Child Abuse Has Been Increasingly

¶ … child abuse has been increasingly brought to the forefront. Part of the reason for this, is because the underlying problem has become so common that 1,770 children died in 2009. Moreover, the underlying trends have continued despite efforts to effectively deal with these problems. Evidence of this can be seen in figures compiled by the National Children's Alliance. They determined that child abuse has been continuing in spite of various efforts to prevent this. The below table is illustrating the total number of cases that were reported during the first half of 2011.

Total Number of Child Abuse Cases 2011

Age

Number of Cases

Total

("National Statistics on Child Abuse," 2011)

These figures are significant, because they are showing how child abuse is a continuing problem that must be dealt with more effectively. Until this occurs, the odds are increasing that these trends will continue into the foreseeable future. ("National Statistics on Child Abuse," 2011)

Opposition Arguments

Despite the numbers that were presented earlier, many opponents will claim that current efforts are working. As the total number of prosecutions of child abuse related cases have dropped by 26% in one year. This is important, because many of those individuals who are supporting the opposition will claim that the status quo is effectively dealing with these challenges. However, based upon the figures for 2011, child abuse is continuing to remain a problem and must be dealt with using more efficient tactics. (Fallihie, 2010)

Solution Section

The best solution for dealing the larger issue of child abuse is to take the current approach and augment it with a new strategy that will reduce the total number of cases. The way that this can be accomplished is to have those parents who are found guilty of child abuse sentenced to specified amount of time in jail. Once they are released, is when they will be required to attend mandatory anti-child abuse classes. At the same time, they must demonstrate to the court that they will not be able to abuse their children in the future. If a parent can do this, they will be given custody of their children on a trial basis. Those who engage in this kind of behavior in the future will lose all parental rights and they are going to spend the next several years inside a state correctional facility. These elements are important, because they are showing how this approach will not allow child abuse to occur. Once this takes place, is when parents will think twice about harming their kids.

Clearly, more effective programs must be introduced that will reduce the total number of child abuse cases. This is because the status quo is addressing certain aspects of the problem. While ignoring other areas, that must be dealt with as this can lead to an increase in the actual number of cases. If the current approach can be adapted to: one that incorporates education and stiffer penalties for these incidents. This will lead to long-term declines in the amount of cases reported. Once this occurs, is when there will be greater oversight and enforcement of existing laws.