CHild abuse Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

CHild abuse - Research Paper Example It’s an underreported crime, usually due to family contingencies involved. Child abuse- A term that is associated with dire pain and agony for the child. It’s not just a harm that is inflicted on the individual or the familial basis, but if we go and look out of our â€Å"little world† scenario, we find that it’s a larger problem with a larger consequence base. Children who grow up having such experiences, in turn are more likely to inflict abuse on their own children. This becomes a vicious circle, which lingers on and on. It not just has its effect in the immediate family; it explodes and infects the society altogether with crime, drugs, disease and callousness. It’s a state of emotional, economic and sexual maltreatment meted out to a person below the age of eighteen and is globally prevalent phenomenon. According to WHO :† child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power† (World Health Organization, 1999). Different connotations may be attached with â€Å"child abuse† in different cultures and socio-economic background. There are majorly 4 types of child abuse inflicted upon children. The WHO defines them as: 1. Physical abuse – physical abuse is inflicting of physical injury upon the child. This may include burning, hitting, punching, shaking, kicking, beating or otherwise harming a child. The parent or the caretaker may not have intended to hurt the child. It may, be the result of over-discipline or physical punishment that is inappropriate to the child’s age. 2. Sexual abuse – sexual abuse is inappropriate sexual behavior with the child. It includes fondling a child’s genitals, making the