Child Abuse

It was recently in the news about a volunteer who was jailed for child abuse. He was a volunteer for st. Johns ambulance, who sexually abused one girl cadet, and attempted to engage in sexual acts with two others.

I find this behaviour disgusting, especially as it was from a man who was trusted by the children, it is completely taking advantage of his position. The punishment he received was an eight month prison sentence which i don’t think is long enough, because the effects he had on them children, can last a lifetime. He also had an order to sign on the sex offenders register for 10 years, which is only right he should do. Although in my opinion it should be for life, as once you have done it once you are capable of it again. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8008965.stm

Child abuse can take four different forms, all of which cause long term damage to a child, this are
Physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. Bullying and domestic violence, are also forms of child abuse.

A child may be experiencing abuse if he or she is:
· frequently dirty, hungry or inadequately dressed
· left in unsafe situations or without medical attention
· constantly "put down", insulted, sworn at or humiliated
· seems afraid of parents or carers
· severely bruised or injured
· displays sexual behaviour which doesn't seem appropriate for their age
· growing up in a home where there is domestic violence
· living with parents or carers involved in serious drug or alcohol abuse

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/HelpAndAdvice/WhatChildAbuse/whatischildabuse_wda36500.html

I find all types of child abuse completely unacceptable. Parents who treat their children in such appalling ways, don't deserve to have them, and anyone in a position of responsibility towards children (teachers, youth workers etc) should take their roles seriously, and not break trust that they build with the children.

I find child abuse bad on several levels. The behaviour is unreasonable and immoral towards an innocent child. I can only think that people who treat children in this way, either had a bad upbringing themselves, or just had children when not really wanting them. This would explain the lack of maternal instincts, or a desire to protect their children. Alternatively those who sexual abuse, must have health issues themselves to treat children in this way, this could also be the case with parents. Either way children do not deserve to be treated this way, and anyone who does should be punished.