ALL KIDS NEED:No Abuse, Insult, Neglect, Maltreatment or Manipulation Sometimes abuse is done with intention to hurt, while other times it is done without malicious intent and awareness. Sometimes abuse is perpetrated by a total stranger, while other times it is perpetrated by someone known, such as a caretaker, neighbor or relative. In any case, abuse and neglect of children or youth is cruel and criminal. It leaves physical and emotional scars that last a lifetime and most often continue in a tragic cycle into future generations. The most eloquent statement I’ve read is from a caring child advocate:“If I could change just one thing, I would stop people from beating their kids. Not just beating, but verbally abusing kids, neglecting kids. You lose your childhood when you’ve been abused. My heart goes out to those children who are abused and have no one to turn to. “My wish is that children be treated as people, and not as property; that their rights as human beings on the planet – to food, shelter, education and health – be taken seriously. I see that the way people were treated as children causes them to grow up and behave certain ways as adults. I see it as the root of almost every problem in our society.” Physical abuse might include hitting, slapping, pushing, shaking. Sexual abuse might include any sexual contact with a child, using a child for pornography, or exposing a child to adult sexual activity. Emotional or verbal abuse might include put-downs, insults and threats. Neglect might include failing to provide for a child’s physical or emotional needs. If you suspect your own child is being abused, seek help from your physician, mental healthprofessional, or social services agency. If you suspect abuse of any child, report the abuse to your local child protective, social services, or law enforcement agency. If you yourself are saying or doing things that is hurting a child, stop it now. It is time to get professional help immediately. Children are not the dumping grounds for adults’ problems. Help your child learn the difference between good and bad touches, assertiveness skills, stranger danger, internet safety, what to do if they feel they’ve been touched in a bad or “dirty way,” and who they can feel safe turning to and confiding in. Together, with awareness, prevention, and determination, we have the power toend the devastating cycle of abuse. TRY IT!Consider if your words to your child are insulting or hurtful at times. Take a parenting class for more effective communication and discipline skills. Some sad facts about child abuse: Each day in the United States, more than 4 children die as a result of child abuse. Child abuse is reported on average every 10 seconds - that's over 3 million reports per year. A higher percentage of abuse occurs among children with mental and physical disabilities
