Children who are abused in their earlier years have a 59% higher chance of being arrested for a misdemeanor crime, and a 30% higher chance of being arrested for a violent crime as an adult, versus someone who had an non-abusive childhood. (Impact) Statistics like these are no longer shocking to the general population. Neglect is one of the most overlooked forms of abuse, but it is also the most prevalent. Many think that since it technically causes no physical damage like rape or assault, it’s not true abuse. Criminals prey on neglected children, ones who are looking for a place to belong, a place where they are given attention, even if it means putting themselves in danger. These children begin to grow up, not surrounded by loving mothers and fathers, but by greedy and dangerous criminals. They learn their habits from them, and, not knowing any better, they continue the cycle of crime for years to come. (Does Child Abuse...Crime?) The only hope for the future of our children is to become educated on the nature of these violent crimes, and to become a voice for the voiceless. (Child Abuse...Tips) …show more content…
In 2005, over 62% of children involved in a study done by the United States Department of Health and Human Services suffered some form of neglect by their legal guardian. 16% of children ages 0 to 3 were neglected, the highest rate in age demographics. Gender did not seem to play a major role, with 47.3% of females being neglected, and 50.7% of males being neglected. Race was also considered, and contrary to social standards, almost twice as many white children reported neglect than African American children (Child Abuse...Statistics). These statistics show that no matter the race, age or gender of a child, they can still be