Child Abuse From All Angles

¶ … child abuse from all angles to try to understand what we as a society may be doing wrong, and also what we may be doing right to help the young victims of child abuse. What part does the Child Protection Agencies play in protecting our children? Are the States laws helping or hindering the process? I will present research data, which will show the increase of child abuse from year to year. Additionally, the discussion will review the history of child abuse, tracing the changes in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and discusses the challenges that are faced today by the child protection system.

Child abuse and neglect has been a topic of discussion for many years. In recent years it seems that the abuses against children have skyrocketed into a national and international epidemic. In many cases the abuse of children comes at the hands of parents or guardians who are supposed to protect the children and their interests. There are many reasons why child abuse exists including familial, economical and social issues that are systemic and difficult to combat. The purpose of this discussion is to examine child abuse and neglect as it relates to the role that society plays in allowing such things to occur. The research will also focus on what society is doing to combat the problem and keep children safe. Let us begin our discussion by providing definitions for the terms child abuse and neglect.

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Child Abuse is defined as "doing something or failing to do something that results in harm to a child or puts a child at risk of harm. Child abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional." The NIH also explains that neglect is a type of abuse in which children are not provided with what is needed to sustain life (i.e. food and water).

The following graph shown the increase in child deaths per day as a result of child abuse from 1995 until 2003

Both child abuse and neglect are punishable by law and children can be removed from their homes if alegations of abuse or neglect are proven. In either case the general public and people who are expected to protect the interests of children such as teachers or doctors can report suspected cases of child abuse to child protective services. The role of Child protective services will be discussed in greater detail in a later section of this report. For now let us discuss the history of child abuse.

History of Child Abuse

According to Tzeng et al. (1991) children throughout history have been the victims of child abuse. There have even been some archeological findings that have suggested that child abuse existed as far back as prehistoric times.

In many societies corporal punishment was seen as the norm and was used to discipline children. Child abuse has also been used to educate children as it pertains to cultural and religious ideas and morals. The corporal punishment or abuse of children was also utilized to please gods or expel unwanted spirits.

The author points out that in the rituals of ancient Greeks and Romans children were sacrificially killed. In addition in some civilizations fathers, in accordance with the Patria Protestas of 700 B.C., could legally trade, maim, or kill their children if the so desired. Children were also killed in Ancient Greek Societies when they were found to be deformed or retarded because it was believed that such children would weaken the society. This was allowed because children were believed to be property.

Moreover scholars have concluded that the most prominent type of child discipline before the eighteenth involved severe beatings and an estimated 50% of the European population died during infancy as a result of child abuse or neglect. The author further explains that Throughout history, Judeo-Christian influences have had a tremendous impact on many child-rearing practices. The Bible has been used as a rationale and justification for harsh punishment of children (cf. Holland, 1988; Harcourt, 1986; Aries, 1962). The basic belief that aggression is necessary for proper moral training is reflected in biblical passages such as: "Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell" (Proverbs 23: 14) and "He that spareth the rod, hateth his son, but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes" (Proverbs 13: 24) (Holland, 1988).,

Instances of the aforementioned beliefs can be found throughout the bible and in most cases to themes concerning children are made clear. The first of which is the idea that children are expected to both honor and obey their parents. The second theme is the reliance upon corporal punishment to discipline children. On the other hand, the presence of these biblical themes does not mean that all Christians approve of child abuse. In fact the author points out that many religious organizations have been at the forefront of child protection and advocacy both nationally and on global scale. However it has been evident throughout history that religious beliefs can greatly impact the manner in which children are treated in a society. As it relates to American society in general Christianity has been a driving force in providing a foundation for the way that children are treated in our society, including the beliefs Christianity holds as it pertains to physical punishment.

Although the physical abuse of children was present in ancient times, only in more recent history has the issue of child abuse and neglect become a social concern of significant proportions. Additionally, the abuse and neglect of children has only in recent years become an issue that required immediate attention as it pertains to societal protections. The authors point out that so little attention was paid to child abuse and neglect that an association designed to prevent cruelty to animals existed prior to an association to prevent child abuse. In fact, the Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children was created in New York City by the same people who established the Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals in 1875 (Kempe & Helfer, 1972).

In the 1700's and most of the 1800's, there were really know boundaries or legislation that prevented the abuse of children. Families engaged in corporal punishment and there were certainly times when such punishment turned into abuse. In addition to abuse neglect was often a prevalent problem in certain areas of the country. A great deal of this neglect was present because many people were poor and simply could not properly meet the basic needs of their children. It is also important to remember that during this time there was no welfare state and people could not rely on the government for housing or food as they can today.

With these things understood, in 1909 the first White House Conference on Children took place. Three years later in 1912, the government created that legislation Federal Children's Bureau designed to confront issues regarding the welfare of children regardless of class. Overtime the American government and society started to recognize, children as a special class of people. Additionally during the 1940s and 1950s child psychology and social work began to be prominent and social programs designed specifically for children began to come into being.

The author also reports that the advent and popularity of the television began to bring about increased public awareness concerning the abuse and neglect of children during the 1960s. The author explains that in 1962, amendments were made to the Social Security Act that required all states to "to develop a plan to extend child welfare services, including protective services, to every political subdivision."

Since the sixties there has been substantial effort on behalf of the government, society and researcher to understand and prevent child abuse and neglect. Some of these efforts have been successful while others have failed miserably to protect children. In any case, the federal government and state government of striving to improve the lives of children throughout America by protecting them from abuse.

Types of Abuse

Child abuse in general is very detrimental regardless of the form. Children who are abused in any way can develop serious emotional and psychological scars that can last a lifetime. This section of the discussion will explain the various types of abuse and the impact of such abuse on children.

Physical Abuse

The physical abuse of children is quite common and is often dismissed by perpetrators as discipline. Physical abuse can be inclusive of hitting, beating, kicking and anything else that causes physical harm. In some cases children may be physically abused for many years, in other cases the abuse may come suddenly. Also within families siblings may receive different treatment and one child may experience worse physical abuse than the other siblings in the family. In either case physical abuse can have serious effects on the psyche of a child well into adulthood.

Mental/emotional abuse

Mental or emotional abuse most often occurs through manipulation, mid control and brain washing. The victim is often put into situations where they are physically deprived of the things they need to make appropriate decisions. For instance they may be deprived of sleep or food so that they can be more easily manipulated. Mental abuse may also involve teasing or name calling. In many cases the perpetrator is very aware of the victim's weaknesses and uses them to humiliate or subjugate the victim.

Sexual Abuse

The sexual abuse of children is increasing throughout the world and has increased drastically in recent years. Sexual abuse can include the molestation and/or rape of a child. In many cases children are sexually abused by someone that they know, rather it be a neighbor, a parent or an acquaintance. Sexual abuse can also have lasting effects on the psyche of an individual. Studies have found that children who experience sexual abuse are more likely to become promiscuous as teenagers and young adults. In addition a significant percentage of teenage mothers were sexually abused as young children. Several studies have also confirmed that as much as 80% of the female prison population in America has been sexually abused, usually at the hands of family members.

What factors contribute to Child Abuse?

As was previously mentioned in this discussion religious beliefs often play a monumental role in the abuse of children. A very recent case in which more than 400 children were removed from a Polygamists Ranch in Texas is a prime example of this. This particular ranch is part of the Mormon sect is known as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This sect has long been under scrutiny for sexual abuse against young girls. Members of the sect that were able to escape have explained their difficult childhoods and being forced into marriage at very young ages. The Associated Press reports that Investigators determined that there is a widespread pattern and practice of the (Yearn for Zion) Ranch in which young, minor female residents are conditioned to expect and accept sexual activity with adult men at the ranch upon being spiritually married to them,"...McFadden said the girls were spiritually married to the men as soon as they reached puberty and were required to produce children."

In this case it is becoming more and more evident that children were/are being abused in the name of religion. In addition to the sexual abuse, children and adults at the ranch have reportedly been subjected to mental and physical abuse.

In addition to religious beliefs, child abuse is often a cycle that occurs when children who are abused become parents. In many cases people never seek the help that they need in dealing with the wounds caused by abuse. As a result they repeat many of the same mistakes with their own children and it becomes a cyclical pattern.

In addition research has suggested that poverty plays a substantial role in child abuse and neglect cases. In fact an article published in Journal of Studies on Alcohol, explains that Neighborhood studies on child abuse have concluded that neighborhood factors are differentially associated with child physical abuse and child neglect., in fact Drake and Pandey (1996) discovered that the percentage of poverty was positively correlated. In addition there was a negative correlation between two parent families and physical abuse and neglect.

The study also found that parent who dropped out of high school was more likely to neglect their children.

In addition to the aforementioned causes of child abuse and neglect, we also live in a society that glorifies violence. In some ways it is evident that our society has become desensitized to any type of violence even if it is against children. In addition sex and sexuality are no longer held as sacred, instead everything is on display.

This often leads to perversion, which can lead to the sexual abuse of children.

As you can see, there are several factors that contribute to the prevalence of child abuse and neglect throughout the country. These factors include religious beliefs, cycles of abuse, poverty and education levels. If we as a society were willing to face these factors and work to eradicate them, child abuse could decrease substantially.

Understanding the Impact of Historic policies on Child Maltreatment

Some of the first laws concerning the maltreatment of children involved labor laws. There was a time in this country when very young children worked under dangerous conditions in factories and other dangerous environment. As was mentioned previously in the discussion amendments to the Social Security Act and changes in the manner in which society views children has contributed greatly to the protections that children now have under the law.

Child Abuse and Neglect Laws and State Statutes

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, the terms Child abuse and neglect are defined by Federal and State statutes.

The department explains that "The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C.A. 5106g), as amended by the Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, provides the foundation on which State definitions are based. CAPTA established a minimum set of standards that define child maltreatment. Each State is then responsible for its own definitions of child abuse and neglect that meets these standards within its civil and criminal codes."

This means that the states are responsible for formulating laws that are in compliance with CAPTA. In addition, states are responsible for maintaining a government agency that enforces the laws of the state as it relates to child abuse. Individual states are also expected to create the criminal penalties that people face if they are convicted of child abuse or neglect. Although laws concerning child abuse and neglect differ from state to state, the United States has made a concerted effort to tackle the issue of child abuse. Some sates are more aggressive and better organized in their efforts to protect children than others.

The Role of Child Protective Services

Child Protective Services or CPS is the name used by most states as it pertains to the state agency that handles cases of abuse and neglect within the state. Although the federal government has certain statutes in place to protect children, it is the actual states that are responsible for creating more specific laws and enforcing these statutes and laws. Child protective services receives complaints about abused and neglected children and the state is responsible for ensuring that each complaint is checked out, this is usually done through a home visit or a series of home visits. If the CPS worker finds that the child is indeed neglected or abused, the child is removed from the home and placed into the states care, some children are placed in foster homes while others may be placed in group homes.

The exact policies vary somewhat from state to state, but in most states parents are given the opportunity to regain custody of their children after completing the programs and training ordered by the court. Once these things are completed and CPS believes that the children are no longer in danger they can be returned to their parents. However in other cases parents don't meet the standards established by the court and the child remains in foster care or may be put up for adoption.

Throughout the country Child protective services works hard to try and ensure the safety of children. However, it is no secret that this particular agency is often overwhelmed in many states as a result of a lack of funding and understaffing. In addition, in many states there is a lack of foster care parents to take in children who have been placed in the system. As a result of all of these factors there have been many cases in which children have been left in the care of parents who were abusive or neglectful. In some instances children have been killed or seriously hurt as a result.

The consequences of Child Abuse

The consequences of child abuse are devastating and far reaching. The sbuse not only affect that child but also the society as a whole. For the children the siffer abuse problem such as juvenile delinquency, promiscuity, depression/mental illness and drug and alcohol abuse often arise. In addition, many people who are abused become abuser, which creates another cycle of abuse.

The society as a whole suffers from the effects of Child Abuse because of the resources that are often required to assist children who have been abused. For instance, the CPS worker receives pay, the foster parents must be paid a certain amount each month and the child may have to undergo psychological or medical treatment as a result of the abuse or neglect. In addition a large percentage of the people who commit crimes in our country were victims of childhood abuse. When people are robbed, or raped or murdered tohe sense of safety for the entire community is greatly decreased.

11. Prevention

One of the ways to reduce child abuse is to prevent from ever occurring in the first place. In many case child abuse occurs in cycles and people who were abused as children are very likely to become abusers as adults. There are three levels of prevention that will be discussion in this section of the investigation.

Primary prevention

The primary prevention method involves teaching people how to properly parent. Many cases of abuse occur because parents or guardians are overwhelmed and simply do not know how to discipline their children. To control behavior parents or guardians will hit children in anger as opposed to attempting other modes of discipline. Parents must be taught to understand how to parent their children at different ages; for instance a 2-year-old cannot understand the same things a10-year-old can understand and must be parented accordingly.

In addition to providing parents with guidance, caretakers such as teachers, babysitters, nannies or daycare providers should also be forced to undergo background checks and meet very strict criteria before being allowed to care for children. Too often in the United States children have been hurt or killed at the hands of childcare providers simply because their was no background check conducted.

In addition teachers and other school professionals should be given the type of support that they need as it relates to addressing issues of child maltreatment. According to an article entitled "Supporting School Professionals through the Establishment of a School District Policy on Child Maltreatment" explains the need for district policies. The author explains that teachers are usually in the best position to identify students who are abused or neglected because they are interacting with the children on a daily basis for long periods of time.

Because parents and childcare providers are often the people that children spend the most time with it is important that the initial prevention measures are inclusive of these individuals. Teaching people how to properly parent is helpful because it assist people in not becoming overwhelmed and taking their frustrations out on their children. In addition those individuals that are around children as teachers or caretakers should not have criminal records and background checks should be conducted to assist in assuring the safety of the children in their care.

b. Secondary prevention second layer of prevention has to do with making the public more aware as it relates to the signs of child abuse or neglect. People such as teachers and pediatricians are already aware of such signs; however a neighbor may not know what signs to look for in a child. The entire community and society must understand that they have a voice and that there are organizations that can ensure that children are safe when abuse is suspected.