Children all over the world suffer from abuse. Nearly a million children are abused in the United States alone. Imagine how many of them are suffering and can't do anything about it. Child abuse should be more taken into account and dealt with, for the safety and happiness of children and families. It is very important to recognize and pay special attention to children who feel trapped, to children who are afraid. It is therefore difficult for them to express themselves. What is child abuse? Child abuse occurs when a parent or other adult causes serious physical and emotional harm to a child. There are different types of abuse that can cause serious cases, some even resulting in death. It is saddening to learn that a small child was killed, due to shaking, falling and even throwing a child against hard surfaces. Some parents claim that spanking their children is a family tradition, but in reality it is a light punishment that is considered physical abuse. “According to Opposing Viewpoints on Child Abuse, disciplinary spanking is not child abuse.” (Chigbo 191) The reason is that it is harmless and has diminished over the years. Physical abuse can include: holding a child underwater, tying them up, intentionally burning them, throwing a large object, and starving an innocent child. A parent or adult who physically abuses a child may become violent if not stopped. This person could increase their anger and make the situation worse. Sexual abuse occurs when a child is raped or forced to commit a sexual act. Sexual abuse involves forcing a child to pose or make pornographic images, telling them dirty jokes, showing them child pornography, and showing a child their genitals. Negligence is any action or inaction in which...... middle of paper ......elves; they think they will hurt others by telling them what happened. It is unfortunate that a child tells a parent what is happening and it is difficult for the parent to believe it. The parent or guardian cannot accept the fact that this really happened. They think they know the person who abused their child, so their mind is "he/she wouldn't do that" and it's hard for most parents to give in and say "I believe you." The mind is powerful and the parents don't want to believe it, they are shocked and feel guilty. In reality, it is neither the child's fault nor the parent's or guardian's fault, it is the abuser who takes all the blame. To prevent a child from being abused, parents can start educating their children from a young age. By teaching them what are and what are the appropriate means or behaviors. Stay calm and do not question the child.