The social issue of child abuse has occurred since the beginning of time. The National Statistics on Child Abuse states that nearly 700,000 children are abused annually in the united States. Statistics from the article 11 Facts About Child Abuse from dosomething.org also show that:

•  the United States, more than 4 children die from child abuse and neglect on a daily basis. Over 70% of these children are below the age of 3
• 9 million cases of child abuse are reported every year in the United States
• Children who experience child abuse and neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit violence crime
• About 80% of 21-year-olds who were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder
• 1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 5 boys will be sexually abused before they reach age 18

These statistics show how dangerous home life can be for a child. Over time, child abuse has become more of a hidden issue and is less talked about. More people should become aware of the issue and advocate. Children cannot speak for themselves most of the time and are also unaware that child abuse is an issue. 70% of children that die on a daily basis are under the age of three which means they are not even mentally or physically developed enough to stop the abuse or report it; children also believe what happens to them is normal as they are too young or scared to compare their home lives to others. Children need more people to care for them, advocate them, and support them.

You can help!

From an individual level, volunteering can be an easy way to make a difference. Organizations such as CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, of New Jersey offers a program for individuals over the age of 21 who is a CASA volunteer to become a court appointed special advocate. This program advocates for children removed from their families due to abuse or neglect and allows CASA members to be a voice for these children in court. CASA members speak for the children when the children cannot do so for themselves. They also provide a support system for these child victims and a friend during tough times. CASA is organized in 49 US States, as well as the District of Columbia. CASA is just one of thousands of child abuse organizations that provide volunteer options and ways to help.

From a community/college level, getting professions such as nurses and social workers to present at events can be a big help to helping future students in these majors identify signs of child abuse and neglect. Forming other events to educate and advocate for children can also be a big movement for this audience. Some events may consist of creating support groups for survivors, or an anti-stigma event that stops the stigma and informs the audience.

From a national level, laws can be supported and passed in favor of ending child abuse. The H.R.2480- Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act was introduced in May of 2019 and pushed to reauthorize the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, CAPTA. While all parties have been shown to want to end child abuse, Democrats typically have more votes of putting an end to it.

Child abuse is an age-old social issue but many things can be done to help put an end to it. Bringing awareness to the issue is an essential way to help stop child abuse from occuring.

You can help!

“Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Jersey.” Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Jersey, www.casaofnj.org/.

“Let’s Do This!” Let’s Do This! | DoSomething.org, www.dosomething.org/.

“Our Response.” National, www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/.

As COVID-19, also referred to as the coronavirus, has spread across the world, about ninety percent of Americans are now home and social distancing according to ChangingAmerica. While being home and staying away from physical contact with others is vital to flattening the curve and overcoming the virus, being home for this long period of time can be dangerous for children and families that experience child abuse.

The article Why child welfare experts fear a spike of abuse during COVID-19  explains that Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth Texas has experienced seven children severely abused in five consecutive days whereas the hospital typically only sees fewer than ten crucial child abuse cases per year. This statistic raises red flags in the child abuse community as children may be placed in a higher risk environment for longer periods of time now that most Americans are home.

With having such a substancial life alteration due to COVID-19, many Americans have experienced anxiety, tensions, and irritability from being contained for so long. We are so used to being busy, going out, and interacting that being enclosed in our homes has caused us to panic and act abnormally. Many factors can contribute to the extra frustration experienced by parents/guardians during this time. Initially, routines are being disrupted. While children had previously been enrolled in school for most of their day, they are now extra factors in their parents/caregivers lives. Being in close quarters for longer periods of time with children can lead to annoyance and frustration. Additionally, the rise in unemployment rates has left approximately 6.6 million Americans without jobs; being unemployed can have negative effects on an individuals such as stress and irritation. These added factors into an individuals life can have negative effects on the people and children around them during this time.

For children, especially those who are victims of child abuse already, this pandemic can be mentally, physically, and emotionally draining. Initially, if a child has already been experiencing child abuse in their home, it is more likely that the child has been abused to a much larger extent since the quarantine has begun as they are stuck home with their abusers. Children who often use school or other places as their safe space no longer have that freedom or support. Because children are missing their social interaction, they can be mentally drained in their home environment and further their emotional abuse. Missing the social aspect of life also prevents outsiders from identifying signs of child abuse on a child. Typically a teacher or fellow student could notice a bruise or mark, however, now that the child is locked in their home, there is no one to identify those signs and help them.

When life is disrupted by natural disasters, war, or pandemics, cases and incidents of abuse have been shown to increase. Being home is dangerous for victims of child abuse and abusers may feel as though they hold more power now as they have control of the child 24/7. The societal shutdown caused by COVID-19 raises many red flags as child abuse cases are more likely to rise in numbers and children are placed in dangerous situations.

Guzman, Joseph. “90 Percent of Americans Now Staying Home to Prevent Coronavirus Spread.” TheHill, 27 Mar. 2020, thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/489813-majority-of-americans-staying-home-as-much-as.

Santhanam, Laura. “Why Child Welfare Experts Fear a Spike of Abuse during COVID-19.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 6 Apr. 2020, www.pbs.org/newshour/health/why-child-welfare-experts-fear-a-spike-of-abuse-during-covid-19.