Child abuse is one of those rare anomalies in that it is an equal opportunity employer? What's that you say? Well what that means is child abuse is not like some other crimes which are more prevalent in certain racial, ethnic or socioeconomic groups, which may be easier to ignore or push under the rug because you don't "fit in" with those groups. Rather, child abuse is nondiscriminatory. It occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions, and at all levels of education. Therefore, child abuse affects every single one of us. It affects YOU. Child abuse is not a problem for those people who live on the other side of town, or go to that other church, or have a different color of skin than you. Child abuse is right here in your own community and may be closer than you ever thought.
- a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds.
- more than 5 children die every day as a result of child abuse.
- approximately 80% of children who die of abuse are under the age of 4.
- more than 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way.
- about 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
These statistics should alarm you! So please do not think child abuse is someone else's problem, because it is OUR problem. Please be aware and pay attention to the many programs that raise funds for the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Attend a fundraiser, volunteer an hour or two of your time, check out a website devoted to child advocacy and look at their wish list, and if you are able, donate an item. Children are the most helpless victims, and we ALL need to secure the best future possible for those who need us the most.
Statistics: Here
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