Guidelines for the Clinical Evaluation of Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse - Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Child Abuse: A Generational Plague-----

Children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse, occurring at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions, and at every level of education.

A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.

• 37 (Thirty-Seven) children DIE every day as a result of child abuse.

• 80% of children that die from abuse are under the age of 4.

• 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way.

The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in 2008... $124 BILLION dollars!!!

Child Abuse (Acts of Commission)

Words or overt actions that cause harm, potential harm, or threat of harm to a child. Acts of commission are deliberate and intentional; however, harm to a child may or may not be the intended consequence. Intentional only applies to the caregivers' acts-not the consequences of those acts. For example, a caregiver may intend to hit a child as punishment (i.e., hitting the child is not accidental or unintentional) but not intend to cause the child to have a concussion. The following types of maltreatment involve acts of commission:

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Psychological abuse

Acts of Omission (Child Neglect)

The failure to provide for a child's basic physical, emotional, or educational needs or to protect a child from harm or potential harm. Like acts of commission, harm to a child may or may not be the intended consequence.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

- Matthew 5:4

Crystal Marie Tabor-Trujillo

-Phoenix, Arizona.

Guidelines for the Clinical Evaluation of Child and Adolescent Sexual Abuse - Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry





 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

- Matthew 5:4