending cycle of abuse rotates through a person's life in multiple ways. When a child is abused, they learn to accept it which can affect their entire life. These children grow up to become either the abused or the abuser which is witnessed as family violence if there are children in the household. In the case of Stark and Flitcraft, it is said "...men who batter their wives are likely to assault their children..."(Stark and Flitcraft, 1988). This violent cycle rotates through many lives and most of the time, there is no one to break the cycle. As stated by Child Protective Services, "...In 2005, an estimated 3.3 million referrals of child abuse and neglect were received. 899,000 cases were confirmed..."( CPS, American Humane
In 1989, Pagelow said, “...at least half of all battering husbands also batter their children…”(Pagelow, Casa for Children, 1989). This means that at least half of all of those children will eventually resume the cycle of abuse. Hughes stated in 1985, “...kids who witness domestic violence manifest similar behavior and emotional disorders…”(Hughes, Casa for Children, 1985). A Children’s Rights Law was set in place to protect children from abuse in any form. It reads, “...The American Civil Liberties Union supports the preservation of individual human rights…”(Children’s Rights Law, Constitution). No one should have to go through the pain and trauma of abuse and should be granted their 14th amendment rights. Without someone stepping in to protect those who cannot defend themselves, there is a high mortality rate. In the case of Bergman, Larsen, and Mueller, it is declared, “...80% of child fatalities within the family are attributable to fathers or father surrogates…”(Bergman, Larson, Mueller, Casa for Children,