Child Abuse Prevention Paper

Child abuse in the United States is a serious public health issue. In fact, annually more than 700,000 children are victims of abuse (Nationalchildrensalliance.org, 2014). Furthermore in 2014 an estimated 1,564 children died from abuse and or neglect (Nationalchildrensalliance.org, 2014). Additionally, child protective services protect more than three million children on an annual basis (Nationalchildrensalliance.org, 2014). While neglect is the most common form of maltreatment, children also experience physical and or sexual abuse (Nationalchildrensalliance.org, 2014). The ultimate goal of any prevention program is to stop the violence before it occurs. Thus, prevention requires a firm understanding of the factors that influence violence (CDC.gov, 2015). Hence, a social-ecological model may be utilized in order to understand violence and the effect of potential prevention strategies. A social-ecological …show more content…
The various relationships in an individual’s community may be studied in order to identify characteristics and patterns that may make one likely to either become a victim or a perpetrator of abuse. Prevention strategies may be implemented at this level that focus on the impact and physical environment (CAHC.org, 2017). The fourth level in the social-ecological model for child abuse prevention is the societal level. This level focuses on broad societal factors and or trends that may contribute to a societal culture of abuse (CAHC.org, 2017). Prevention at this level may be aimed at mass education and methods that contribute to creating a societal culture that abuse is not acceptable. Child abuse in the United States is a serious public health issue. The nation’s youth are the future and need to be cared for. Thus, the assessment and proper utilization of a social-ecological model may be beneficial to understanding and reducing this disturbing