Essay Example on Child Abuse & Maltreatment: A Global Problem

The issue of child abuse and maltreatment is still an issue in the modern-day world. It is a proven and well-known fact that the practice has damaging effects on the lives of children who have been victims of it. It is prudent to set up measures aimed at ridding society of such malpractices. There is a consensus that child abuse and maltreatment is a global problem, as no country is devoid of it. Different researchers and scholars have made significant contributions to the matter, while at the same time attempting to present possible solutions. It is crucial to have an analysis of different research that has been done in this field (Carrasco, 2000).

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To achieve satisfactory results, and in the end, success, those tasked to handle incidences of child abuse and maltreatment ought to have some level of expertise in that particular field (Castellani, Joyce & Schmidt, 2017). While at it, the society should be broadly educated on the dangers that come along with condoning this vice. Expert information should be provided to lay a platform for issuing out successful interventions (Carrasco, 2000). Child abuse exists in three primary forms; physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse (Carrasco, 2000).

Children are incredibly vulnerable persons, and exposure to any form of abuse could have severe, traumatic impacts on them. Their vulnerability is further outlined by their general inability to cope with such traumatic experiences at a tender age (Kemoli & Mavindu, 2014). One such area through which experts can obtain valuable information is research articles written on child abuse. For instance, Kemoli and Mavindu define child abuse as occasioning of harm to a child by one who is supposed to be his or her caregiver (Kemoli & Mavindu, 2014). Further, they proceed to present a case study of a young boy who had been admitted to the hospital, following both physical and psychological abuse. Poverty and social isolation are dubbed as the leading contributors to various traumatic experiences and are an essential point of reference to those tasked with intervening in child abuse cases.

Other than poverty and social isolation, incidences of sexual harassment, being neglected, physical injuries, psychological damage, etc., also have traumatic effects on a child (Castellani, Joyce & Schmidt, 2017). Children who are victims of child abuse and maltreatment are bound to experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), a condition that results from exposure to situations or experiences that could be life-threatening, resulting in injury or damage to one’s integrity (Castellani, Joyce & Schmidt, 2017).

There is a general indication of a decrease in the cases of child abuse, which is indicative of a positive societal trajectory. This decrease is owed to the significant improvements witnessed in the sector of healthcare, prevention mechanisms that have been set up to combat child abuse, economic improvements directly, and changes in generations’ mindsets (Labbe, 2005). Furthermore, there has been an imposition of strict laws that protect children, and advancement in the medicine administered to help victims of child abuse recover faster, and more effectively.

The US Human Health and Human Services presented a report that backed up the assertion that cases of child abuse had reduced but tainted this by indicating that the number of deaths resulting from trauma had increased (Labbe, 2005). This damning exposition only serves to confirm the severity of PTSD. This report is, therefore, quite important in emphasizing the need to act promptly and handle cases of child abuse with priority and the urgency they require. Children are generally unable or unaware of how to cope up with the trauma resulting from their abuse and often resort to self-harming behavior, which does more damage to them (Carrasco, 2000).

Oppression and exposing children to sexual harassment, occasions harm to the child, and damages their integrity. Sexual harassment of children does not only jeopardize their health status but is an inhumane act. This sexual harassment could be in the form of making advances that are sexual towards a child, who is unable to provide informed consent to any of the advances or anything that is happening (Labbe, 2005). These children are often forced into sexual intimacy against their will or without their knowledge. These experiences could result in psychiatric disorders or physical complications that could interfere with how the child’s body functions.

Children can be subject to different forms of emotional abuse and torture. Studies have indicated that these forms of abuse have been on a rampant increase across the globe (Theobald, 2015). Emotional abuse and torture could occur when the child regularly encounters rejection both domestically and publicly, through isolations or forced socialization, when the child is not appreciated enough, etc. The best way to combat such situations is by counselors seeking to offer encouragement to the patients. It is often challenging to teach a child on the attribute of resilience, as the understanding is still limited (Labbe, 2005). Children could end up a misunderstanding or misinterpreting such teachings. Encouragement is thus, the best alternative.

It is prudent that both counselors and those tasked to educate children are well aware of what dangers child abuse imposes on children. Such understanding would go a long way in putting up a decent fight against child abuse, as well as offer more effective treatment plans for the victims. The consensus from all researchers on the topic of child abuse is that it has to be rid of society as it hampers the healthy growth and development of children.

Conclusion

Child abuse has been proven to occasion various forms of harm on a person. It could result in trauma that has the impact of causing depression, as well as causing a child to have a dent in their self-esteem. Owing to PTSD, children who have been previously abused have difficulties in coping with their environments (Castellani, Joyce & Schmidt, 2017). Furthermore, they exhibit specific patterns in behavior that are antisocial. Such could include being withdrawn or showing less interest in participating in social activities, being less resilient to bullying or mistreatment from their peers.

The impact child abuse has on the general cognitive development of a child cannot be understated. The vulnerability of children coping with traumatic experiences as a result of their undeveloped brain capacities plays a significant role in their cognitive development. It is thus difficult for the child to comprehend or learn basic behaviors or reactions. These disorders could extend to the eating and sleeping patterns, both of which play crucial roles in their cognitive development.

Finally, sexual abuse is arguably the worst form of child abuse. It damages the child’s brain and mindset and leaves them highly vulnerable to similar occurrences in the future. The child’s perception of a well-functioning society could be distorted and leaves them confused. Further, other than putting them at risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, this form of abuse leaves the child with constant anxiety, fear, and poor health.

The baton lies with all critical stakeholders tasked with combating child abuse. From their domestic caregivers to their teachers, to the policymakers, and the counselors tasked with treating the victim. All these play a crucial role in ensuring children are protected from such abuse, and those that are victims of the abuse are taken through the right care that effectively aids them.

References

Carrasco, D. (2000). City of sacrifice: The Aztec empire and the role of violence in civilization. Beacon Press. http://preview.kingborn.net/625000/565a8fadf6ca4f7f847ecdd5de5e01a0.pdf

Castellani, R. J., Joyce, L. D., & Schmidt, C. J. (2017). Homicidal abuse of young children: A historical perspective. Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine, 3(2), 97.

Kemoli A.M., Mavindu M. Child abuse: A classic case report with literature review. Contemp Clin Dent 2014; 5:256-9. Available from: http://www.contempclindent.org/text.asp?2014/5/2/256/132380

Labbe, J. (2005). Ambroise Tardieu: The man and his work on child maltreatment a century before Kempe. Child abuse & neglect, 29(4), 311-324.

Theobald, P. (2015). Education now: How rethinking America’s past can change its future. Routledge.