Child abuse prevention merits year-round talk

In Our Opinion

 

Last updated 4/20/2017 at 10:18am



Among other things, April is recognized as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month” across the United States.

The annual observance, which began in 1983, focuses on preventing child abuse and neglect in all of its forms and ensuring kids grow up in a safe and loving environment.

The Revised Code of Washington defines abuse and neglect “as injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health, welfare and safety is harmed.” The code adds that the physical discipline of a child is not the same as abuse or neglect.

Child abuse affects many kids around the United States. According to the Child Maltreatment report from the Children’s Bureau — an office of the Administration for Children and Families — an estimated 683,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect in 2015, the most recent year for which there is national data. The same report listed about 1,670 children died from neglect or abuse in that same year.

The numbers are alarming, but what’s just as scary is the effects of abuse can last with a child throughout their lifetime. According to the Child Domestic Violence Association, children who experience abuse are six times more likely to commit suicide, 50 percent more likely to use drugs or alcohol and 74 percent more likely to commit a violent crime.

A report from the Child Welfare Information Gateway states that about 30 percent of abused and neglected victims will grow up to abuse their own kids. Although that 30 percent is too high, it also means that the majority of child abuse victims choose to break the violence cycle rather than continue it.

Responding to child abuse is more complicated than we realize. Too often we miss the signs and symptoms of a child who is being abused.

If we see a child being abused, our instincts tell us to intervene and stop it. But how do we know if we’re overstepping our boundaries? There are some situations where what is seen as abuse by some is a parent disciplining their child for displaying bad behavior in public.

If you were a parent and were attempting to control your crying child, how would you feel if a complete stranger took it upon themselves to intervene in the situation?

Abuse is not always intentional either, such as a stressed-out parent yelling at their child in a sudden fit of frustration. We’re not condoning this and other similar actions and if a parent is truly sorry for what they’ve done, they should seek counseling.

It’s not always the parents who abuse a child. In some cases it’s a mother’s or father’s domestic partner who attacks the child. In other scenarios it can be an adult outside of the house who is causing harm. In these cases, children are afraid to tell their parents.

One way to address and prevent child abuse is to watch for the signs and listen. If you know a child is being hurt, report it and get them help.

It’s good to have the month of April highlight awareness for child abuse, but like many issues we face in today, it’s an ongoing — and in all cases tragic — matter that needs to be discussed all year, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

RESOURCES FOR CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS

Child Protective Services — (509) 363-3333

Crime Check — (509) 456-2233

The National Child Abuse Hotline — (800) 422-4453

Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery — (509) 535-3155       

Department of Social and Health Services — (866) 363-4276

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Our Family of Publications Includes:

Cheney Free Press
Ritzville Adams County Journal
Whitman County Gazette
Odessa Record
Franklin Connection
Davenport Times
Spokane Valley News Herald
Colfax Daily Bulletin

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024

Rendered 03/25/2024 02:31