NCJ Number
14994
Date Published
1973
Length
240 pages
Annotation
CASE HISTORIES OF CHILD ABUSE AND SUGGESTIONS FOR CHANGING SOCIAL AND LEGAL PROCEDURES THAT PERMIT CONTINUATION OF THE OCCURRENCE OF SUCH ACTS.
Abstract
THERE IS A MINORITY GROUP WHOSE MEMBERS ARE REGULARLY HUMILIATED, BEATEN, MUTILATED, SEXUALLY ABUSED, OR KILLED. THEY ARE OUR ABUSED CHILDREN. THE AUTHORS OF THIS STRONG AND EMOTIONAL BOOK PRESENT A DOZEN CASE HISTORIES OF CHILD ABUSE IN A SINGLE UNNAMED AMERICAN COMMUNITY. THESE CASE HISTORIES ILLUSTRATE THE IGNORANCE OF THE GENERAL COMMUNITY AND ITS OSTRICH-LIKE ATTITUDE TOWARD CHILD ABUSE AS WELL AS THE TIMIDITY OF PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS AND JUDGES WHO ARE INFLUENCED BY POLITICAL FACTORS. THE NAIVETE OF COURTS WHICH LEAN TOWARD A FORGIVING VIEW OF PARENTS' WRONGDOING IS ALSO DEMONSTRATED IN THE EXAMPLES PRESENTED. EACH CASE INCLUDES POLICE REPORTS OF THE 'ACCIDENT' OR CRIME AND PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORTS OF THE CHILDREN AND PARENTS. IN ALMOST EVERY INSTANCE, NO EFFECTIVE REMEDIAL ACTION WAS TAKEN AND THE ABUSED CHILDREN REMAINED IN THEIR PARENTS' CUSTODY. SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE IMPROVED REPORTING PROCEDURES, OPEN COURT HEARINGS INVOLVING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, SELECTION OF MORE HIGHLY QUALIFIED PERSONS TO SERVE AS JUVENILE COURT JUDGES, AND THE PROVISION OF ALTERNATE TYPES OF PLACEMENT FOR ABUSED CHILDREN. IN CONTRAST TO MANY OTHER BOOKS ON THE SUBJECT WHICH HAVE STRESSED THE REHABILITATION OF PARENTS, A SILENT TRAGEDY IS CONCERNED WITH THE WELFARE OF THE CHILD. A BIBLIOGRAPHY IS INCLUDED, ALONG WITH A LIST OF AGENCIES CONCERNED WITH THE PROBLEMS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT. (SNI ABSTRACT)