Child Abuse

A child is the epitome of innocence. Child abuse strips the world of that purity, and leaves pain in its place. This cruelty continues to damage families across America and the entire world for that matter. Child abuse is the physical, sexual, emotional harm, or neglect of a child. Young and defenseless, most do not know what to do until too late. Child abusers should receive harsher punishment because the child enduring the exploitation will be scarred for life, the assault can happen to any child, and it has reached epidemic proportions.

Any adolescent molested or physically abused will forever be damaged. The effects of this mistreatment tarnish the emotional development of a child. In addition to distorting children's thoughts, abuse also forces children into vast physiological issues. This prevents children from having real relationships and has life-long and life-altering effects. Abused children are deprived of many skills necessary to navigate the social world. Children respond to sexual assault in many different ways "according to their age, gender, personality and family circumstances". (Children's Behavior after Sexual Assault) Many kids withdraw and become introverted, whilst some may act out and become irrational. However, some groups point out that the abused did not die; therefore, the abusers do not deserve worse treatment. While there are sixty million survivors, some were not as lucky and are emotionally crippled. Though fortunate enough to survive the abuse, sexual or physical, the children won't ever be "normal" again. Some turn to drugs, alcohol, and even self-mutilation to cope with the intense realities of their childhood. (Newton) To avert any more children's lives from being tainted by this, a stronger stand must be taken.

Even under a watchful eye, any child is susceptible to being sexually or physically abused. Many oppose that fact, and believe that their child is