As a writer on children’s rights, the subject of abuse is commonplace, the types of abuse are a varied as they are haunting. Most often I write about the horrors that happen outside the United States, however the US is plagued by its own child abusers in all forms. Often we forget to bring much needed attention and awareness to the issues of domestic abuse, including; verbal, physical, sexual and neglect or maltreatment.
Child abuse statistics, are shocking and their numbers are increasing. The haunting reality is that in the US:
Please see my previous article, Knowing the signs of abuse to protect our children, to learn more on how you can protect and prevent children from abuse. And while we need to increase our awareness and prevention programs, we must also strengthen our laws to ensure that all children are given a fighting chance.
Every Child Matters, will be releasing the report, We Can Do Better: Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths in the US, in DC at the United States Capital Building. The report is to bring attention the the increasing numbers of child deaths related to abuse and neglect across the country. The rally is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.
The rally is a much needed opportunity for the public to speak out and seek that the child protection system is strengthened, and more safety nets are put into place. As our current system is over stretched and weak, laws are also weak and often non-existent. Every Child Matters also brings to attention that, several studies have concluded that the actual number of child abuse and neglect deaths is believed to be significantly higher than official statistics indicate. There are a variety of reasons, including different state definitions of what constitutes a child abuse and neglect death, data collection methodologies, inconsistent record-keeping across the country, and who it is that actually determines the cause of death.
Children do deserve our undivided and devoted attention, however we continue to fail our children as we continue to provide inadequate protection and services to those children who are abused and neglected. Children’s rights are not just a battle to be won internationally, children’s rights is a battle that continues to be fought daily on our streets, in our schools and in our homes. Now is the time to give our children the attention they deserve and fight to protect those who cannot protect themselves and speak for all who have been silenced by abuse.
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For more on child abuse and the strained welfare system in the US and what you can do to Reducing child abuse and neglect here at home, please see the following article I posted previously posted, Reducing child abuse and neglect here at home.
