If We Prevent Child Abuse,
We Fight Crime.
Victims of child abuse are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life. Over two-thirds (68%) of youths arrested have a history of child abuse and neglect. Child abuse increases the odds of future delinquency and adult criminality overall by 40 percent. Abused and neglected girls fare worse: girls who were abused and neglected in childhood are 77 percent more likely to be arrested as juveniles as reported by C.S. Widom (1992, 1994)
Ninety-three percent of people incarcerated in Texas prisons for violent crimes like murder, rape and assault were abused and or neglected as children according to Prevent Child Abuse Texas.
We Promote Success in School.
Abused and neglected children suffer poor prospects for success in school. According to a 1976 study, one-third of abused children aged four and a half were found to have significant neurological damage. Emotional behavior was affected in the other two-thirds. Typically, abused and neglected children exhibit poor initiative, and language and other developmental delays in school. They are more likely to experience increased difficulties and inappropriate behavior in peer and adult relationships as reported by Morgan (1976) in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.
We Reduce Child Disabilities.
Physical abuse of children can result in brain damage, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and learning disorders. High incidences of retardation, growth and neurological problems, and impaired emotional functioning are found among physically abused children. Abused or neglected children are disproportionately represented in special education classes. Approximately 25 percent of sexually abused children involved in one study (Kline, 1977) were in classes for the emotionally disturbed.
We Support Adult Wellness.
Childhood abuse and dysfunctional households are linked with behaviors later in life which result in the development of chronic diseases that cause death and disability according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (1998).
Abused children are more likely to be obese, have diabetes, be physically inactive, have high use of health care resources, and score high on measures of psychological distress. They are also more likely to engage in early sex, have an unintended pregnancy, have high numbers of sexual partners, and suffer from depression and suicide attempts as reported in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine 1998.
What To Do?
Child abuse and neglect are the root of so many personal and community tragedies. How can we prevent them? The organizations whose primary focus is child abuse prevention need much greater community support�volunteers and increased funding. Let your local policy makers on the City Council and County Commissioners Court know that you support increased funding for the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect. Volunteer with one of the following groups whose principal mission is the prevention of child abuse/neglect: Any Baby Can, Communities In Schools�Pebble Project, Family Pride Council, Kid&TeenSafe Project at SafePlace, Prevent Child Abuse Texas, Parents Anonymous and other parent support/education efforts, especially those for teen parents. Information for this article provided by Prevent Child Abuse Texas.
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Consequences of Abuse | How Teachers Can Help | If You Think Your Child Has Been Abused | Mary Ellen's Story