Children around the world suffer from abuse. Nearly one million children are abused, and that's in the United States alone. Imagine how many of them are suffering and can't do anything about it. Child abuse should be better considered and addressed, for the safety and happiness of children and families. It is very important to recognize and pay close attention to children who feel trapped, to children who are afraid. This makes it difficult for them to speak out. 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 lead to death. It is saddening to learn that a young child has been killed, due to shocks, falls and even being thrown against hard surfaces. Some parents give the excuse that spanking their children is a family tradition, but in reality it is a mild punishment considered physical abuse. “According to opposing views on child abuse, disciplinary spanking is not child abuse.” (Chigbo 191) The reason for this is because it is harmless and has declined over the years. Physical abuse can include: holding a child under water, tying the child, intentionally burning the child, throwing large objects, and starving an innocent child. A parent or adult who physically abuses a child can become violent if not stopped. That person could increase their anger and make things worse. Sexual abuse occurs when a child is raped or forced to commit any sexual act. Sexual abuse includes making a child pose or perform pornographic images, telling dirty jokes, showing child pornography, and showing one's genitals to a child. Negligence is any action or inaction in which… middle of paper… elves; they think they will harm others by telling them what happened. It's unfortunate when a child tells a parent what's happening and it's hard for the parent to believe them. The parent or guardian cannot accept the fact that this actually happened. They think they know the person who abused their child, so their mind is set on “he wouldn't do such a thing” and it's hard for them to give up and say “I believe you” for most parents. The mind is powerful and parents don't want to believe it, they are shocked and feel guilty. In reality it is neither the fault of the child, nor of the parent or guardian, the abuser is the one who takes all the blame. To prevent a child from being abused, parents can start educating their children from an early age. Teaching them what are and are not appropriate ways or behaviors. Stay calm and do not question the child.