Physical Abuse to Children - Essay Example

Safeguarding Children Children need to be protected from any and all forms of abuse. It is evident from research carried out by different studies that most children are often exposed to one form of abuse or another at some point in their lives. In order to safeguard and protect the growth and development of a child, it is crucial to ensure that the environment in which they are exposed to is free from any and all forms of abuse (Artaraz, Thurston & Davis 2007, p. 311). This may make it possible for them to grow and develop into individuals who are keen on helping shape society, rather than destroy it. Physical abuse is just one form of abuse that a child may experience growing up, and in some cases, may lead to the child’s death. This paper will examine physical abuse to children and how this has become such an immense issue today, and why it needs to be addressed before it is too late. It is not correct or fair to insinuate that among all the forms of abuse known, physical abuse may be the most dangerous. This is because all forms of abuse leave the child scarred and mentally afflicted for life. There are legislations that are in place that try and ensure children are protected and their rights safeguarded against any form of abuse. However, this has not stopped carers, parents, siblings, or guardians from physically abusing children. Working Together to Safeguard Children identifies physical abuse of children as poisoning, shaking, burning, scalding, and even drowning them (Aubrey & Dahl 2006, p. 31). The distress caused by such actions often show up later in children as they tend to act out or carry out similar actions against others. There are signs to look out for when it comes to identifying a child that has been or is being physically abused. These signs can be in the form of physical indicators or mental/behavioral changes. Some of the physical signs include bruises that the child might show after being mistreated or mishandled by the immediate caregiver. Bruises are the most common, but other signs, for example; non-accidental fractures or injuries may sometimes be seen in children (Barn, Andrew & Mantovani 2005, p. 73). If such signs are seen by other parties, they should be carefully investigated and brought to the attention of someone in a child protection agency. Although children are sometimes afraid of telling, it is possible for them to open up when they feel safe and not threatened. The mental indicators often stem from the fact that the child’s behavior tends to change after or being continuously abused. They may not be aware of these changes as they often happen at a subconscious level. Being withdrawn is just one indicator that a child is probably being abused. An abused child, many at times, feels like the whole world is indifferent to his/her needs, which makes them withdraw from other children their age, any other form of power or authority in their lives, or even their relatives. Sometimes, the child may exhibit temper tantrums or outbursts and may become aggressive towards fellow children when in their company (Barton & Welbourne 2005, p. 183). They often do this without their knowledge, or this may occur as a result of pent up frustration that makes them lash out in a bid to feel better/in control. Safeguarding is meant to ensure that children are protected from any form of maltreatment and grow up in environments that are consistent with provisions of effective and safe care. Everyone is responsible for safeguarding the lives and welfare of children in society. General practitioners have been mentioned as the first persons to intervene in terms of family issues, especially in terms of health and development within family ranks. The general practitioners remain the first persons to make contact with individuals, and they might be the first people to realise that there is a parental or health problem that might pose problems to growing children (Taylor & Kroll 2004, p. 1126). The documented effects of abuse have been identified and recorded because among the high population of young adults who tend to abuse drugs or engage in crime happen to be victims of one form of abuse or another. However, it is vital to mention why some cases of abuse go unmentioned. Various people may often give reasons for a child’s behavior, especially if they are the ones behind the abuse. Fear of repercussion may sometimes push clinicians to avoid addressing the abuse taking place, especially in the case of family physicians. Sometimes, the child may be hidden from the public and excuses given for their non-attendance. These are just some of the reasons why people may fail to report incidences of abuse, and why the issue is growing in homes and families where substance and alcohol abuse is extensive (Harbin & Murphy 2006, p. 96). The presence of different agencies aids in the protection and safeguarding of the child’s rights. However, the framework that all these agencies come up with may be sometimes tangled and in a jigsaw maze. This makes it difficult for the messages present in these agencies to be read and interpreted by the people meant to be served. By coming together and sharing the information, it is possible to untangle the maze, and acquire information that is beneficial to the parties involved. All this can be done in a bid to ensure the safety and protection of any and all abused children in society. This means that communication is fundamental in the transfer of information from one agency to another (Stanley & Goddard 2002, p. 47). In conclusion, child abuse is an issue that has been debated for decades and it is one that is likely to go on for a while before a lasting solution is established. The different legislations on the safeguarding of children are aimed at providing all parties tasked with the responsibility of protecting children with an avenue to work and benefit society. They must be properly trained and supervised in order to have the proper skills to approach, handle, and even deal with abused children (Bentovim, Bingley-Miller & Pizzey 2009, p. 87). In doing so, they would ensure that abused children and abusive individuals get the help they need in order to become better members of society. It is time to end the cycle of abuse, which is destroying the structures that make up for the social and moral fabric that is modern society. 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