A look at child abuse

 Child abuse exists all across the world. It affects all ethnic racial and economic groups. Depending on where your live, cultural ways, or religious beliefs abuse may mean something different to different people. Abuse doesn't have to be action. It can be the lack of action as well. Some people may think that it's only abuse if it's something violent which isn't the case. People may think that abuse only comes from "bad" people but sometimes it may be a lack of knowledge of parenting. While not the only reason child abuse is one of the main causes children go into foster care. There are four main types of abuse: emotional, physical, neglect, and sexual.

• Emotional/ Psychological Abuse- Can be extreme words or punishment leading to emotional damage. It's often difficult to detect because it doesn't leave physical marks, but the damage is just as real. This type of abuse can include things like rejecting the child, isolating them or verbally assaulting them.

• Physical Abuse- This involves physical harm or injury. Not all physical abuse may be intentional. An example of this would be over punishment and can include physical punishment that is not right for the child’s age or physical condition. Many parents claim they didn't know what they were doing was wrong and it's determined on a case by case basis. Some forms of punishment such as spanking is controversial.

• Neglect- This abuse can be in the form of physical, emotional, or even educational. This can range from not getting your child into school at the proper time and making sure they attend school to providing basic needs to the child. This can often be the most lethal abuse when children aren't well fed or medically taken care for.

• Sexual Abuse- If this type of abuse take place by someone close in relationship it is called sexual abuse whereas if by a stranger is considered sexual assault. These types of abuse my go the most unreported due to secrecy. This abuse can range from touching to prostitution and soliciting.

 Many people believe abuse doesn't happen in good families. There have been many cases where abuse has gone on for years and no one from the outside know. I personally went through abuse for years and was made to believe that it was normal or acceptable. If you do know of a case of abuse make sure to contact the National U.S./Canada Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.