Child Abuse Prevention

The prevalence of child abuse is outlandish. So many children around the world are physically, sexually, emotionally, and mentally abused while in care for their parents. In detail, research shows “Nearly 700,000 children are abused in the U.S annually” (The National Children Alliance). Furthermore, “in 2008 there were roughly 22.9% fatalities” (Barnett, Perrin & Perrin, 2011, pg.147). For this reason, more attention must be brought to the public regarding this matter. Just as the media bring forth the saddening news of various child abuse case, there should be more discussion on prevention strategies and awareness. Alongside this, child protective services need to become more keen to the signs of abuses and the need to intervene appropriately.

Summary Child physical abuse is defined as the act of violence that cause some form of observable harm (Barnette, Perrin & Perrin, 2011, pg. 141). In particular, bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, bone fractures, skull fractures, cuts, etc. Nonetheless, some parents believe that some acts of physical punishment are in fact acceptable, while many others have argued that any form on physical harm should be considered abuse. To decrease such discrepancies, the National Center of Child Abuse and neglect broadened the definition of physical abuse to include two standards, harm standard, and endangerment standard. Harm standard is observable injuries that last at least 48 hours; endangerment standard is viewed as children being substantially at risk for injury. In the case of Aniya Day, she

In so many cases mothers are deemed responsible for crimes committed on children, even at times when mothers are victims themselves. In fact, the text noted “that under some circumstances, social workers within Child Protective Services have been particular unsympathetic and even harmful to battered women. These workers appear to blame the mother for not protecting her child from an abusive father or husband” (Barnett, Perrin & Perrin, 2011, pg. 134). As seen with Channel 5 News, reporters keened in on the mother, even going far as to note findings of past criminal history. In contrast, little was stressed about the stepfather, only the fact that he was charged with aggregated murder as well. Ultimately, society as a whole may blame women for the lack of protection of their children. Channel 5 News lack of information regarding the stepfather, in fact, highlights this assumption. Above all, family violence is a societal issue whereas mothers should not only be singled