types of child abuse, child abuse and neglect

When you use the phrase child abuse and neglect, many people tend to lump all kinds of child abuse stories together as one horrible social phenomenon, but it's actually more complex than that. For instance, there really are different types of child abuse. The one that usually gets the most attention because it's the most shocking is child sexual abuse. It's horrible, no doubt, but physical abuse of children is far more common. And when you delve into the realm of child abuse statistics, you'll find that neglect is one of the most common types of child abuse. That's right simple neglect, not feeding your child enough, or making sure he or she is clean and has clean clothes to wear or goes to the doctor when it's necessary. While neglect is one of the most pervasive types of child abuse, it's one that society at large can have a big impact on. Most children who are neglected are treated that way becuse their parents are poor, are substance abusers, or simply don't have a support network. If every city, county and state works to provide adequate medical care to poor or indigent families, we can help to mitigate the effects of child neglect. You can start by pressuring the politicians in your area, your senators, representatives, city council members, etc. and let them know that it's a priority.