Despite consistent and increasing media attention and public knowledge, the existence of child abuse and neglect continues to be a widespread socially constructed problem. A child’s cognitive and physical development, emotional and psychological foundations, personality formation, ability to learn and socialize in a healthy and appropriate manner, are all dependent on their environment and upbringing. However, children that are exposed to and experience abuse and neglect have long-term effects that are particularly damaging to their adulthood. It is society’s responsibility to establish and foster interventions that provide safeguards to protect the innocence of childhood. Without the implementation of prevention and intervention methods, child abuse will continue to be a social problem and unfortunately, this is a concerning issue that does not discriminate.
Child abuse is something occurs within all races and cultures, in all social classes, and effects children of all ages. Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving more than 6 million children (a report can include multiple children) (ChildHelp, 2015). According to statistics provided by Child Help, the United States has one of the highest and worst records of child abuse and fatalities resulting from abuse; between four and seven children die every day due to abuse and neglect (ChildHelp, 2015). If a serious approach to decrease these numbers is not implemented, this number will stay steady or more concerning, it will increase. However, through the use of prevention and intervention methods, societies could have a direct-effect on the safety of children in the community and work toward providing increased support to the families and children effected, as well as focus on the protection of our youth.
Although there is no solution to completely stop children from being abused, there are ways to prevent it, intervene, and...