Child Abuse Prevention Month
Why does child abuse occur?
Child abuse and neglect affects children of every age, race, and income level. However, research has identified many risk factors relating to the child, family, community, and society that are associated with an increased risk of child abuse and neglect. Studies have also shown that when multiple risk factors are present, the risk is greater.
Young mothers and fathers unprepared for the responsibilites of raising a child; overwhelmed single parents with little support; and families placed under stress by poverty, divorce, or a child’s disability are all at greater risk. Some families are stressed by worries about employment, health, substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, or are simply unaware of how to care for their children’s basic needs.
These circumstances, combined with the inherent challenges of raising children, can result in otherwise well-intentioned parents causing their children harm or neglecting their needs.
How many children are abused and neglected in the United States?
In 2004, about 3 million reports were made to child protective services about the safety and well-being of more than 5.5 million children. As a result of these reports, about 872,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse or neglect. Of these, more than 60 percent were neglected and about 18 percent were physically abused, 10 percent were sexually abused, and 7 percent were emotionally maltreated.
Child deaths are the most tragic consequences of maltreatment. In 2004, an estimated 1,490 children died due to abuse or neglect. More than one-third of these deaths were caused by neglect.
There are four types of child abuse.
o Neglect
o Physical Abuse
o Sexual Abuse
o Emotional Abuse
This information is from Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee. Tennessee Parents’ Helpline, 1-800-356-6767. Visit their website, http://pcat.org, to learn more and help this cause.
