As dismaying as it is, child abuse exists and what's even more disheartening is that it comes in many forms such as physical harm, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. While physical and sexual abuse are the more well known than the other two, emotional abuse and neglect are equal detrimental to the victims. There are over 3 million cases of child reported in the United States every year and despite this number, over 90% of child abuse goes unreported. It is not until most of the victims are adults is the darkness of their childhood revealed. Over 28% of adults report being physically abused as a child, 20% say they were sexually abused as a child, and 10% say they were emotionally abused as a child.
PhysicalUsing any physical means (hitting, burning, etc.) to intentionally harm a child.
Signs:
SexualUsing a child for sexual purposes or sexual acts.
Signs:
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EmotionalDepriving a child of emotional support; hindering their mental and social development.
Signs:
NeglectNot caring for a child or providing them with what they need to maintain their well-being.
Signs:
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Speak Up
If any of these signs are see, please say something because as sad as it is, abuse is a cycle and the effects are lasting. Roughly 30% of children abused will become abusers in adulthood, 45% will become alcoholics, 30% are likely to commit violent crimes and a staggering 80% meet the criteria to be diagnosed with at least one psychological disorder by the age of 21. You can contact the National Hotline for Child Abuse at 1-800-799-7233, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453, or simply call the police.