Breaking the Silence: Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect — and How We Can Help This April
Breaking the Silence: Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect — and How We Can Help This April by Darabeth Freiberg Every April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month calls attention to one of society’s most pressing and often hidden issues: child abuse and neglect. These experiences can have lifelong consequences, yet many cases go unnoticed. By understanding the signs and the lasting impact on development, we can all play a role in prevention and support. What is Child Abuse and Neglect? The World Health Organization defines child maltreatment as physical or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to a child's health, development, or dignity. In the U.S., neglect is the most common form of abuse, accounting for 75% of confirmed cases. Physical abuse makes up 17%, while sexual abuse accounts for 9%. Child abuse comes in many forms: Physical abuse : Hitting, kicking, or other forms of physical harm. Emotional abuse :...