Kelly-Anne Mangum

Mrs. LoMonte

Pre-AICE- English Lang. per 2.

December 9^th 2010

We MUST be the S.A.M.E. [Stoppers of Abuse Methods Everywhere]

Abuse is everywhere. It could be substance abuse, alcohol abuse or even animal abuse; nevertheless, one of the most shocking acts of abuse is that of child abuse. Why it happens may never be understood. Read on to learn about a few types of child abuse, how to know a child may be exposed to abuse, and the reasons behind them,

Take emotional abuse for example; it involves calling a child names like stupid, worthless, dumb and so forth. Making them feel like they are nothing, and embarrassing them whenever possible. It has always been said that words can’t hurt, but in truth they can and leave scars in the process. All the love is gone; there is limited physical contact with the child and more bullying. Physical abuse is actually split into 2 areas. There’s the act of a parent or guardian putting their hands on a child and beating them without reason, and parents or guardians participating in sexual acts with their children; even though it isn’t always physical. Sexual abuse in my opinion is a whole different ballgame, so to speak. It’s doesn’t even always have to involve physical contact, just exposing a child to sexual situations is considered as sexual abuse. Truth is most sexual predators aren’t even strangers! They are actually relatives and friends that the children thought they could trust.

How would you know a child has been through emotional abuse? Well, for starters if the child doesn’t look attached to their parent[s] or guardian[s], it could be a sign. Another point that would stand out is that they child may be fearful and withdrawn, possibly showing extremes in behavior. The signs that children may be enduring physical abuse are bruises and cuts, inappropriate clothing such as sweaters when it’s summertime or the feeling that you get that seems like they don’t want to go home. As far as sexual abuse goes, the child may have trouble sitting, start to participate in sexual acts at an early age and encourage others to do so, or try to avoid certain people, or a person without reason.

Sometimes, parents abuse their children on account of they may have been exposed to it as a child and can’t help it. They only know one way raise children and that is the way they have been raised. Alcohol and drug abuse are another factor. When some people are drunk or high, they can get very temperamental. The slightest issues can set them off, and there is no way that a five or six-year-old would know that. Mental disorders of the parent or guardian should also be taken into consideration. There ARE such things as unfit parents in life, but it’s a concern that people would ignore for the sake of a good name. Stress can be another issue. It isn’t unusual for a parent to feel overwhelmed with work and balancing responsibilities, and in the end they may just not be ready for childcare – no matter how old they may be.

In conclusion, child abuse is something that can be prevented. The best way to help them is to actually believe them in the first place. If an adult won’t believe them, they could end up never getting help and the abuse will continue.