Did you know that in 2011, nearly five children died every day in America because of child abuse and neglect? In this research paper, I will discuss what child abuse and neglect are. Next, we will discover why some parents choose to abuse their children. Next, I will dive into a discussion of the long-term effects of child abuse. Finally, we will explore which age groups are affected by abuse. What is child abuse and neglect? According to Child Help, there are different forms of abuse. Physical abuse is any non-accidental injury to a child, which includes hitting, kicking, slapping, burning, hair pulling, throwing and whipping. There is also sexual abuse, that is to say any sexual act between an adult and a child. It would be touching, sexual intercourse and pornography. Another type of abuse would be emotional abuse, which is any attitude or behavior that interferes with a child's mental health. This includes yelling, screaming, shaming, and name-calling. What is negligence? Well, it means a failure to provide for the physical needs of a child. There are different types of neglect: physical, educational, emotional, medical. Physical neglect involves leaving a child alone for an excessive period of time given their age and cognitive abilities. Educational neglect is when the Schmidt2 child is not allowed to go to school. Emotional neglect occurs when the parent encourages the child to steal or engage in other illegal activities. Medical negligence is the refusal of medically indicated treatment to disabled infants whose lives are in danger. This would include lack of supervision, inappropriate clothing for the weather conditions and refusal of medical care. Most people wonder why parents choose to abuse their children.... ... middle of paper ...... their children are automatically accused of abuse and usually have their children taken away from them. Sometimes, too, parents need to take parenting classes to show that they know they've made mistakes. Work cited Streetman, Cori P. "NATIONAL CHILDREN'S ALLIANCE". National Children's Alliance Digital Media Kit. National Children's Alliance, 2009. Web. November 21, 2013. Young, Daphne. “National Child Abuse Statistics.” Prevention and treatment of child abuse. Child Support, 2013. Web. November 21, 2013. Smith, Melinda. “Child Abuse and Neglect.” : Recognize, prevent and report child abuse. Help Guide, August 2013. Web. November 21, 2013. Berman, Laura. “Effects of Sexual Abuse.” Oprah.com. NP, 2013. Web. November 25, 2013.McLean, Lynne. “What is child abuse?” » Collin County Child Advocacy Center: Short- and Long-Term Effects of Maltreatment. Children's Advocacy Center, 2013. Web. November 27. 2013.