Overview of Topic

      Child abuse is a very well known issue happening every day with the result of more than four to seven children’s lives being taken away daily.  Approximately 2,500 children a year lose their life in child abuse instances. Young children that are abused can face problems like: “stress that can disrupt early brain and physical development, placing mistreated young children at higher risk for health problems as adults” (Packard 2). The problems children face from abuse is devastating.  There are many forms of abuse including: “forms of physical, sexual, neglect, psychological mistreatment and medical neglect” (Child Abuse Statistics 1). Physical abuse includes but not limited to hitting, slapping, choking, and whipping. Sexual abuse is between an adult and a child; includes fondling, child prostitution, group sex, or forced observation of sexual acts. Neglect is when the children's needs are not met, includes starving, inadequate food, or  inadequate medical care. Emotional abuse includes yelling, name calling or ignoring the child. Any form of child abuse can affect a child by mentally, emotionally and physically scarring them for life. The United States is one of the most industrialized countries but “The United States has among the worst records among industrialized nations…” (Child Abuse Statistics 1). Even though we are one of the most developed countries we still face major problems with child abuse happening in our country. Children under 4 are the most vulnerable to abuse. Some risk factors that increase the chance of the child being abused are: “parental substance abuse, parental mental illness, major stress, domestic violence, and unsafe neighborhoods (Packard 5)”. Children that are abused or neglected:  “are about 9 times more likely to become involved in criminal activity” (Statistics & Facts 1). This criminal activity can include abusing their children when they grow up causing a never ending cycle. Children who are abused are: “About 30% more likely abuse their own children” (Statistics & Facts 1).  If an individual is abused as a child then has children of their own, and they abuse them the child abuse cycle will continue unless it is detected early. Child abuse is highly common and should not happen in the United States. Child abuse gets ignored when really it a growing problem that could easily be stopped if people took the time to notice the signs and how to tell if somebody is being abused. Make a difference in somebody’s life by saving them from their abuser in addition to lessening the likelihood of their children being abused.

"Summary:." Child Abuse and Neglect Summary. Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2013.

"National Child Abuse Statistics." Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Jan. 2014.

"Child Abuse: Statistics & Facts." Safe Horizon ::. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Jan. 2014.