The Fight Against Child Abuse :: Violence Against Children

Could you imagine how children must feel when they are abused by someone that is supposed to love and protect them, and nothing is done to help them? For this reason, it is important to realize there are legislative laws protecting child abusers from hate crimes, and excuses certain people from mandated reporting abuse. In fact, almost 5 children die every day as a result of abuse (Child Help, 2011). Also, money is spent to convict and imprison child abusers which could be put towards programs that help people to recognize and prevent abuse. Children are the future; therefore, it is important for them to grow up in an environment they can thrive, feel safe and free from harm. After all, as the old saying â€Å"It takes a village to raise a child† stands true to this day. Now is the time for everyone to put forth the extra effort to create ways to bring child abuse, a growing epidemic to an end. As responsible citizens it is the duty to report when child abuse is suspect ed, create laws that implement stiffer penalties, and teach people how to recognize the signs and how to prevent abuse. Anyone that suspects a child is neglected or abused should be mandated to report the abuse to an official, no exemptions, and no exclusions. Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline if available at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). This number is used to report abuse, or get help from abuse (Help Guide, 2011). A suspected child abuse case is reported every 10 seconds this totals to more than 3 million cases yearly involving more than 6 million children (Child Help, 2011). Imagine how many child abuse cases go unreported! If children are not protected from abuses this may make the victims lash out later in life and be abusers themselves. Bill SB1313 will excuse people that volunteer their time from mandated reporting. An example of a volunteer that would not be required to report abuse under this law would be a Sunday school teacher. If the Sunday school teacher is aware of child abuse within the church, then the teacher would be exempt from mandated reporting (World Net Daily, 2 004). If most child abuse cases go un-reported imagine if this law passed! The number of child abuse cases and deaths resulting from abuse would drastically increase.