Thomas J. Henry launches its Child Abuse Prevention Month series by explaining physical abuse and how it affects children around the world.
Physical abuse is any malicious act that causes physical injury, such as beating, shaking, biting, burning, or otherwise harming a child, but physical abuse is also as quiet as failing to provide appropriate care, such as neglecting a child. According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, as much as 1 in every 14 children are victims of physical abuse.
Physical abuse can come from anywhere—within the family and outside in the community—and it is often an unseen tragedy. Children have no voice, no influence, no way to escape their circumstances. Many of them live in constant fear.
The effects of child abuse are both physical and mental, and they last a lifetime. Some effects include brain damage, hearing or vision loss, or other disabilities. Abuse can also cause children to develop severe emotional, behavioral, or learning problems.
Because abuse effects one’s self-esteem and ability to communicate, children often struggle to function socially in public even after the abuse has ended. Many children who live through abuse become depressed and turn to smoking, alcohol, or illicit drugs in later years, leading to further damage to their bodies.
The effects of abuse are exhaustive and crippling. Children need a voice—the help of educators, supervisors, adults, and even strangers—to escape the turmoil of abuse and bring their abusers to justice.
The month of April has been set aside to raise awareness for these troubled children. Thomas J. Henry is taking part in the Child Abuse Prevention Month this year through a series of informative blogs to teach others the signs of abuse and how they should react.
Become an advocate for these struggling children by educating yourself and others. Learn the signs of child abuse and how to confront it in our upcoming blogs. Together, let’s end child abuse.
Information below provided by the American Society for the Positive Care of Children (SPCC):
If you believe that your child has been the victim of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, contact Thomas J. Henry. For over two decades, Thomas J. Henry has been an advocate for physical abuse victims across the state of Texas. Our experienced child injury lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to take your call. Contact us today for a free case review.