We Must Report Child Abuse and Neglect Essay -- Argumentative, Persuas

Each of us has the moral obligation to report suspected cases of child abuse. National statistics indicate that five children die daily as a result of child abuse (Childhelp, 2015). Reporting suspected child abuse can prevent the abused child from continuing the horrific cycle of abuse toward their own children (Smith & Segal, 2015). There are four forms of child abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and emotional abuse (Smith & Segal, 2015). Christine â€Å"Chris† Witty, a gold medal winning speed skater, molested by a family friend at the age of four, â€Å"it’s important to talk about it. You raise awareness. But you can also prevent it (child abuse) by not letting it be a secret† (Newberry, 2008, para. 3). Researchers have shown that child abuse may be caused by a complex combination of personal, social, and cultural factors (Family Resource Center, 2015). Measures should be taken to protect children because they are the future. Child abuse is a serious problem that no one wants to admit it exists or do not know how to stop it, if they are aware it exists. Although people are afraid to get involved, suspected cases of child abuse need to be reported immediately because reporting child abuse can save a life. Physical abuse and sexual molestation are the most common forms of child maltreatment (Pillado, Kim, & Dierkhising, 2010). Physical abuse is non-accidental trauma or physical injury caused by punching, beating, kicking, burning, or otherwise harming a child (Smith & Segal, 2015). Physical abuse is the most visible form of child maltreatment and there are several warning signs (Smith & Segal, 2015). The most common warning sign of physical abuse is continual injuries or unknown bruises, contusions, or lace... ...92502d%40sessionmgr4&hid=7&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=mih&AN=6743462 Kids First Child Abuse Treatment Center. (2009). 7 Ways to prevent child abuse. Web. 23 May 2015. http://www.kidsfirstinc.org/preventing-abuse National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. (2010). Understanding child maltreatment. Web. 23 May 2015. http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/CM-factsheet-a.pdf Newberry, P. (2008, September 15). Olympian goes public with sexual abuse. USA Today. Web. 23 May 2015. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-9-15 Pillado, O., Kim, T., & Dierkhising, C. B. (2010). Fact sheet: Child maltreatment. Web. 23 May 2015. http://stopyouthviolence.ucr.edu/factsheets/FACTSHEET%20ChildMaltreatmentSpring2010.pdf Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2015). Child abuse and neglect. Web. 23 May 2015. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_