Childhood Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.  Types of child abuse include but are not limited to physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, psychological maltreatment, and medical neglect.  In Judith Herman’s book, Trauma and Recovery, she talks about the importance of a healing relationship in recovery from childhood abuse: 

“Recovery, therefore, is based upon the empowerment of the survivor and the creation of new connections.  Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation.”

Childhood abuse and neglect can be healed through the therapeutic relationship.  Here are some general statistics from www.childhelp.org about childhood abuse and neglect:

• Over 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States; however, those reports can include multiple children.
• In 2009, approximately 3.3 million child abuse reports and allegations were made involving an estimated 6 million children in the United States.
• A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
• More than five children die every day as a result of child abuse.
• Approximately 80% of children that die from abuse are under the age of 4.
• More than 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way.
• Children whose parents abuse alcohol and other drugs are three times more likely to be abused and more than four times more likely to be neglected than children from non-abusing families.

If you, or someone you know is being abused, please call the police.  Please contact us for more information.

Sources:

Judith H., (1997). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence-from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books: New York.

Childhelp.org, http://www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics#gen-stats