April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and, Our
Banana Moments is supporting efforts to raise awareness by devoting blog topics
to child abuse and neglect throughout the month. The numbers of infants, babies, and children affected by
abuse and neglect is staggering.
In 2006, 905,000 children were
determined to be victims of abuse or neglect. Of the 905,000 victims, 1,530 children died due to child
abuse or neglect.
What is Child Abuse or Neglect?
Each State has its own
definition of child abuse or neglect.
Each State must define their definition based on minimum standards set
by Federal Law.
At the very least, child abuse
or neglect is defined as any act or failure to act on the part of a parent or
caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual
abuse or exploitation; or, an act or failure to act which presents an imminent
risk of serious harm.
Types of Child Abuse or Neglect?
Physical Abuse: is the intentional
(non-accidental) physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe
fractures or death) as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking,
throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other
object), burning, or otherwise harming a child, that is inflicted by a parent,
caregiver, or other person who has responsibility for the child.
Neglect: is the
failure of a parent, guardian, or other caregiver to provide for the basic
needs of a child. A child’s basic
needs may be food, shelter, medical, education and or emotional needs.
Sexual Abuse: is the employment, use, persuasion, inducement,
enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person
to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct for
the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct; or the rape, and
in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships, statutory rape,
molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or
incest with children.
Emotional Abuse: is a pattern of behavior that
impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may
include constant criticism, threats, rejection, as well as withholding love,
support, or guidance.
*If you are concerned that a child
is being harmed by abuse or neglect, you can report your concerns to your local
child welfare or law enforcement agency. For more information or assistance
with reporting, please call Childhelp® at 800.4.A.CHILD (800.422.4453).
Child Welfare Information Gateway. Available online at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/canstats.cfm
Thank you so much for bringing more awareness to this very real and sad reality. As a mother of four and a survivor of serious sexual and emotional abuse, it's my own journey to bring feelings of safety and unconditional love into my childrens' lives. Thank you.....
ReplyDeleteTracy
My Diaper Diaries
♥nice post.)) love your blog♥
ReplyDeleteThank you Tracy, your children are so lucky to have you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post!I'm glad you posted about this.I'm a survivor of physical,sexual,mental and verbal abuse.It's really nice of you to care and bring more awareness,it's just not right for abusers to do this.Good post,thanks!
ReplyDelete