Child Abuse and Neglect :: Violence Against Children

The day began like any other day. It started with the hustle and bustle of the children rushing into the classroom, tearing off their winter gear and throwing it into the coat room. I noticed, however, one of the smaller boys named Tommy wasn't wearing a winter coat or hat. I thought that maybe his parents hadn't realized how cold it was out that morning. So I tried to push the idea out of my head so I could start the day, after all the Pledge of Allegiance had already begun. Later on at recess, I had told the children to get dressed to go outside. I held Tommy inside for a minute so that I could give him one of the coats that had been donated to the classroom. When I had reached to help him put the coat on I realized he became uneasy. I continued to help him, however, and I was shocked at what I had saw. It was cigarette burns on his neck. I suddenly realized I was witness to a serious case of child abuse! â€Å"According to the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, more than three million cases of child maltreatment were reported in 1995. In that same year at least 1,215 children died because of child abuse and neglect.† ( Child Abuse and Neglect ). There are several types of child abuse. The primary types are physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect. Physical abuse is the most visible form of child abuse. Physical abuse can be defined as â€Å"non accidental trauma or physical injury resulting from punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, or otherwise harming a child† (American Humane ). If the child is being physically abused then you may notice bruises, swollen areas, or marks on a child’s face. In severe cases you may notice â€Å"human bite marks, cigarette burns, broken bones, puncture marks, or missing hair† ( American Humane). If you can not actually see physical abuse then you may notice something is wrong when a child begins to act up behaviorally. Some behavioral indicators include â€Å"withdrawn or aggressive behavioral extremes, complaints of soreness or uncomfortable movement, wearing clothing that is inappropriate for the weather, discomfort with physical contact, or becoming a chronic runaway†(American Humane). I think these indicators or physical abuse are very important for teachers, so they are aware of children who are being abused.