Child Abuse Research Paper

Leonardo Anjos         

Professor Johnson

ENG 101-13

December 8, 2016

Child Abuse

Child abuse has been a social concern for many years and continues to have a rise in numbers as time progresses. National studies show that in 2014, 1, 564 children have died as a victim to child abuse, also well as an estimated of over 700 000 children are abused in the U. S annually (National Statistics on Child Abuse). There are many problems that arise from child abuse, and negative consequence. Although there are many types of abuse, and they all have the negative consequences, child abuse rates remain high nationally and pose life long troubles to the victims. Therefore, this essay will provide persuasive evidence that child abuse is the worst type of abuse that one may experience during the duration of their life. Firstly, children’s psychological and social development is greatly affected by the abuse. Secondly, there are many long-term affects that are present within an individuals’ life who has been abused. Finally, there are server societal consequences that civilians do not realize and can be prevented if more success program in helping these victims were to be implemented.

Firstly, there has been extensive research done that illustrates the increasing numbers in evidence that shows poor outcomes in behavioral, emotional, and social development due to being abused.  A study that was done in California showed that out of 38 adolescents that were removed from their biological parents, 42 % had “unresolved” attachment issues, and higher levels of attention problems (Appleton & Stanley, 2009). These individuals also score significantly lower on measures of cognitive processes relating to attention, cognitive efficiency and working memory (Appleton & Stanley, 2009). Research on neglect symptoms suggest that a child may exhibit both social and emotional problems such as aggression, learning problems, language delays, hostility, low-self esteem and high incidence of juvenile delinquency (Christoffersen & DePanfilis). Physical abuse shows to have a lot of long-term affect on the abused victim. Studies show and increase in violent crime, conduct disorders, alcohol problems, and suicide (Christoffersen & DePanfilis). Researchers have concluded that there is a clear linkage between long lasting damage and emotional abuse as victims experience anxiety, depression, low-self esteem, suicidal tendency, substance abuse, eating disorders, and antisocial functioning ( Christoffersen & DePanfilis). All forms of abuse create sever long lasting complications and damage the victims social functioning, as well as their learning abilities.

        Secondly, Long-term affects are prevalent in one who has been abused. The impact may lead one to experience psychiatric disorders in the future, be more susceptible to substance abuse and affect future relationships (Johnston, Emmanuel & Christine). Research shows that male children who have experience more than 6 adverse childhood experiences are more than 4,000 % more likely to become drug user (Child Welfare Information Gateway). Evidence also shows that those with abusive parents also display abusive behavior or violent behavior when they are older. Females who experienced childhood physical abuse have up to a 10% higher rate of being a perpetrator to interpersonal (Child Welfare Information Gateway). Males who experience childhood sexual abuse are 17% more likely to commit interpersonal violence (Child Welfare Information Gateway). The number of health concerns is also concerning once a child experiences abuse their chances of experiencing depression, anxiety disorders, addictions, personality disorders, eating disorders, sexual disorders and suicidal behavior increases (Child Abuse Has Many Potential Negative Impacts). Researchers found that adults who have reported child abuse, 76 % of them have experienced one psychiatric disorder while 50% have experience three or more (Child Abuse Has Many Potential Negative Impacts).  Through the evidence we can see that there are a number of long-term affect that are continually seen through those who have been abused lives. These individuals are never able to live a normal life, as they begin to have affect on them at a young age that follows them into adulthood.

        Finally, Child abuse affects more than just the individual and the families, it also affect indirect and directs cost for society. According to the CDC child abuse is more costly than the two leading health concerns, stroke and type II diabetes (Child Welfare Information Gateway). It may cost up to $124 billion due to the lifetime cost of child abuse and the related fatalities (Child Welfare Information Gateway). The indirect costs are long term economic consequences such as health care, juvenile, adult criminal activity, mental illness, substance abuse and domestic abuse (Child Welfare Information Gateway). $104 billion is the estimated cost by Prevent Child Abuse America that is projected that our taxpayer pays. A study showed that childhood experiences account for the increase of employment problems, financial problems, and absenteeism (Child Welfare Information Gateway). Child sexual abuse has been found to be a key factor in youth homelessness with between 50-70% of young people within Supported Accommodation Assistance Programs (Child Abuse Has Many Potential Negative Impacts) having experienced childhood sexual assault. Taxpayers are also paying for more shelter and assisted living programs as these individuals are reoccurring offenders. Instead of getting the proper help they are in and out of the system, costing society more in the end. Furthermore, child abuse is affecting those who have not even experienced it personally or within their family.