Child Abuse - Survey & Comments

Beyond cases reported to authorities, little knowledge exists on the types, amount, and effects of childhood victimization. Through a national survey of adolescents, researchers examined the prevalence of sexual assault, physical assault, physically abusive punishment, and witnessing an act of violence and subsequent effects on mental health, substance use, and delinquent behavior problems. Gender and racial/ethnic specific findings are translated into national estimates.

Research findings include (from the U.S. Department of Justice):

1. Rates of interpersonal violence and victimization of 12 to 17 year-olds in the United States were extremely high, and witnessing violence is considerably more common.

2. Black and native American adolescents were victimized more than whites, Hispanics, and Asians in each type of victimization. Much of the violence experienced by youths is perpetrated by peers or someone the victim knows well. Most sexual assaults (86 percent) and physical assaults (65 percent) went unreported.

3. A clear relationship exists between youth victimization and mental health problems and delinquent behavior. For example:

~ Negative outcomes in victims of sexual assault were three to five times the rate observed in non victims.

~ Girls who witnessed violence were nearly twice as likely as boys to experience post traumatic stress disorder.

This nationally representative sample does not include adolescents from homes without telephones and certain high-risk adolescents (i.e., those who were homeless or housed in jails, juvenile correctional facilities, or inpatient mental health treatment facilities).

These are disturbing statistics and are supported by the well known syndrome that rape cases go largely unreported. Many times, children are embarrassed to report abuse, especially sexual abuse, which allows the perpetrator more time to continue with the child (and others). The National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect estimates that there are almost one million children in the US that suffer life threatening physical violence each year.

Some parents believe that physical violence is a way of changing the child's behavior. They do not realize how much damage can be done to the child both physically and emotionally. Acting from "innocence," such parents can do irreparable harm to their own progeny.

It is essential that parents and family friends become aware of the abuse schemes that exist. That they observe any changes in the child's behavior. And, most importantly, is is absolutely necessary that parents be open with children and that children know they can be open with parents!

This and much more, abstracted from the book "Empowering Children." If you want to read more, see:

http://www.buybooksonthewe b.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-2331-6

Dr. Malkin holds a B.Sc. in Business and a Masters and Ph.D. in Religion. He has made hundreds of visits to schools with a moving and effective motivational presentation, urging teens to do their personal best. His mentoring programs have empowered many, many children. His quest for years has been to teach the power of Right Action, working towards the goal of a better world.

---

10 keys to Developing Your Childs Genius

Would you like your child to be the best that... Read More

Twin and Multiple Births are on the Rise

Did you know that the number of twin births have... Read More

How To Potty Train In Two Days

Ah, potty training! Go to a local bookseller and you... Read More

How To Teach Your Children Courage

Courage means doing the right thing when it is hard,... Read More

Potty Training Caveats- Dont Start Too Soon

The First Reason: For one thing, child development experts are... Read More

Consistent Boundaries Makes Discipline Easier

Homes should be run by parents, not children. So many... Read More

Labor of Love

The small, lilac colored hexagonal box, with Winnie the Pooh... Read More

Public Schools Can Waste 12 Years of Your Child?s Life

For over fifty years, public-school officials and politicians have tried... Read More

Help Your Children to Love Reading

It is so important to create an environment that promotes... Read More

Is Your Child Ready For an Allowance?

Children think money grows on trees. Maybe not literally, but... Read More

Homework Help for the Attention Deficit Child

Does the homework battle so typical with your hyperactive or... Read More

Lets Pretend

Children explore the world around them and learn through pretend... Read More

How To Be A Bad Mother

As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More

Strong-willed Kids: Raising a Spirited Child

Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: The Power Struggle

Q: My husband and I are at a loss as... Read More

5 Solid Reasons: Why Your Child Can Be An Achiever

All of us, including your child, entered this world equipped... Read More

Keep the Little Ones Safe, Follow Pool Safety Guidelines

Pool safety should be on the minds of every parent... Read More

Loving Your Step-Children

Loving your step-child can be both simple and hard. It... Read More

Are Parents Trying Too Hard?

One of the implications of the current trend toward smaller... Read More

Why Wont My Teens Clean Their Room?

Have you ever had this struggle with your teens? Did... Read More

Study Skills - Help Young People Study Smarter, Not Harder

Many young people don't know how to study efficiently and... Read More

Labeling is Disabling: Achieving Congruent Communication

A small town, somewhere in the world, was managed by... Read More

Achieve Success At School - Parents, Help Your Kids Easily Be Top, Honor-Roll Students!

With the beginning of the new school year coming VERY... Read More

Your Checking Account

Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More

Helping Your Child Make and Keep Friends

What Children Look for in a Friend?Is this child fun... Read More

A Night Out For Mom & Dad

Is your babysitter watching the kids and your k9 family... Read More

Childrens Safety in Public Places - 10 Useful Tips

My kids ask me all the time to take them... Read More

Parenting Confidence - Who Needs It?

It used to strike me as odd - but really,... Read More

Now, Theyre Bullying My Daughter In Our Home: Welcome To Cyber-Bullying

Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More

Eating Disorders in Children

If I had a dollar for every time I persuaded... Read More

A Quiz for Parents: What Are They REALLY Learning?

Picture this. Your child comes home with a special assignment... Read More

Role Models for Your Teen

By the time your children reach their teens, there is... Read More

Water Hazards For Young Children

Unfortunately each year many young children drown in swimming pools,... Read More