Child Abuse, a Silent Epidemic?

Every day, 3-4 children die from child abuse in the United States. That is a startling number and it really makes you think. How could this be happening in a civilized country?

Why is Child Abuse so Prevalent?

With over 50,000 reported cases of suspected abuse and/or neglect coming in every single week, there is no way the social workers available can investigate every case. That means that authorities have to decide which of the calls is most urgent.

You also have to keep in mind that many cases go unreported. No one notices that a child is being abused or if they see signs of abuse, nothing is done about it. Child protective services estimates that half of all abuse cases are never reported.

Of all the type of child abuse (sexual, neglect, physical and emotional), neglect is by far the most common, accounting for around 60% of abuse cases reported. It is also the least likely to be noticed.

Signs of Child Abuse

While professionals such as teachers, police officers and school nurses are the most likely to call in a report of child abuse, anyone is able to do so. These people are usually trained to spot signs of child abuse and are required by law to report it. However with a little more effort, average people in the community could also be taught to look for these signs.

Just one of these signs doesn't mean that a child is being abused, but in combination with other signals or if you see one sign repeatedly, this can mean that the child is being abused.

Signs in the Child

- Sudden changes in behavior, especially in school or at childcare

- Medical problems brought to the attention of the parent are left untreated

- Learning problems are present without diagnosis

- Is constantly nervous and watchful, expecting something to happen

- Obvious lack of supervision from an adult (dirty clothing, bad hygiene, etc.)

- Is too withdrawn, passive or willing to do as told

- Prefers to be at school or other activities and doesn't want to go home

Signs in the Parent

- Shows virtually no interest in the child

- Negates or blames child for "supposed" problems at school

- Requests severe physical punishment from teachers if child misbehaves

- Regards the child as useless or worthless

- Demands an extreme level of achievement in school or sports

- Requires that the child provides emotional support and care for the parent

You may also observe the following signs when the child and parent are together:

- both state dislike for each other

- have no physical or eye contact

- Consider their relationship to be utterly negative

What You Can Do About Child Abuse

As a concerned member of the community, you can help put an end to child abuse in your area. If you see several signs of abuse in a family, report it to child protective services.

Spreading the word about child abuse can only help. The more people that are aware of the problem, the less children will have to suffer.