The Statistics of Child Abuse in the World Today

Children can be abused in several different ways. Abuse may be physical, mentally, verbally or sexually. Some are physically abused to the point of death. That is when relatives, friends or neighbors come forth to speak out. Abuse of any kind should be reported when first suspected. Every state but three in America has a child abuse reporting LAW in force. The three are Hawaii, District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands. The law states that it is your duty to make a report of the abuse. After a child has already been murdered it is too late to save that life.

Each year some 1,500 children die from abuse in all parts of the world and there are many that are not reported. It's unknwn if more abuse is by the boyfriends, stepfathers or just men overall. Men in general are not always an abuser. A mother should never have their child/children in dangerous situations. Yet, a high number of boyfriends do abuse the children or child. A single mother should take her time with a new boyfriend. She needs to be sure that he is good and has patience with the children/child. The parents are not the only ones that need to keep the children safe. Keeping the children safe is everyone's responsibility. Anyone seeing or suspecting abuse and does not report it is as guilty as the abuser.

General Statistics
Many children suffer from neglect or abuse that is hidden. The reports of child abuse of some nature are three million a year in the US. There are about five children that die each day from physical child abuse. Of these 5 killed three are under the age of four. Concerning sexual abuse 90 percent know the criminal. In fact, 68 percent are a member of the family. Child abuse or neglect of some nature can occur in any religion. Also in all levels of education, cultures even social or economic levels. The statistics say that of all the women in prison in the U.S., 31 percent were abused as a child. With the people that are in rehab centers 60 reported child abuse or neglect as a child. From the children that are abused or neglected 30 percent will become an abuser. Eighty percent of abused children at age of 21 or over will have some form of psychological disorder. In the prisons for men 14 percent were abused when children.

Abuse and neglect have become too common among children in the U.S. The use of the words neglect or abuse is often exchanged during conversation. Although sometimes taken too lightly. Maltreatment of any type can be distinguished. If the necessary care of children is not given it is neglect. Any offenses done to children leave them with scars. These scars may not only be physical but also emotional.

These are some things to look for if you suspect abuse or neglect. A child's behavior or drop in grades is a sign that something is happening. If a child knows more about sex then they should for their age. Also when a child gets really upset if they think they have done something wrong. The child acts much older or more responsible then should be for their age. When there are bruises, burns, black eyes, bites or broken bones that can't be explained. Have noticeable bruises or marks behind the knees or inside the biceps. They tell you that someone has hurt them (a parent, relative or caregiver.)

Some things to observe about the caregiver or parents are; When a physical injury that is brought to their attention and they seem unconcerned. Talks about the child in ways that is not positive. Were they abused as a child? Only the hand should be used for physical discipline and only if the discipline is harsh. Are they drug and/or alcohol abusers to the point it is having a significant impact on the children /child.

If you have a suspicion that the child/children are being mistreated, abused or neglected or die from one of these cases you need to know that it is a law that it be reported. This should be reported to a child protection service or to the county Department of Social Services. (N.C.G.S. 7B-301) it is the LAW. When making a report in good faith you are protected. If nothing comes from it you are protected from civil or criminal prosecution.

Here are ways to make the report. The reporting of neglect or abuse has to be in person, by phone or pay phone if you don't want to leave your name. It also can be reported in writing. There again your name does not need to be left. Of course they will not give the name of the reporter. At that time DSS will start an investigation. You will a peace knowing that you did what you could to protect a child or the children. Maybe it will save a child's life.