For more information
Call 1-800-351-0222

CHILD ABUSE.
  Term Paper ID:19768 		Get This Paper Free! or
Essay Subject:
Incidence, definition, types, history, family dynamics & behavior, cultural aspects, treatment.... More...
8 Pages / 1800 Words
6 sources, 14 Citations, TURABIAN Format
$32.00

More Papers on This Topic


Paper Abstract:
Incidence, definition, types, history, family dynamics & behavior, cultural aspects, treatment.

Paper Introduction:
On November 2, 1987, a little six year old girl was brought into the hospital by paramedics. She was unconscious. Her father said she had choked on some Chinese vegetables. "Her body all three feet nine inches and forty five pounds of it was mottled with bruises. Her feet were covered with black." Policeman responding to a call, told of finding her in a filthy apartment filled with urine and neglect. A day later the little girl died. She became another statistic regarding child abuse. But this little girl was different. Her adopted parents were well to do upper class people. They lived in Greenwich Village. Both were professionals--her father a lawyer, her mother an editor. "Her parents lacked for neither money nor education,nor access to good schools nor child care." Despite neighbor's complaints of abuse, visits by the police for domestic violence

Text of the Paper:
The entire text of the paper is shown below. However, the text is somewhat scrambled. We want to give you as much information as we possibly can about our papers and essays, but we cannot give them away for free. In the text below you will find that while disordered, many of the phrases are essentially intact. From this text you will be able to get a solid sense of the writing style, the concepts addressed, and the sources used in the research paper.


While relatively a small percentage of abuse cases, it isthe most lethal. [13]Ibid., 12. Government agencies in the U.S. Child Abuse. A day later the little girl died.She became another statistic regarding child abuse. Most Americans would interpret thisas causing physical injury. Her feet were covered withblack."[1] Policeman responding to a call, told of finding her in a filthyapartment filled with urine and neglect. This practice isto reduce fevers, chills and headaches. [11]O'Brien, 51. During the MiddleAges children were regularly beaten. Self help groups and other neighborhood support groupsreduce the isolation often associated with abuse, especially those who arehigh risk. An American anthropologist let her baby cry without pickinghim up in order to avoid spoiling him. However greaterdisclosure, more awareness of the problem, and recognition of child abuseas a societal problem, are the positive steps to take in the healingprocess for both sets of victims--the child and the parents. It includes touching the genitalsof a child, exhibitionism by an adult and actual intercourse with a child.Experts estimate that one in four female children and one in six malechildren in the U.S. Children with learning difficulties or ahandicap may require special care a parent is unable to give.Unfortunately, some children in a family will be mistreated more thanothers and know one knows why. BibliographyCheck, William. One area that does seem to have a universal taboo in most cultures isincest. Because the parents skills arelimited, they do not know how to cope with a baby that demands extra timeand attention. Some abusiveparents look to their children to make up for their own lack of skills. "The NationalCommittee on the Prevention of Child Abuse contends that child abuse grewat an annual rate of 14% up to 1984 and is still growing at a rate of 9%per year."[4] In New York City in 1987, the year Lisa died, 1 7 otherchildren also died of parental abuse or neglect. Unfortunately, all societies have some childrenthey value less than others. Some abusive parents have a low sense of self esteem. [4]Ibid. Most people think of physicalabuse when they think of child abuse. They feel theyhave little to offer the world. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 198 .O'Brien, Shirley. Somecultures have ceremonies which include genital operations, beating, sleepdeprivation and other ordeals. New York: St. Thismay be the result of lack of nurturing support from the parent orcaretaker. Information is stilllimited. This could include hitting, kicking, shooting, stabbing,burning, shaking and throwing."[6] Physical abuse accounts for only 1 % ofall child abuse. As aresult they are over-critical of themselves and their children. Information about local service and healthresources are also shared. She was unconscious. Unfortunately they come from all groups ofsociety. Likewise, the West has customs that could be taken out of context andmisinterpreted. [5]"Report on Child Abuse Finds Agencies Deluged," Los Angeles Times,13 November 199 , A1. They have no real friends, they areloners and they shun other people. There is still a long wayto go. As a result they feel alienated and lacka sense of trust. Her father said she had chokedon some Chinese vegetables. They lived in Greenwich Village. This approach is consistentwith Gestalt principles. We want to think it doesn'thappen. Emotional abuse comes in many forms. Shame, denial and prejudice seem to be the majorreason for failure to recognize the problem. New York: Chelsea House, 1989.Ehrlich, Sam. It cuts across every spectrum of life regardless of the color of skin, ethnic background, religious heritage, place of residence or money earned. Since then a number ofcross cultural research studies have been done. will suffer from sexual abuse. Immature parents may be unable tohandle a child that is fussy or sick a lot. In essence the entire family is seen as thepatient and must be addressed since the sum of its parts is greater thanthe whole. "Physical abuse is the non-accidentalinjury of a child. [14]Ibid., 129.----------------------- 11 What is the abused child like? Early in the 2 th century, ashift occurred which began to look at helping the entire family not justthe child. "One of the most common characteristics ofabusive parents is their own abused childhood."[1 ] Statistics repeatedlypoint out this cycle of abuse. Focusing on the family helps break the cycle of abuse from generationto generation. There were more than 114, reports ofabused and neglected children."[5] Even though wildly prevalent, childabuse is usually overlooked by family, friends, teachers, health careworkers and officials. Another aspect of abusive parents is their belief in hard physicalpunishment. Incidence of Child Abuse Child abuse is not easy to talk about. These parents want control and authority over their childrenand will use force to get it. Martin's Press, 1989.Helfer, Ray. Most Western nations would look withdisfavor on these activities. In Viet Nam there is a traditional well knownpractice of rubbing a hot coin on the forehead of a child. A recent landmark study conducted in Los Angeles found that one childwas murdered each week by his or her parent or caretaker: "More than 1,8 children were sexually abused. [2]Ibid., 8. Family support services provide families with what they need tocope with the stresses of life and stay together. "In 1987, nearly2.3 million cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the U.S.alone. by Dr. Kempe. Most professionals believe 1% of all American children are subjectto abuse or neglect each year."[3] The incidence of abuse has gone up dramatically. Older children that may need extra time and attention canalso be prone to child abuse. They do not have the skills or theknowledge to parent in another more appropriate way. A linkedcharacteristic of low self esteem is unrealistic expectations. [9]O'Brien, 46. On November 2, 1987, a little six year old girl was brought into thehospital by paramedics. Other middle class activities thathave a different meaning would include tossing a child into the air.Polynesian's believe this inflicts major trauma on the child. Failure to thrive is seen in younginfants. Sexual abuse is alsofound in other countries such as Britain, where it is a growing problem. Definition of Child Abuse Child abuse comes in many varieties. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1968.Hyde, Margaret. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 198 ."Report on Child Abuse Finds Agencies Deluged." Los Angeles Times, 13 November 199 , A1.----------------------- [1]Sam Ehrlich, Lisa, Hedda and Joel (New York: St. Unfortunately, itis a widespread but drastically under reported problem. By the end of the century, there were childprotection agencies in every major country. One of the earliest laws to protect children from cruelty was adoptedin Great Britain in 1884. [3]William Check, Child Abuse (New York: Chelsea House, 1989), 14. One of the earliest forms common to Greek andRoman societies was infanticide, the killing of young babies. Cry Softly! [8]Margaret Hyde, Cry Softly (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 198 ),62. These children fail to develop mental and emotional skills. Yet this little girl also became a national symbol of child abusein this country. "Cross cultural variability indicates there is not a universaldefinition for what is good child care or what is child abuse."[12]Initiation rights in many parts of the world are an example of this. To New Guinea observers this was amajor act of child abuse and neglect. The Industrial Revolution in the 17thand 18th century brought about the exploitation of child laborers. All the programs inthe world can't make up for the pain of child abuse. All this adds to theperpetuation. Her adopted parents were well todo upper class people. Child Abuse Treatment While there are many methods of child abuse treatment, the mostprevalent approach is to treat the family unit. [1 ]Hyde, 21. A major element of the Gestalt approach is to try and keep thefamily together and not put the child with foster parents. "Simply removingthe child from trouble and abusive parents will not stop the abuse or stopit from occurring in the future."[14] In fact some professionals thinkplacing an abused child in an institution is another form of abuse sincefor many it is a temporary dumping ground. [6]Shirley O'Brien, Child Abuse (Provo, UT: Brigham Young UniversityPress, 198 ), 13. This concept made child abuse arecognized national problem. While children are notphysically abused they are yelled at, threatened, criticized or given thesilent treatment. These children died at therate of two per week. [12]Ray Helfer, The Battered Child (Chicago: University of ChicagoPress, 1968), 24. Today, through the emphasis of education andtreatment, child abuse is more out in the open. History of Child Abuse and Protection Child abuse is not new. Emotional abusemakes up the majority of child abuse. This occurredbecause the child was not wanted or physically deformed. Lisa Steinberg, the littlegirl, lives on as a remainder of a problem we all need to address. Family Dynamics and Behavior Patterns Who are child abusers? Childrenas young as five and six worked for low wages and under inhuman conditions. Adults who grow up in an environment ofabuse often repeat the pattern. Martin's Press,1989), 2. "Anthropologically and historically, sexual unions betweenfather/daughter, mother/son, brother/sister have been abhorred."[13] It isthe least acknowledged form of child abuse due to its secret nature.Overall, studies indicate that child abuse is less likely to occur insocieties where children are valued for their economic contribution oremotional contribution. "Her parentslacked for neither money nor education,nor access to good schools nor childcare."[2] Despite neighbor's complaints of abuse, visits by the police fordomestic violence and visits from social workers, the little girl became avictim. But this little girl was different. They feel inadequate as parents. were funded to help preventchild abuse and treat it. Sexual abuse, which includes incest and molestation is probably themost under-diagnosed form of child abuse. Asa result, they expect the child to behave as a miniature adult, a role thechild can not fill. Child Abuse. Programsfor abused children and young adults try to minimize the long term effectsof child abuse. "A network of public and private agencies grew toprovide services for adoption, foster care, day care and supportiveservices."[8] In 1968, the concept of the "battered child syndrome" wasdeveloped in the U.S. Cultural Context of Child Abuse Questions often arise whether or not child abuse is universal. She became a reminder that child abuse can happen toanybody. They do not appear unusual: Abuse is found in every category we might define. Lisa, Hedda and Joel. Early family screening and treatment is providedby home health visitors to identify and deal with any problems. "Her body all three feet nine inches and fortyfive pounds of it was mottled with bruises. Both wereprofessionals--her father a lawyer, her mother an editor. It affects seemingly perfect families. The Battered Child. These programs try to aid in the development ofa loving relationship and strong attachment between parent and child.Education programs try to provide parents with information about childdevelopment and skills. Support programs for new parents help prepare people forthe job of being a parent. Physical abuse is the single greatest cause of deathsamong infants 6-12 months in the U.S.[7] Although fatal child abuse is aworldwide phenomenon, some countries such as Denmark, Sweden, and Italyhave low or virtually non-existent rates. Or if it does, it doesn't happen all that often. This destroys the child's sense of self. This is particularlyimportant for parents of children with special needs. [7]Check, 17. They are not monsters. Abusers share two common characteristics--they abuse their children and they need and usually want help.[9]Many abusive parents are isolated. "Characteristics of abused childrenvary as much as the characteristics of abusive parents."[11] Sometimes theabuse starts at birth for no apparent reason other than the child is notwhat the parent thought it would be like. Priorto 198 most studies looked at Western nations.

If this paper is not what you are looking for, you can search again:

Search for:

or

We can write a Custom Essay just for you.


Browse Essays by Subject