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http://www.experienceproject.com/uw.php?e=110297C hild and elderly abuse in America is generally a story that hides the facts of actual physical assaults, injury, verbal abuse, pain, anger, sexual and mental abuse, and in some cases even leads to death. This problem seems to be growing at an alarming rate. Up to date statistics show that there are approximately three million reported child abuse cases every year and about five to one elderly abuse cases reported.
Some experts believe that child abuse is probably three times greater than all cases reported. The problem with elderly abuse cases is the fact that most elderly abuses occur in nursing homes. The families neglect to report any wrong doings concerning their elder loved ones for numerous reasons. One reason is for future inheritance. If their loved one dies, some members will inherit fortunes to whatever there loved one owned before dying. This is a sad fact but often found true, when it concerns greedy and heartless family members.
Some statistics show that at least four children a day, die due to child abuse and that-three-out-of-four victims are under the age of four years old. Every ten seconds, a child abuse case is reported. Out of all rapes of children under the age of twelve, ninety-percent of the victims knew their perpetrator. Child abuse occurs at every socio-economic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. Children who have been sexually abused are 2.5 times more likely to abuse alcohol and 3.8 times more likely to become addicted to drugs. One-third of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
There are many types of abuses. Verbal abuse, psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, hate crimes, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, emotional abuse, manipulation abuse, disciplinary abuse and domestic abuse.
Approximate Child Abuse Statistics in the USA
* An estimated 906,000 children are victims of abuse and neglect every year. The rate of victimization is 12.3 children per 1,000 children.
* Children ages 0-3 are the most likely to experience abuse. They are victimized at a rate of 16.4 per 1,000.
* 1,500 children die every year from child abuse and neglect. That is just over 4 fatalities every day.
* 79% of the children killed are younger than 4.
More related stats of Child Abuse and Neglect in USA
* 80% of young adults who had been abused met the diagnostic criteria for at least 1 psychiatric disorder at the age of 21 (including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, & post-traumatic stress disorder)
* Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy
* Children who experience child abuse & 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 violent crime.
* 14.4% of all men in prison in the United States were abused as children and 36.7% of all women in prison were abused as children
* Children who have been sexually abused are 2.5 times more likely develop alcohol abuse
* Children who have been sexually abused are 3.8 times more likely develop drug addictions
* Nearly 2/3’s of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused as children
Repetitious Abuse in USA
1/3 of abused and neglected children will eventually victimize their own children
Additional Statistics on Child Abuse in the USA
* There are nearly 3 million reports of child abuse made annually
* In 2003, there were 906,000 child abuse convictions
* The rate of child abuse is estimated to be 3 times greater than is reported.
* The rate of victimization is 12.3 children per 1,000 children
* Children ages 0-3 are the most likely to experience abuse. They are victimized at a rate of 16.4 per 1,000
* 79% of the children killed are younger than 4.
* These statistics are from the Administration for Children & Families of the US Department of Health & Human Services "Child Maltreatment Report 2003"
The Link Between Abuse As a Child and Future Criminal Behavior
* 14.4% of all men in prison in the USA were abused as children
* 36.7% of all women in prison were abused as children
* Children who experience child abuse & 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 violent crime.
These statistics are compiled from US Department of Justice Reports
The Link Between Child Abuse & Substance Abuse
* Children who have been sexually abused are 2.5 times more likely develop alcohol abuse
* Children who have been sexually abused are 3.8 times more likely develop drug addictions
* Nearly 2/3’s of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused as children
ELDERLY ABUSE
The law defines elder abuse as "physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction or other treatment with resulting in physical harm or pain or mental suffering, or the deprivation by a care custodian of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm or mental suffering." (Welfare & Institutions Code, Section 15610.07 and in Penal Code 368) "Elders" are defined as persons 65 years of age or older.
Physical Abuse: Assault, battery, sexual assault, battery or rape, prolonged or continual deprivation of food or water, or use of physical or chemical restraints for punishment, convenience or without or beyond the scope of the doctor's order.
Neglect: The failure to exercise that degree of care that a reasonable person in a care providing capacity would exercise such as failure to assist in personal hygiene, provision of food, clothing or shelter, provision of medical care, or to protect from health and safety hazards or to prevent malnutrition or dehydration.
Note: This includes self-neglect; one of the most common forms of abuse occurring in community settings.
Financial Abuse: The illegal or unauthorized taking or using of an elder's funds, property or assets by an individual or entity. (Note: Because of its increasing prevalence).
Mental Suffering: Fear, agitation, confusion, severe depression or other forms of emotional distress that is brought about by threats, harassment, or other forms of intimidating behavior.
Isolation: The intentional preventing or restraining an elder from receiving mail, telephone calls or visitors.
In all cases that are reported and for the horrific abuses that go on without detection is growing. Americans need to learn how to identify the signs of abuse and neglect. Until everyone decides to do their part in reporting abuses or suspected incidents … this problem will only become greater as time goes on. Please, take an active role in paying more attention to your children or the children of other people, our elderly people and loved ones, so that we can help stop or prevent these abuses from occurring.
Some of the statistics here were compiled from the National Institute on Drug Abuse 2000 Report and Child Abuse and Neglect Study by Arthur Becker-Weidman PhD
Jim Heitmeyer
Author:
Jim HeitmeyerAbout the Author:My name is Jim Heitmeyer, I was born in Phoenix, Arizona. My wife and I live in Del City, Oklahoma. I am a disabled veteran. enjoy writing stories and articles.
I have written two books by my pen name (Jim Daly). Lockdown Madness and Behind Steel Doors.
December 15, 2007 03:28:18 PM
