Child Abuse and Neglect - Assignment Example

Child Abuse and NeglectChild abuse is a global problem that is deeply rooted in cultural, economic and social practices. It is generally perceived that the children are abused by strangers but it is now known that children go through a considerable percentage of abuse by family members or people close to the child apart from friends, acquaintances and strangers. The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) as amended by the CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, defines child abuse as “Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse exploitation” (Definition of Child Abuse and Neglect in Federal Law, n.d.).

The child under the above definition is a person who is younger than 18 years and the definition refers specifically to parents and other caregivers. Child protection laws primarily focus on cases of harm to a child caused by parents or other caretakers rather than including harm caused by strangers and such children feel “emotionally abused as well” (Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms, 2007, p.3). With the modernization in the society, people are so engrossed in their lives that they do not have much time to take care of their children and understanding their needs and requirements.

Being raised by a single parent or by very young parents without the support of elders, presence of violence at home, unable to fulfil child needs can be a major reason for child neglect. Abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional. Prevention is the best way of reducing child abuse and neglect and improving the lives of children which requires an effort from the government and society as a whole. “Public awareness” is the key to reduce child abuse, the family and the society as a whole should be made aware of what exactly child abuse is, educating the society and the family for proper development of the child and taking care of their needs is a major step in preventing child abuse (Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect, n.d.).

Every member of the society should take child protection as their responsibility and should not hesitate to help a child in need. Apart from the general public, the media, the NGO’s should play a key role in educating the people towards protection of children by way of street plays, posters, articles in newspapers, short documentary on television and also helping the children who needs support and help. In America Pinwheels for Prevention is an effort to change the thinking of the people towards child abuse it focuses on providing a bright future to the children of America by creating awareness in people related to child abuse and neglect, Darkness to Light is a mission to end childhood abuse by educating more and more people and creating awareness in people.

Protection of every child all over the world is very important for a better tomorrow, if we will give a better today to our children and the children around they will grow up as a better human being working towards the development of society, community and country as a whole.ReferencesDefinitions of Child Abuse and Neglect in Federal Law. US Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect. US Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms. 2007. Child Welfare Information Gateway.

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