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Child Abuse

About Child abuse

A picture of Rachel Perez who is serving an eight and half years sentence for child abuse and attempted second degree murder of biological son.Federal law defines child abuse and neglect as “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” Research has shown that the prevalence of child abuse is widespread throughout the United States. In 2015, child protective services agencies investigated the cases of more than three million children in the United States and Puerto Rico who were suspected victims of child abuse, according to the Children’s Bureau of the US Department of Health and Human Services.  (Opposing Viewpoints)

Narrow the Topic

  • What does it mean to be a "survivor" of child abuse?
  • How can child abuse be prevented?
  • Along with PTSD, what are other consequences of child abuse?
  • Should abused children testify in court?
  • How reliable is the testimony of children?
  • Is there a connection between child abuse and spouse abuse?
  • Does child abuse cross generations?
  • How is the Vulnerable Persons Law enforced and implemented in Florida?
  • Should children be able to divorce their parents?
  • What reforms can be made in the legal system to address child abuse?