How Can We End Child Abuse?

Story by Brielle Holton. Photo courtesy of Columbia Teacher’s College.

Imagine you walk into your house and see big, gigantic, scary monsters ready to attack you, only for you to sadly find out the monsters are your parents? Child abuse can cause lots of trauma and harm. According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health), "approximately 1 in 4 children experiences child abuse or neglect in a lifetime.” A tremendous amount of children are getting abused by their parents and it's not safe for them at all. There is a way to prevent the rise in child abuse happening around the world. For example, children could talk to someone who could possibly help them, or parents could go to therapy.

Teens are facing various unfair and tragic challenges in their lives with child abuse. In an article from the Center for Children's Advocacy, “Baya’s father and stepmother physically abused her. Following custom, the Nigerian community intervened and assumed Baya’s care. Her father ceased all support and contact.” Overall, teens go through rough times, getting physically hurt by their parents, and there needs to be a change.

There are many downsides to child abuse, and also a plethora of ways to prevent it. An article from Cleveland Clinic states, “Having open, friendly conversations (within healthy boundaries) allows the child to trust you and feel comfortable telling you if they don’t feel safe. Seek help. Don’t let fear or embarrassment prevent you from seeking help.  If you suspect that a child is experiencing abuse, call or contact.” This indicates that children should not be scared to say something if they are getting treated poorly at home. 

Ultimately, child abuse isn’t right and nobody should have to go through it. Even though child abuse is awful there are ways to prevent it. We could work together to help kids have a safe and loving child abuse free life.

Brielle Holton is a 7th grader at Southeast Academy